ISKL’s High School Film Program Brings Student Stories to Life

When the curtains opened at ISKL’s High School Fall Film Festival, the audience was not simply watching short films. They were seeing months of collaboration, problem-solving, creative risk-taking, and personal growth unfold on screen.

Students from Filmmaking, IB Film, and  IASAS Film presented original three-minute films spanning comedy, documentary, and experimental storytelling. Each film reflected not only technical skill, but also the ability to communicate ideas clearly and thoughtfully to an audience.

Showcasing Student Work on a Professional Stage

ISKL’s Film Program includes two major student-centered events: the ISKL Fall Film Showcase and the ISKL End-of-Year Film Festival. Both are held on campus in ISKL’s professional theatre spaces, including the 600-seat Robert B. Gaw Theatre, and feature curated screenings of recent student work, giving students the experience of presenting their films to a live audience of peers, teachers, and families.

The End-of-Year Film Festival also includes an awards ceremony with categories such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Sound Design. Winners are selected by a panel of external judges with professional experience in the film industry. For students, this introduces an additional layer of rigor and authenticity, as their work is evaluated beyond the classroom.

For many students, their films do not end with the final submission in class. The program provides structured support for submitting work to local and international festivals. In recent years, students have received awards, earned international recognition, and in some cases secured significant university scholarships. Students have also traveled to festivals in Chengdu, China, and Dubrovnik, Croatia, where their films were screened for global audiences.

What Makes ISKL’s High School Film Program Different?

At ISKL, filmmaking is treated as both an art form and a rigorous academic discipline. Students develop technical skills in cinematography, editing, and sound design while also learning how to manage long-term projects, plan over weeks and months, collaborate effectively, and respond to critique.

High School Film Teacher Brandon Nichols anchors the program in a clear philosophy: filmmaking is “the ultimate team sport.” Every role on set matters. Whether directing, editing, managing sound, or supporting lighting, students learn how individual responsibility connects to collective success.

Community is another defining feature of the program with projects often bringing together students across all four High School grade levels. The weekly Film Club, led by Grade 11 and 12 students, creates mentorship opportunities that allow younger students to learn from experienced peers and gradually step into leadership roles themselves. 

Recognized for Innovation in Film Education

The program’s impact has also been recognized externally. ISKL’s High School Film Program was shortlisted for the 2025 TES Awards for International Schools  in the Teaching Initiative of the Year category. Described by Tes, formerly the Times Educational Supplement, as “the Oscars of education,” the awards recognise innovation and meaningful student impact across international schools worldwide, with more than 570 entries submitted across all categories.

Another reflected on the intellectual challenge of the course: “I have seen how my son and others in the class have been guided to think deeper about what makes a good film, gain interest in learning the skills, and challenge their creativity and perspectives over the year of study.”

No two films are ever the same. Each year brings new ideas, genres, and perspectives. What remains consistent is the expectation that students think critically, take creative risks, and take ownership of their work from concept to final screening.

The High School Film Program reflects ISKL’s Learning Philosophy, grounded in six Learning Principles that guide teaching and learning across the school. These principles emphasize voice, choice, collaboration, and social and emotional growth alongside academic excellence. Click here to learn more about ISKL’s Learning Philosophy and how it shapes every student’s journey.