The Advanced Video Production program held a public screening of student films at the Nasher Sculpture Center on April 19.
The collaboration was inspired by the museum’s exhibition on artist Robert Rauschenberg, part of a global celebration marking the iconic artist’s 100th birthday.
“We were tasked with making a film that reflected either his personal life values or his art, which are kind of interlinked,” senior Helen Reed said.
This highly anticipated screening ran for three hours and featured 24 original films created by AVP students.
“There have been many articles written about this screening, so you know it’s going to be amazing,” senior Nayan Parikh stated in an email promoting the event.
The Preparation
Middle School and Upper School Video Production Filmmaking teacher Corbin Doyle began working toward this project nearly a year ago. He emailed more than 30 arts and cultural organizations across North Texas in hopes of finding a way for his film students to engage in the community. Only eight responded, and one of which being the Nasher Sculpture Center.
“The Nasher got what I was asking from the jump,” Doyle said.
Students were given free access to the Rauschenberg exhibition throughout the year to conduct research and develop ideas for their films.
“I wanted something where these best film students can connect with the community in some way and do research-based work,” Doyle said.
At first, many students struggled to connect with Rauschenberg’s work, but despite early doubts, the show was a success.
The Show
The screening was free and open to the public, and AVP plans to release the films online for wider viewing. The screening at the Nasher showcased a wide range of personal, experimental, and narrative films. Several pieces explored themes of memory, family, and transition as seniors prepared to leave Greenhill.
Senior Helen Reed’s film served as a tribute to her deceased grandmother, using footage she shot from the years prior to her death.
“I already had the footage, but what inspired me was something Rauschenberg once said about how every space has light and art,” Reed said.
Reed said the idea helped her reflect on finding the light in a painful experience, which influenced the way she framed her film.
Senior Syrus Gupta’s film centered on his relationship with his father, while senior Davis Knocke created a 10‑minute reflection on friendship and the end of high school.
“There are some beautiful stories in there that I think maybe some families didn’t know their children made or thought could make, and that’s the best part,” Doyle said.
