PSIFF Student Screening Day
/For the second year in a row, Indio High School and IMPACT played host for the DSUSD screenings of the Palm Springs International Film Festival's Student Screening Day. More than 400 students from across the district were able to view two film screenings, with Q&A sessions after each, giving them a firsthand insight into the filmmaking process.
AYLA: THE DAUGHTER OF WAR
"In 1950, amidst the ravages of the Korean War, Sergeant Süleyman stumbles upon a half-frozen little girl with no parents and no help in sight. Frantic, scared and on the verge of death, this little girl captures the heart of Süleyman, who risks his own life to save her, smuggling her into his Army base and out of harms way. Not knowing her name and unable to communicate with her, Süleyman names her Ayla, in reminiscence of the moon on the fateful night during which they met. The two form an instantaneous and inseparable bond, and Ayla, almost effortlessly, brings an uncanny joy to the Turkish brigade in the grip of war. As the war comes to a close however, Süleyman's brigade is told that they will be returning home. Süleyman cannot bear abandoning Ayla, and does everything within his power to take her with him. After repeated failure, he is forced to give Ayla to an orphanage, but doesn't give up on the hope of one day reuniting with her. "
STUMPED
This documentary film followed the story of Will Lautzenheiser when, in his 20's, he suddenly became ill and had to have both his arms and legs amputated.
Students talk with Will Lautzenheiser after the screening of his film, "Stumped".
"Taking an unconventional approach to therapy, Will begins to perform stand-up comedy, a creative outlet that helps Will cope with his losses.
As Will begins to accept his new life and adjust to profound challenges, news breaks about an experimental surgery that offers Will new hope to reclaim his independence. Putting his life and health on the line, Will risks it all to undergo a double-arm transplantation at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Within this medical drama is a deeply personal story in which Will, with the support of his partner Angel, his family and a world-class medical team, redefines his identity and forges a new path. Filmed over four years, STUMPED explores themes of adversity, creative courage, as well as the life-changing potential of pioneering medicine."
