This year at Sturgis, a fresh, delightful new group called the Sturgis Film Club has arisen!
I recently spoke with creator and president, Ms. Grace Rapo. Rapo explained that film is her passion. The fascinating world of film enthralls and excites her more than anything else. Creating a film is a childhood dream that she would like to see become a reality. Rapo described the evolution of her passion:
"I’ve always been a movie person. It all started with falling in love with movies such as Beauty and the Beast, Jurassic Park, The Martian, and The Lord of the Rings. I love books, and I always said as a little kid, “Why haven’t they made this into a movie?” So then I said, “I’ll do it. I’ll make this into a movie.” I’ve also been inspired by people such as Walt Disney, Ridley Scott, and Steven Spielberg who all did marvelous things with movies that at the time no one had ever thought of doing."
When asked why she created the club, Rapo explained:
"I came into Sturgis without any opportunity for filming, and I realized that I probably wasn’t the only person with this desire. I wanted a place where we could freely express what we thought and create something that would entertain the entire community. I also wanted a club that would teach us about something that would help explore possible careers. I also wanted to create a team-like experience for people with different talents."
Seeing that this club was open to all students with a great variety of talents, I then questioned Rapo about the goals of the Film Club. She replied:
"We actually try to cover everything that is involved in making all kinds of films, from romantic-comedies to action films. We watch and analyze different films, and we discover what can really make a movie truly great. Then we create things, such as videos and skits, that we believe will appeal to the community and will also reflect what we believe ourselves. We create things that people become absorbed in watching and that leave people waiting for more."
After learning about the basics of the club from Rapo, I was eager to learn more. Rapo had mentioned that she and the club members were very excited with their upcoming plans. When I asked what the film club’s next creation would be, she responded:
"Right now, we are in the process of our first production entitled Haunted Halls. The main storyline is that Sturgis itself is a boarding school, and there is a mystery-thriller twist. The students have to hunt for clues to solve a problem that’s connected with the school’s history and the people involved with it against all odds."
After learning about Haunted Halls, I concluded our interview by asking Rapo if there was anything else she’d like the Sturgis community to know about the Sturgis Film Club. She stated:
"We are open to all people! If you would like to join but you’re worried that you don’t have what it takes, or if you’re just interested but have no idea what’s going on, we encourage you to come join us. We invite actors, artists, musicians, and writers to work with us. We would like to invite you into a team-family environment where you are free to be whatever you want. We are taking everyone’s talents and abilities and bringing them into one place. This way we can create something better for the community. We are trying to change the world."
Best of luck to Ms. Rapo and the other members of the Sturgis Film Club!