School of Cinema celebrates 35 years
Celebrating the past and looking to the future, the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema (MHSoC) is commemorating its 35th anniversary in style by inviting former students, staff and faculty, from 1976 until now, to participate in a series of events that will take place on campus and at other locations.
The main event, a cocktail-style dinner takes place on June 9 and is being hosted by former cinema student and accomplished actor, Pascale Bussières.
On June 8 classic short films produced by notable graduates during their studies will be screened at the Cinémathèque québécoise in two separate programs, one at 6 p.m., the second at 8 p.m.
The next day will feature screenings of two programs (one showcasing animation work and a second featuringother work by film production students) at the De Sève Cinema. The second June 9 screening will be followed by a panel discussion by prominent alumni on their careers.
Since its establishment in 1976, when a BFA in Cinema was first offered, Concordia’s Department of Cinema has enjoyed a reputation as one of Canada’s foremost environments for the study and creation of moving images. Renamed for Panavision founder Mel Hoppenheim in 1998, the school is the largest, university-based centre for the study of film animation, film production and film studies in Canada.
Cinema professor and department chair Marielle Nitoslawska explained how the school has become a leading contributor to Canadian and Quebec cinema culture and industry during its 35-year history.
“The school trains top filmmakers — directors, cinematographers and editors — as well as curators, festival directors and cutting-edge and experimental filmmakers,” she said. “We value traditional filmmaking but our faculty also plays a leading role in embracing new technologies.”
The MHSoC’s teaching philosophy stresses hands-on experience. Under the guidance of their professors (many of whom are active filmmakers) students produce 350 to 400 short films per year.
According to Nitoslawska, the MHSoC fosters an environment that promotes teamwork. In fact, students forge networks that carry on into the professional world.
All the more reason for alumni to mix and mingle with fellow grads on June 9. Registration details below.
Anniversary activites
Screening of two programs of classic shorts produced by notable alumni during their studies
When: Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Where: Cinémathèque québécoise, 335 De Maisonneuve Blvd. E., Montreal.
Registration: Not required. Cost: $7
Film screenings from the MHSoC’s archives
When: Thursday, June 9, 2011
- 12 p.m. Outstanding films by Animation alumni
- 2 p.m. Outstanding films by Film Production alumni
Where: 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. De Sève Cinema, LB 125, J. W. McConnell Building (Library Building) 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal.
Registration: Not required. No admission charge.
Panel discussion by prominent alumni on their careers
When: Thursday, June 9, 2011, 4 p.m.
Registration: Not required. No admission charge.
Anniversary cocktail-style dinner and reunion:
When: Thursday, June 9, 2011, 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex, 11th Floor, 1515 Ste. Catherine St. W., Montreal.
Registration: alumni.concordia.ca/register or 514-848-2424, ext. 4397. Cost: $70 (includes cocktails and appetizers).
Related Links:
• Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema
• "Golden age" - NOW, May 16, 2011
• Cinémathèque Québécoise