Santa Barbara Middle School (SBMS) Teen Press, formed in 2007 to cover the 22nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), is back on the red carpet for SBIFF‘s 38th edition.
Over the years, SBMS Teen Press students have flown across the United States to cover such events as the inauguration of President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C.; the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas; and INTERBIKE in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Each year, SBMS Teen Press is formed from seventh-, eighth- and ninth-grade students.
Teen Press is run by three SBMS faculty members, David Teton-Landis, Amanda Kamlet and Sophia Phillips. Participating students are selected based on their enthusiasm for reporting, work ethic, and ability to continue to keep up with their academic studies while attending the red carpet events.
“Our 13-year-old daughter was lucky enough to take part in the Santa Barbara Middle School Teen Press program as an actual on-the-scene reporter at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival,” said Eric Peterson. “She learned important life lessons about research, interview preparation, and how to work with a camera and microphone.
“On top of that, she had access to incredible people who were generous with their time, and genuinely seemed to enjoy being interviewed by SBMS kids. Clearly a fantastic learning experience for our daughter.”
As an extension to the academic program at the school, the SBMS Teen Press program provides students with leadership opportunities, exposes them to new career pathways, and helps them develop self-confidence.
This year, students have conducted more than 50 interviews, including with SBMS parent Paul Dektor, whose movie “American Dreamer” was showcased at this year’s festival.
Additionally, students have interviewed Jamie Lee Curtis, recipient of the Maltin Modern Modern Master award; Cate Blanchett, recipient of the Outstanding Performance of the Year award; and Angela Bassett, recipient of the Montecito Award.
“For me, the best feature of Teen Press is to witness the students grow more confident before my eyes, discovering that they can think on their feet and that they can earn the respect of the people they interview by way of the research and thoughtfulness that goes into their questions,” said Teton-Landis.
Teton-Landis, along with former SBMS teacher John Seigel Boettner, co-founded the Teen Press 16 years ago.
In addition to SBIFF, students will interview new faculty members and other prominent members of the Santa Barbara community.
To view the red carpet interviews or follow the progress of the 2023 SBMS Teen Press, visit their website and YouTube Channel.