“Past & Future” is a film directed by Matthew Rowe. It tells the story of a boy who travels back in time and meets his father as a teenager. The two bond and become best friends, creating a mix of nostalgia, drama, and heartwarming moments. The film is being created and filmed at Lafayette’s Film Club. Being a student filmmaker has its rewards and challenges.
Making a student film is one of the most exciting and challenging creative endeavors a young filmmaker can take on. It’s an opportunity to tell a unique story, experiment with cinematic techniques, and collaborate with like-minded peers. However, the process is far from easy—it's often stressful, time-consuming, and filled with unexpected obstacles.
Unlike major studio productions, student filmmakers don’t have the luxury of hiring specialists for every role. Instead, they often act as the writer, director, producer, cinematographer, and editor—all at once. Balancing these responsibilities while keeping a clear vision for the film can be overwhelming, especially when working with a limited crew.
Filmmaking is a collaborative art, but coordinating a cast and crew—especially when everyone is juggling school, jobs, and personal commitments—is a logistical nightmare. Actors may drop out at the last minute, crew members might be unavailable on crucial shoot days, and rescheduling can throw off the entire production.
Most student filmmakers work with little to no budget, meaning they have to be extremely resourceful. Locations, costumes, and equipment must often be borrowed, improvised, or self-funded.
From bad weather ruining an outdoor shoot to sound equipment malfunctioning mid-scene, technical difficulties are bound to happen. A scene that seemed simple in the script might take hours to film due to lighting issues or an actor struggling with lines. Every delay means less time to shoot, which can impact the film's final quality.
Making a film is personal, and the pressure to make it perfect can lead to self-doubt. Filmmakers might struggle with imposter syndrome, especially when things go wrong. Seeing flaws in the final cut can feel devastating after months of hard work.
Making a student film is one of a young filmmaker's most stressful yet rewarding experiences. It tests creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills in ways few other projects can.
While the process is tough, the skills and memories gained along the way make it an unforgettable journey—and for many, just the beginning of something much bigger. We have a lot planned in the future within filmmaking, and we’re hoping to continue doing these things, learning to get better and see results from past work.
