High school juniors and seniors interested in the art of storytelling and the power of film will have a unique opportunity to participate in the Digital Magic Workshop, a free two-day program taking place Jan. 4-5, 2025, at the Lafayette County Arena and the Powerhouse.

The workshop aims to introduce students to creating impactful films with limited resources, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and critical thinking. Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will explore the use of subliminal messages in film, learn the basics of storytelling, and discover how research and artificial intelligence tools can enhance their creative projects.

Dr. Wilma E. Mosley Clopton, Ph.D., an award-winning video historian and filmmaker, will lead the workshop. Clopton is renowned for her short documentary films highlighting untold Mississippi stories and has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Mississippi Humanities Educator Award and the Award of Merit from the Mississippi Historical Society.

The workshop is open to high school juniors and seniors with access to a smartphone. Space is limited, and interested students must submit an application followed by a phone interview to confirm their registration.

“The Digital Magic Workshop is designed to inspire students to think critically about the messages they encounter in media and empower them to create their own meaningful stories,” said Dr. Clopton. “By the end of the program, participants will have produced a short film that integrates diverse media and storytelling techniques.”

Program Highlights:

• Analysis of short films created by past Digital Magic Workshop participants.
• Understanding subliminal messaging and its influence on audience perceptions.
• Hands-on exploration of artificial intelligence in film projects.
• Developing a story from concept to completion, including scripting and editing.
• Public screening and discussion of the students’ films on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

This project is supported in part by funding from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and in part, from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

To apply or learn more, visit www.oxfordarts.com.