spotlight on...
Coo Cinema
Lights, camera, action! You may have heard these chants booming across the University of Sioux Falls campus lately. The culprit: USF’s new club to celebrate movie making, aptly named the Coo Cinema Club. CCC got its start this last January when the founders, Apolonia Davalos and Josh Werre combined their love for cinema with the support of USF’s Media Department. Davalos says, “The mission of the Coo Cinema Club is to create original and compelling films that reflect upon the core of the human spirit and humankind’s quest for purpose as a creation created in God’s image. We aspire to produce and establish opportunities for continued growth and development as creative artists in challenging and collaborative productions.”
In less than a year this club doubled its members, says Davalos, “from 20 to now 44 new and returning individuals.” Frida Ramirez, one of the CCC freshman members says, “Joining Coo Cinema Club was an easy choice for me, I knew I would make friends with similar interests, become a part of USF’s community, and have memories to cherish forever!” Ramirez is also one of the members who does not have previous cinema experience. Ramirez says, “This is my first time working with cinema but I am excited to broaden my horizons and learn new skills in the comfort of friends.” Media and cinema skills are not required to participate in CCC. Davalos says, “Coo Cinema Club incorporates all talent. Filmmaking needs cinematographers, editors, actors, musicians, audio mixers, photographers, production managers, etc. We are an inclusive club for everyone to utilize and grow their talents through an everlasting medium.”
club cofounder Josh Werre on set
12
club member Cale Engelkes on set
club founder Apolonia Davalos