___________________________________________

In April of 2002 Ferenc Moldovanyi visited the Nogales high school where he presented his film and met the students as a part of the Reel Frontier Film Festival "Festival-in-the-Schools" programme in Arizona.
Nogales is a border town and has a US and Mexican part. The high school is on the American side, however most of the students are Spanish speaking. It was a very impressive encounter with these young people.

The media specialist of this institution sent us the students' reflections, which we share with you here below.

___________________________________________

Dear Ferenc,

Congratulations on your recent award at the Arizona International Film Festival.
Nogales High School thanks you for sharing your important work with our students and teachers. I enclose the comments I have received. Good luck!
Chris Courtland, Librarian/Media Specialist

Here are some comments from students:

"It was a very moving and inspirational film. The fact that there is so much violence for the children is really sad and depressing."

"It was a very honest and informative film about the human experience. War is always going on in the world and it gave us a chance to see how it really affects people."

"I had no idea that I was going to see what I saw in that film. Thinking that kids younger than me are going through some really bad things. They are things that I could never think that would happen. It really sucks that the kids are going through really hard moments and I give all of my concerns to them."

"After watching this film I realized how truly lucky we have it as Americans. I was amazed with the potential and charisma of the young journalist. I'm sure that she will create a giant impact on her generation. I feel completely sympathetic for all the people and wish I could do something to help."

"The short clip of the film was overwhelming. It's interesting to see how everything was over there. It was a shock to see how everthing was. The jounalist was brave to take all those calls. I was moved on (by) all the stories that were being mentioned."

"This film was a great surprise to me because I hadn't expected it to be on Kosovo and about the war that took place. Whaty really got my eye is when the little girl was the journalist of a radio program."

"I think what happened in Kosovo was a terrible sad thing that took place. It just shows what humble things hatred can result to. I am very sorry that so many innocent people died as a result."

"It was very nice to know how kids feel about what happened. Realize what is happening just a few hours away."

"This film really opened my eyes to see how different and stressful the children live in Kosovo. It seems like the kids have to grow up faster because of a sense of fear about having to go through a war. The living conditions that these people have to live in are so unbelievable. I really enjoyed the video; it was moving."

"It was so nice and made me realize I'm lucky."

Questions for the filmmaker:

"Where did you get the music? It's cool."

"How did you get the girl to the radio program?"

"How did you feel while filming the movie?"

Thanks, Festival-in-the-Schools, Alicia Sexton, U of A Media Arts program, for sending us such an emotional, sensitive film to our students and school. You can tell from the comments how much of an impact this event made on us.

___________________________________________