Blog posting written by Shawn Steiner, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts ’13, FLEFF Intern, Elkridge, Maryland

 

It’s good to be back! 

 

First, we are celebrating the 16th year of the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival. Second, I’m glad to be back as an intern. I took a year off since my last time as a blogger but decided it would be fun to do again.

 

Now, it is my final year at Ithaca College and I plan to enjoy it with FLEFF. Fortunately, I believe I did more than I ever thought I would during my three years at the college. I was photo editor for The Ithacan, made numerous short films, was part of a photo gallery, learned how to swing dance, and spent my leisure time with some amazing friends.

 

But perhaps most importantly, I am happy. Now, as I prepare for the next stage of my life. I am embracing this year’s theme of Mobilities. 

 

I connect with this theme on a deeply personal level. My latest photography project was based around how location and movement has had an impact on my life (find it here). I was born in northern New Jersey, moved to Maryland as a very young child, and I currently reside in Ithaca, NY with aspirations that will hopefully bring me around the world. 

 

I don’t want to stay locked down in one place and I want to explore and discover new things. Which is where FLEFF comes in.

 

Dérive is one of the new projects coming to FLEFF this year. It is an urban exploration app designed to help people really take in what is directly around them. Also, I’ve already begun to learn how to utilize new media to promote sustainable thinking. The key is that it is really simple and tons fun. 

 

Try it and get lost in your own hometown! But make sure you’ll be back in time for some great FLEFF films at Cinemapolis and other events all around Ithaca in the coming months.

 

As always the entire blogging team is devoted to getting you the freshest information and some behind the scenes scoops. So check back here often!

 

What do you want to learn about as we get closer and closer to the festival?