Holy Rosary High School’s (HRHS) film festival hit the silver screen thanks to Mind Grain Media Ltd., a local business owned by creatives who once participated in the event.
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Mind Grain Media co-founders Lucas Feeley and Hannah Campbell-Barnes rented out a theatre for two screenings for two days.
The two began their filmmaking journey at HRHS. Through the recent sponsorship, the two are helping future filmmakers achieve their dreams, as they did.
The Lloydminster-based content marketing agency specializes in delivering new-age alternatives to social-media marketing, with Feeley as founder and CEO and Campbell-Barnes as co-founder and creative director.
“To give back made sense. We got to make connections with people (through the event) and those connections were priceless,” said Feeley, noting it was local businesses sponsoring the event when he and Campbell-Barnes were students.
“When we did (the film festival) two years ago, it was such a special event to showcase a project you’ve been working on for months. All this hard work’s gone into it and then it’s on the big screen,” said Campbell-Barnes, adding the importance of supporting programs that help students find their voice.
“What a special event to be able to sponsor, not only as our first sponsorship as a business, but it’s an event we feel so connected to and an event we can support. It felt very special.”
As their creative process evolved after starting Mind Grain about six months ago, so did their roles.
Feeley’s love for editing shifted to filming.
“Editing’s definitely the longest part but it’s also the most rewarding because you get to see everything come together,” he said. “My favourite parts of the process would be filming, then editing, and then showing it. That’s when all the hard work finally comes together and it’s really rewarding.”
Campbell-Barnes, however, approaches each project with a writer’s mindset.
“I really enjoy working on the script because it’s where the whole story starts,” she said. “Directing is fun because I get to help bring the story to life with the actors.”
The annual student film festival was first held at HRHS before expanding to the big screen at May Cinema 6. Founded by HRHS communications media teacher Skye Ferguson, the festival celebrates students and the countless hours they put into projects.
“It gets bigger every year. When kids go to the festival, they’re trying to find some way to be in the film next year. It’s seen as something that’s cool and sought after,” she said, noting how special the sponsorship from former students was.
“It was Mind Grain’s way to give back to the program that helped inspire them and fulfil their passion,” she said.
This year’s festival, which saw a sold-out crowd, featured two senior films, Metanoia and The Stumps.
For young creatives looking to get into filmmaking or marketing, Feeley said shoot for the moon.
“Keep doing what you’re doing and set big goals. You’re going to learn throughout the process and get better over time.”
Campbell-Barnes’ advice was to keep being creative by continuing to create.
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s where you learn.”
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