CollegePlus! Student Nominated for Young Filmmaker’s Award

The news didn’t come in a sealed envelope or telephone. Instead, Sam Klewja got an email at 11:30 PM. He almost didn’t believe it; he was a finalist in the San Antonio International Christian Film Festival (SAICFF). His film, IV, had made the short list for the Young Filmmaker’s Award.

“I wanted to jump up and down and shout the news, but considering the hour and the rest of my family was sleeping…I didn’t.” His eyes sparkled when he added, “But I did on the inside.”

Watch our interview with Sam:

The last year has been good for this CollegePlus! student. Not only did he win a full-ride scholarship from CollegePlus! for this video essay on higher education but he has been able to knock out over a year’s worth of college credits in a few months.

He laughs when he talks about winning the CollegePlus! film contest. “I finished it at the very last minute. I think I sent the film in 30 minutes before the deadline.”

IV took Sam a little longer to finish. All but one scene in the film was shot with blue-screen; Sam had to spend hundreds of hours producing an entire new world from code. Between writing the script and creating the most of the visual effects from scratch, 18 months elapsed.

Watch the trailer for IV:

Sam loves film. His whole face lights up when he talks about his favorite films and the theories used to create them. While pursing his degree in Communication, he’s been able to dabble in acting, writing, directing and producing film. He could spend hours talking about the technical side of film and the emotions that certain films evoke.

“My favorite films are the ones that touch you – they combine adventure, drama, and danger. Sci-Fi is a great medium because it lets you explore stories and issues that you otherwise would not be able to.”

While Sci-Fi is not his favorite film genre – although it ranks pretty high – it’s the genre that Sam has been using the most. IV is a sci-fi allegory that explores salvation. His next film, currently untitled, will use time travel to bring the main character to question the choices he’s made in life. It’s a film that Sam is excited to start working on. And with the flexibility of his school schedule, he’ll be able to create the film while finishing his college degree.

“I’ve been really blessed by how CollegePlus! has helped me to plan out how I’m going to get my degree, when I’m going to take what test next…it’s really made things easier.”

Sam didn’t win the Young Filmmaker’s Award. But that shouldn’t dim his year. He has accomplished quite a bit and has much to be proud of.

Actors, Musicians, Photographers, Filmmakers…CollegePlus! can help artists get their degree without sacrificing their creativity. Discover how other artists are doing what they love while getting their college degree.

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3 comments so far - Leave a comment below

We know Sam and his family. His mother is very grateful for College Plus, saying it has saved them from a number of mistakes in course selection. Sam is a focused and fine young man.

— Jeannette Paulson Tuesday, November 2, 2010 3:35 PM CDT

Way to go Sam! You're on track to make it big, for the glory of God!

— Jordan Tuesday, November 2, 2010 3:47 PM CDT

Many Congratulations Sam! The SAICFF is a hard one to get into. We're so proud of you! Hopefully you made a lot of great connections down their that will further aid you in your filmmaking quest.

— Jessica Rondina Wednesday, November 3, 2010 10:10 AM CDT

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