Sandra Smith scores in major film festival
Tracey Tate
Issue date: 11/25/09 Last update: 11/25/09 at 6:31 AM PST
Section: Arts
Laney student Sandra Smith turned an intern project with the Media Department into national recognition when she won first place in the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival. Taking first place for Best Short Film, "The Sealed Letter," Smith recognized her goal to send a message about life in the 'hood, education and choices.
"The Sealed Letter" is the story of a decent, studious young man reaching a breaking point in his life due to the routine negativity of his West Oakland home. When he receives an envelope addressed to him from a prospective college, he realizes he is teetering on the edge of a big change in his life and attitude.
Watching Janet Jackson on "Good Times" was all Smith needed to get her inspiration for acting. At an early age, she knew that she wanted a career that incorporated acting and music.
So act she did. After enrolling in acting classes, Smith became a regular on local Bay Area television channels such as Soul Beat. She also had the privilege to work with the late Chauncey Bailey in 2006 on pilots for sitcoms he produced.
After working on "Oaktown Off the Hook," a music production that featured all types of music with the exception of gospel, Smith launched "Exposing Truth Gospel." Aired on Comcast channel 26, "Exposing the Truth Gospel" is Smith's way of elevating and showcasing gospel music.
When Smith achieved a comfort level in front of the camera, she realized that she had a desire to learn production from behind the camera, so she took media classes at Laney. When the opportunity for an internship with Peralta TV came her way, Smith jumped at the chance.
During her yearlong internship, Smith learned many facets of media production. She performed clerical work, did voice-overs and learned the intricacies of production. For her final student project, Smith submitted three scripts.
"The Sealed Letter," originally named, "Life in the 'Hood," was chosen by Taylor Wensley of Peralta TV for Smith's final project. After script revisions, a casting call was advertised on Craigslist, auditions were held and the film was shot in one day-from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
While her mentors viewed "The Sealed Letter" as a student project, Smith said, "I saw it as a project that touched hearts, to inspire people and show the importance of education." So Smith submitted her film to independent film festivals throughout the US.
"The Sealed Letter" opened the 8th Oakland International Film Festival. Smith's film was also featured at the Los Angeles International Film Festival.
The prestigious win at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival helped Smith segue into another career-that of speaker. Smith now uses her voice to bring attention to the plight of African American males in urban neighborhoods.
With so many African American men not finishing school, in jail and dying at a young age, Smith emphasizes the need for education and hope for those who see no way out of their situation. "It's not about how you start, it's how you finish. It's about choices," said Smith.
"The Sealed Letter" is the story of a decent, studious young man reaching a breaking point in his life due to the routine negativity of his West Oakland home. When he receives an envelope addressed to him from a prospective college, he realizes he is teetering on the edge of a big change in his life and attitude.
Watching Janet Jackson on "Good Times" was all Smith needed to get her inspiration for acting. At an early age, she knew that she wanted a career that incorporated acting and music.
So act she did. After enrolling in acting classes, Smith became a regular on local Bay Area television channels such as Soul Beat. She also had the privilege to work with the late Chauncey Bailey in 2006 on pilots for sitcoms he produced.
After working on "Oaktown Off the Hook," a music production that featured all types of music with the exception of gospel, Smith launched "Exposing Truth Gospel." Aired on Comcast channel 26, "Exposing the Truth Gospel" is Smith's way of elevating and showcasing gospel music.
When Smith achieved a comfort level in front of the camera, she realized that she had a desire to learn production from behind the camera, so she took media classes at Laney. When the opportunity for an internship with Peralta TV came her way, Smith jumped at the chance.
During her yearlong internship, Smith learned many facets of media production. She performed clerical work, did voice-overs and learned the intricacies of production. For her final student project, Smith submitted three scripts.
"The Sealed Letter," originally named, "Life in the 'Hood," was chosen by Taylor Wensley of Peralta TV for Smith's final project. After script revisions, a casting call was advertised on Craigslist, auditions were held and the film was shot in one day-from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
While her mentors viewed "The Sealed Letter" as a student project, Smith said, "I saw it as a project that touched hearts, to inspire people and show the importance of education." So Smith submitted her film to independent film festivals throughout the US.
"The Sealed Letter" opened the 8th Oakland International Film Festival. Smith's film was also featured at the Los Angeles International Film Festival.
The prestigious win at the New York International Independent Film & Video Festival helped Smith segue into another career-that of speaker. Smith now uses her voice to bring attention to the plight of African American males in urban neighborhoods.
With so many African American men not finishing school, in jail and dying at a young age, Smith emphasizes the need for education and hope for those who see no way out of their situation. "It's not about how you start, it's how you finish. It's about choices," said Smith.
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