Zenta (G11) at UCLA California 1 September 2017
A-JIS student Zenta Ohtaki from grade 11 had an amazing experience at UCLA California this summer. He was given the chance to pursue two of his favorite interests in the summer program: Film and Politics/current affairs.
In a Digital Filmmaking course, the students had to pass an extensive on-line safety course prior to arriving on campus. They used state of the art equipment to shoot and edit their final products.
The program was intensive but Zenta was able to successfully earn two University of California credits and received an “A” in the course. Great work!
In the Model United Nations summer program, he represented Italy in the National Security Council. At the closing ceremony out of over 80 participating students, only a handful of students were recognized and given awards; Zenta was one of them, receiving the “Best Research” award, earning two additional university credits!
Not only was it a rewarding academic experience for him, but a social one as well. Living in the university dormitory for three weeks with roommates and having the chance to connect with peers with similar interests from all over the US and abroad was a valuable experience for him.
We got together with Zenta for an interview.
AJIS: How did you connect with the summer program at UCLA?
Zenta: In February of this year, a family friend who graduated from UCLA visited us from Seattle for a week. He had great things to say about his alma mater and seemed to have really enjoyed his time there. At first, I was thinking of a summer program in San Diego where our summer home is but just couldn’t find a match. Since UCLA was still fresh on our minds, we checked the High School Summer Programs there on the internet. Boom! My two favorite interests, Model United Nations (MUN) and Digital Filmmaking, just jumped out at me.
A: What sparked your interested in film?
Z: For my sixteenth birthday, I got an iPhone. As I explored the possibilities of filming and editing, I was mesmerized in making short videos. The timing was perfect since I was beginning to work on my MYP Personal Project for Grade 10. I ended up creating a short video in search of my bicultural identity by filming various places in Tokyo that was significant to me.
A: What did you most enjoy about the Digital Filmmaking course?
Z: The course was intense! The program was a hands-on production workshop where students got to use professional level equipment for filming and editing. As a group, we had to come up with a story, do screenwriting, casting, location scouting, lighting and sound, and the camera work. That was only half the story with countless hours spent immersed in the editing room! The most rewarding part was the final screening of our short film to an audience at the state-of-the-art James Bridges Theater and seeing my name roll up on the closing credits.
A: Why are you interested in the Model United Nations program? Politics?
Z: I grew up watching the news on NHK, CNN and BBC and realized early on that depending on your perspective, the same story was covered differently! Currently, there are officially 195 countries in the world, and that would mean 195 different perspectives! Isn’t this fascinating?
I must say that my political interest began indirectly when I was in first grade. I was spellbound by the documentary on the Apollo program. I still remember being fascinated and captivated by President John F. Kennedy’s “We choose to go to the moon” speech. To make a long story short, the following year, I had the opportunity to attend the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 8 in San Diego, meeting its crew members, along with Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. I felt like a first-hand witness to how one leader’s vision, his political agenda, and thousands and thousands of people’s hard work could achieve such a major feat.
A: What was your most memorable experience in the Model United Nations Program?
Z: While being a participant on the Security Council as a representative of Italy, in a mock invasion scenario, I had to defend “The Boot” from a potential Russian annexation. The tension in that room and the pressure I had to undergo were immense, but I managed to get out of the situation pretty much unscathed.
A: Did your IB education influence your interest in these programs?
Z: I am a political junkie. I have always been keen on global issues. There is also a very creative side in me which I like to express through my writings and short films. The IB education allows me to pursue my passion, and the teachers are there to help me excel–to be the best that I can be.
A: Have these experiences made you want to pursue a career in these avenues?
Z: I think I now understand Mark Twain’s words: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” My experiences this summer were so positive that I hope to follow this path–that is, until I find a new passion.
A: How would you connect filmmaking with politics?
Z: I think filmmaking and politics go hand in hand. The obvious genre is in the format of documentary as evidenced by the many shows on History Channel. The not so obvious are the ways that politics influence filmmaking and vice versa. Several years ago, I watched the video of Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator, playing the role of Hitler. I later learned that it was a protest and an attack on Hitler–in real time. Oliver Stone is another film director known for focusing on controversial American political issues. I think filmmaking can serve as a powerful tool to keep politics in check.
A: Who are your influencers?
Z: Christopher Nolan, an English-American film director of the Dark Knight Trilogy and most recently, Dunkirk Ayrton Senna, a Brazilian racing driver who won three Formula One world championships Trevor Noah, a South African comedian and the host of the Daily Show (political satire)
A: Would you recommend this experience to other students?
Z: Many colleges and universities around the world are hosting summer programs for high school students. You get to live in the dormitory, eat at the cafeteria, walk around campus and pretty much experience college life. You also get to meet and have discussions with amazing people your age with similar interests. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend it!
A: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Z: With increasing political tension and uncertain future, I feel a sense of responsibility as a fully bilingual and bicultural individual (English/Japanese). Digging deep for the truth and informing others with accurate data backed information will become even more crucial in this age of instant and constant information. Whatever venue I pursue, I hope to be that person–digging!
