DHS Students Explore Storytelling through Film

Christopher Brune’s title is “English Language Arts teacher” at Decatur High School, but he recently expanded his repertoire when he became one of two teachers of the brand-new IB HL Film class in the 2022-2023 school year. A few months into teaching this class of junior and senior students, Brune realized the class needed new filmmaking equipment and access to more movies for the students to analyze.

“The DEF grant [will] provide students with the necessary equipment and knowledge to elevate their skills when it comes to analyzing films,” Brune explained. “[It will also] allow students to experiment and develop their skill set when producing their short films.”

The grant will specifically be used to purchase equipment that current and future students can use for higher-quality and more professional filming, including microphones, tripods, and camera stabilizers. “Being a first-year class and a class we hope will grow and expand, it is important to build a library of materials and resources to serve both current and future students,” Brune reasoned.

Aside from physical equipment to help students channel their creativity and visions into their own short films, part of this grant will go towards the class’s collection of films. Currently, most of the film resources are solely from Brune’s personal collection. “Part of the grant will be used to fund the class’s library of films with a focus on directors and stories that highlight perspectives not typically seen here in the U.S. as well as internationally,” he said. Brune explained that this wide array of stories from across the world connects what they learn in the class to CSD’s goals of teaching and increasing equity.

When deciding what films to purchase with the grant money, Brune made an effort to choose films that are directed by or tell the stories of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, as well as films that are lesser known. “Diversifying the range of films from around the world will allow us to meet the needs of the IB Curriculum and expose students to important films from different backgrounds and begin to see connections between cultures,” Brune explained.

Brune sees the class as a great opportunity for students to work in a collaborative environment, and says that the grant will enhance this experience with the improved resources it will provide. “I hope this class is around for a long time and continues to grow. This grant will enhance the resources of the course and provide the necessary tools for students who have a passion for storytelling,” he said.