Swapping the classroom for the screening room at this year’s ESFF
We talk to Film Studies MSc students, Nina Halton and Dumitrita Pacicovschi, about their involvement in the fourth Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival.
One of the many benefits of studying in the School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures (LLC) is the chance to work across disciplines and subject areas.
Curated by Marian A. Aréchaga, a Senior Teaching Fellow in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies in LLC, the Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival (ESFF) is an opportunity for people with a passion for cinema to get involved in a large, multi-venue, foreign-language festival.
This year, two Film Studies MSc students have played key roles in ESFF: Dumitrita Pacicovschi, as PA to the Director; and Nina Halton, as Web & Production Assistant.
Both were alerted to the opportunity by an announcement on our virtual learning environment, Learn, by David Sorfa, Programme Director of the Film Studies MSc.
A wonderful experience with lots of flexibility
“I love the hustle and bustle of a film festival” says Dumitrita. “Always did, always will.”
“The ESFF experience has been wonderful and allowed for a lot of flexibility, which is essential when you’re studying.”
“The ESFF team made it easy to love working for the Festival’s fourth edition. They took my suggestions into account and allowed me to take initiative and responsibility in certain areas.”
“I plan to pursue a career in the film industry and, more specifically in programming and distribution, and getting an insight into how much work goes into putting a festival together has been very helpful.”
An introduction to films I wouldn’t have otherwise come across
“The Festival has added a great deal to my study experience” says Nina.
“My programme is mostly theoretical, so the opportunity to do something more practical has been very valuable. I have witnessed first-hand the amount of work and organisation that goes into running a film festival.”
“Finding funding is crucial, and a long process, so even though the ESFF only runs for a fortnight, the team is prepping all year-round.”
“The Festival has introduced me to films which I would not have come across otherwise. For example, the Galician film 'A Esmorga' (Ignacio Vilar, 2014), I thought it was brilliant, the style and form of the film fits well with an essay I would like to write.”
“I am working as the Technical Coordinator for the European Psychoanalytic Film Festival in London in November and I have no doubt that working for the ESFF has provided me with valuable skills I will utilise”.
The Edinburgh Spanish Film Festival is at Glasgow Film Theatre from 24th to 26th October 2017 and at the Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling on 31st October 2017.
Are you interested in studying Film at LLC?
We offer masters programmes in Film Studies, and Film, Exhibition and Curation.