June 9, 2021
The North Vancouver School District's Digital Media Academy and École Argyle Secondary School Drama Department have collaborated to create Gotcha, a 39-minute film with a message of non-violence wrapped in a thriller suspense.
The story focuses on teenage bullying and other social emotional experiences and explores the subtle and not-so-subtle things students subject each other to as they go through high school.
“Staff are very excited for the students who worked so hard over the last 10 months to put this film together for the North Vancouver School District community and viewing public. We did this during COVID-19, while following all health regulations and safety procedures,“ said Chris Miller, Argyle Secondary teacher in the Digital Media Academy. “The intent of the film is to create a dialogue about the prevalence of violence in the sources of entertainment teenagers choose."
Gotcha, which has a suggested rating of PG 13, premiered on YouTube on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. The film will be available for viewing until the end of June. Click HERE to view. A trailer and behind the scenes takes are available HERE.
The film's script has been translated into French and Farsi, with plans underway to translate the script into Mandarin. Additional languages will be available in the fall.
Viewers interested in supporting future creative projects by young artists can make a contribution by purchasing a ticket(s) before watching the film HERE. Note: The film is available for viewing without a ticket purchase.
About the Digital Media Academy
North Vancouver School District's Digital Media Academy (DMA), located at École Argyle Secondary School, is an enriched hands-on program that provides students with access to a broad range of skills and knowledge in digital arts, technology and project management. Students learn to create meaningful stories and solve challenging problems while working collaboratively on real-world projects. One of the main goals of the DMA is to prepare students for post-secondary training as well as the many career opportunities available in digital media. The 2-year program is open to students in grades 11 and 12 both within and beyond the North Vancouver School District.
Contact
Lisa Dalla Vecchia
Communications Manager
North Vancouver School District
604.903.1254
NVSD44 DMA Gotcha Film Media Release