It was not my first time standing in front of a class to teach, but it was the first time a group of college students had sat in front of me to learn.
A very prestigious institution, by the way: the Universidad Panamericana.
But let’s start from the beginning.
It happened in Guatemala, in the capital.
I had traveled to Central America to direct an interesting audiovisual production and, just a couple of days before filming, it was the producer himself who scheduled this event.
– Israel, I just spoke with the university.
– University?
– Yes; they explained to me that the students are in the exam period but, even so, it can be organized.
– What are you talking about?
– I’m telling you that the dean saw a short film of yours and he liked it.
– The dean? That’s great!
– And then he thought it would be a good idea for you to give a master class.
– A “masterclass”?
– Yeah.
– At the university?
– Just like you said, dude.
– Oh, that’s good news!
– Definitely.
– Now… which short did you show him?
– The best one you’ve made, of course.
– And which one is that?
– The one about a guy who is having breakfast, and then the waitress arrives with a mysterious box.
– Oh, the absurd comedy.
– That’s the one.
– Well, not everyone thinks that’s my best short.
– Are you OK?
– There is another one, a drama, that might be more popular.
– Come on, Israel! Nobody doubts that.
– Don’t be so sure.
– Besides, the dean liked the comedy one, and that’s the only thing that matters.
– And when would that class be?
– Tomorrow.
– Tomorrow??
– Tomorrow morning, actually.
– Oh! You really don’t beat around the bush, do you?
And that’s how it happened.
That afternoon I prepared my masterclass: The Art of Storytelling.
A talk focused on the filming of fiction, starting with the idea of the script and ending with post-production.
Very sudden, I admit.
But a beautiful challenge.
And a potential new beginning.
Arriving at Universidad Panamericana, I was greeted with exceptional professionalism.
They had even prepared a welcoming breakfast for me.
The room was filled with students from all academic years, from newcomers to those on the brink of graduation, as well as several esteemed professors.
As soon as I left, I began to reflect on the experience.
I realized the importance of addressing real production situations, and decided to incorporate practical exercises in future masterclasses.
The dean, the professors, and the students were all incredibly supportive and enthusiastic.
And the producer too, obviously.
The next day, of course, I took off my teacher’s cap and put on my director’s cap to continue with the shoot.
Israel Mirenda