On May 6th, Central’s Film class presented their film of the year, “Frame of Mind,” at the Alberta Bair Theater. There was a significant number of Central students that attended as well as family and members of the community. Each film student arrived in a limousine and dressed in style, ready to see the premiering of the film they had worked on the entire year. This film premiere not only brought people together but rewarded the film students for their hard work while recognizing their inspiring creativity.
Senior Ella Fairbanks walking out of a limousine, playing music while arriving at Alberta Bair theater for the Billings Central student movie premiere. (Aramis Rivera)
This year the film was put together through many hours of work both inside and outside of school. Each film student was involved in one way or another, and only the class’ teamwork made the premier possible. Many film students this year are seniors and found this film touching for them personally for several reasons. Senior and actress in the film playing the character of Lenny, Ella Fairbanks, reflects on this reality as she describes, “What was special to me about the movie and film class this year was that the movie was a lot of my idea. I got to write my own mini film and co-direct the movie. I also have been taking part in the films for 8 years because my dad is the teacher, and I thought the role I played in the movie symbolized my sentimental goodbye to the film class.” Like Fairbanks, many of the seniors who participated this year have been long time members of Film.
Senior actor of the main character, Justin, Ronan O’Neill has been helping with the class’ film for the past four years, and this film hit him personally as well. Speaking about his experience, he states, “This year’s hit a lot for me personally as not only did it mean so much to our cast crew, but it was dedicated to my late best-friend, Chloe Lai, and it motivated me to help make the best movie I could for her.” As each film student contributed to the film in several ways, this film touched everyone in deep, personal ways.
Senior Cooper Bushman walking out of a limousine, arriving at Alberta Bair theater for the Billings Central student movie premiere. (Aramis Rivera)
Reflecting not only on the film but on the Film Class, many seniors leave Central with so much knowledge from their experience in film. O’Neill reflects on this as he explains, “From my last four years of helping with film, and especially recently, it’s been a great opportunity to be a creative outlet for me and has had a great effect in shaping my interest in design, editing, and helping me think more like a filmmaker.” Film class was not just about the finished project of the film but the experience each student had in creating it. Many of the film students appreciated how many people attended the premiere and supported them in their creativity and rigor. Fairbanks shows appreciation for the attendance as she explains, “I really enjoyed the premiere, and I thought it was incredible how so many people showed up and supported our work!”
This film premiere was one that most attendees will not forget considering its undeniable impact due to the effort and creativity the students put into it. However, the seniors are especially grateful for the experience and are affected by it in many ways. The message behind the film meant something to each of them in a particular way. The “Frame of Mind” film premiere was truly a success and displayed what creativity and hard work can do at its highest level.
