The ORANGES Film Festival: A Cinematic Tapestry of Talent and Tasty Treats!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls—this is not a drill! The ORANGES Film Festival is rolling into town from November 20 to November 30, like a film geek who just discovered popcorn! The San Carlos Hospital and the Pavía Building of the Rey Juan Carlos University will be decked out and ready for an extravaganza of cinematic proportions. And when I say extravaganza, I mean it’s more full-bodied than a good glass of red wine after a terrible day!
What’s on the agenda, you ask? Well, strap in, because we’re talking about everything from film screenings that can both inspire and bore you to death—depending on your taste, of course—to a National Short Film Competition. They’re also throwing in some live film music and dance performances! Who doesn’t love a bit of wiggling and jiggling, especially when it’s set to the backdrop of your favorite film scenes? And if that isn’t enough, there’s even a photography exhibition for those of you who can’t decide whether to watch films or just stare at fancy pictures.
The Role of the URJC
The Vice-Rector for Campus Community, Culture, and Sports—quite a mouthful!—and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at URJC aren’t just spectators here; no, no! They’re rolling up their sleeves and diving right in. They’re throwing down some cash to fund the event and, bless their hearts, supporting young talent to the tune of an award for the Best Young Short Film. And let’s not forget those artsy students who designed the trophy—because nothing says “I made it” like a piece of glass shaped like a banana, right?
Now, the folks at ‘ARANCINE’ (a catchy name, if I do say so myself) have praised this partnership with the university, claiming it’s an example of how academia can actually do something useful—like boost cultural development. It’s almost as if they’ve cracked the code of elevating the ‘film student’ stereotype from just sitting around watching obscure movies in a dark room to becoming actual cultural contributors. Bravo!
And if you think that’s rich, wait till you hear this: The judging panel for the Best Young Short Film includes esteemed names like Alfonso Palazón Meseguer (try saying that three times fast), and he’s just one of the lucky souls who’ll decide which burgeoning filmmaker gets their moment of glory. No pressure, guys!
Cinema Classroom Extravaganza
If you’re itching for more than just popcorn-fueled cinema, mark your calendars for the Cinema Classroom session on November 27 at 5:30 p.m. They’re screening My Brother Ali, and guess what? Attendance will score you 0.15 ECTS credits. That’s right, folks! You can now justify watching a film as “academic progress.” Might as well start charging for the 🍕 delivery during this “educational” session. Who’s in?
So there you have it: a bit of cheese, a sprinkle of academia, and a whole lot of lights, camera, action! The ORANGES Film Festival is promising to be a deliciously diverting end to November. Now, if only they served real oranges at the screenings… That would really take the cake!
For more information and to keep yourself in the loop, don’t forget to check out the festival’s official website here.
From today, November 20, until November 30, the San Carlos Hospital and the Pavía Building of the Rey Juan Carlos University will be transformed into vibrant venues to host a diverse array of cinematic events as part of the renowned festival known as ORANGES.
During these days, the contest will offer a rich agenda of activities for all tastes. In addition to film screenings and the highly anticipated National Short Film Competition, the festival presents a series of varied events including live orchestral performances of film scores, captivating dance performances inspired by iconic cinema moments, and even a striking photography exhibition that captures the essence of the film industry.
The role of the URJC
The Vice-Rector for Campus Community, Culture and Sports, alongside the Faculty of Arts and Humanities of the URJC, have actively participated in this initiative. Their contributions include crucial financial support for the festival and the promotion of youth talent through a prestigious award for the best young short film. Moreover, students from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities have taken the creative lead by designing the unique trophy that will be presented during the closing gala.
From the management of ‘ARANCINE’, there is a strong emphasis on the significant impact of the URJC’s involvement, which they describe as “decisive from the early phases of the festival’s inception, offering invaluable guidance and institutional backing.” The organizers express that this collaboration serves as an inspiring testament to how academic institutions can foster cultural growth and nurture emerging talent, thereby leaving an indelible impression on the cultural landscape of the region.
These synergies continue when selecting the winner of the Best Young Short Film award, as esteemed members from the URJC will serve on the jury. This notable panel will include Alfonso Palazón Meseguer, a distinguished professor of Audiovisual Communication; Javier Otero, the Academic Director of Culture at the University; and Carlos Tejeda, a Professor of Drawing, all dedicated to recognizing outstanding cinematic talent.
Cinema Classroom
Taking full advantage of this cinematic celebration, the Culture Service of Rey Juan Carlos University has scheduled the next session of the URJC Film Classroom to coincide with this festival. On Wednesday, November 27 at 5:30 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to watch the thought-provoking film ‘My Brother Ali’, and their participation will be rewarded with 0.15 ECTS credits, merging academic pursuits with cultural enrichment.
What qualities do judges look for when evaluating submissions for the Best Young Short Film at the ORANGES Film Festival?
**Interview with Alfonso Palazón Meseguer – Judge at the ORANGES Film Festival**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Alfonso! As a member of the judging panel for the **Best Young Short Film** at the ORANGES Film Festival, can you share what you’re looking for in the submissions?
**Alfonso Palazón Meseguer**: Absolutely! I’m excited to be a part of this festival. When it comes to short films, I look for originality and passion. The ability of a filmmaker to tell a story in a short amount of time is crucial, but I’m also keen on how they connect with the audience emotionally. Visuals and sound design also play a critical role in enhancing the storytelling.
**Interviewer**: The festival is said to be quite a blend of traditional screenings and interactive experiences. How important do you think these additional events, like live performances and exhibitions, are for a film festival?
**Alfonso Palazón Meseguer**: They are incredibly important! Events like live orchestral performances and dance interpretations provide a multi-dimensional experience and cater to diverse tastes. It goes beyond viewing a film—attendees can immerse themselves in the whole cultural tapestry of cinema. These experiences foster appreciation and can inspire future filmmakers, which is why I think it’s a fantastic initiative by the organizers.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of inspiring future filmmakers, what does it mean to you to support young talent through competitions like this?
**Alfonso Palazón Meseguer**: Supporting young talent is essential for the future of cinema. These competitions provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their skills and ideas. It’s critical for the experienced members of the industry to nurture new voices, allowing for fresh perspectives, and enabling innovation in storytelling. Plus, I love seeing the creativity and energy that young filmmakers bring!
**Interviewer**: The Vice-Rector for Campus Community, Culture, and Sports, and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at URJC are actively involved in the festival. How does collaboration between academia and cultural events enrich the experience for students and the community?
**Alfonso Palazón Meseguer**: Collaboration between academia and cultural events is vital! It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students gain valuable real-world experience, and it elevates the cultural landscape of the community. When universities invest in such partnerships, they help students understand the impact of art and cinema on society, enhancing their learning journey.
**Interviewer**: Looking ahead, are there any particular films or performances during the festival that you’re especially excited about?
**Alfonso Palazón Meseguer**: I’m excited about the **Cinema Classroom session** and the screening of *My Brother Ali*. The fact that students can gain academic credits for attending is a brilliant way to merge education with entertainment. I believe discussions and insights that come from such screenings will be engaging and thought-provoking!
**Interviewer**: Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Alfonso. It sounds like the ORANGES Film Festival is going to be an enriching experience for everyone involved!
**Alfonso Palazón Meseguer**: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to see all the fantastic talent on display at the festival and to celebrate the art of cinema with everyone. Let’s keep the excitement rolling!
