By David Murchland - Marshfield Now!
WAUSAU, Wis. — North Central Technical College (NTC) is inviting the community to experience the art of independent filmmaking through its second annual Film Farm Culture Festival, featuring internationally acclaimed films, filmmaker discussions, and free educational workshops.
During a recent interview with Marshfield Now, Jila Nikpay, Faculty of Video Production at Northcentral Technical College, highlighted the college's hands-on Associate Degree in Video Production, a program that blends creative storytelling with technical production skills.
Students learn every stage of the filmmaking process, including story development, scriptwriting, storyboarding, cinematography, editing, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and narrative filmmaking. The program emphasizes both creative expression and the technical skills needed for careers in video production.
As part of the Film Farm Culture Festival, NTC is offering a free public screenwriting workshop on Monday, July 20, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The workshop will be led by an accomplished professional screenwriter with more than 20 years of industry experience and is designed to help aspiring writers develop compelling stories that connect with audiences. Additional motion graphics workshops will also be offered during the festival.
The Film Farm Culture Festival runs July 23 through August 1 and showcases six independent feature-length films and documentaries from filmmakers around the world. This year's lineup includes productions from Iran, Brazil, Russia, France, Hungary, and Italy, all exploring the festival's theme of humanity's relationship with the land, agriculture, and culture.
Film screenings will take place at the Woodson History Center in downtown Wausau. Each screening includes a post-film discussion, giving audiences an opportunity to engage with the films and learn more about the creative process behind them. Admission is $10 per screening, with tickets available online or at the door.
Nikpay says the festival is designed to introduce audiences to thought-provoking independent films that are rarely seen in traditional theaters while inspiring future filmmakers to tell their own stories.
For those interested in pursuing filmmaking, she encourages aspiring creators to start making films, collaborate with others, seek constructive feedback, and experience a wide variety of independent cinema. She also encourages community members to attend the festival, participate in discussions, and explore the educational opportunities available through NTC's Video Production program.
More information about the Film Farm Culture Festival, workshops, and tickets is available through Northcentral Technical College and the Film Farm Culture Festival website.