Halloween for students at Hami was a thrilling and spooky time. Many were wearing costumes and participating in Halloween-themed activities. There were a few students, however, who were in the spooky spirit, just away from the campus. On Oct. 31, many students from Mr. Burger’s French classes took a thrilling field trip to the American-French Film Festival. Adorned in costume and all, the students went to the Director’s Guild of America to watch a not-so-spooky film.
The American-French Film Festival shows French movies that have not yet been released within the United States, screening original French films, adaptations, and more in the theater for the first time. The films compete for awards, and the event is free every year.
On Oct. 31, a handful of Mr. Burger’s French students were able to see the movie “Le Comte De Monte Cristo.” It was based on the original book, “The Count of Monte Cristo,” but was adapted slightly by the directors and writers. At the end of the movie, a small forum for a Question and Answer opportunity was open to the theater. Students were able to ask questions in either French or English about the movie, and even got to take pictures with Patrick Mille, an actor who played the character ‘Captain Danglars’ in the movie.
The adaption of the movie was something uniquely created; the scriptwriters claimed during the Q and A that they wanted to make the story something thrilling and entertaining without adding fighting action.
Many students said that the movie was a wonderful experience, not only a nice day out in costume, but also a very fulfilling trip.
“It was a really good movie. The story line was something I’ve never heard of before and I thought it was really unique,” Humanities Senior Robert Ucelo said. “I learned to pay more attention to how the actors moved their mouths and it helped me decipher everyday speaking with people in French and also not being intimidated by how fast people speak in French.”
Mr. Burger himself agreed that the field trip was a wonderful and enriching experience for his students. “I think it’s a great opportunity for students to hear the French language, see an original French film, meet directors, and be able to have that real-world experience,” he stated with pride.
Ultimately, the movie was well-enjoyed by everyone in the theater, and it’s an experience that will stick with the French students throughout their lives outside and in school. “I think that it might encourage them to see more French films and to appreciate the French language a little bit more,” Mr. Burger says. “[Maybe even] strengthen their vocabulary after the movie.”
