Students from Port Chester High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) film and honors classes recently took a field trip to the Museum of Moving Images (MoMI) in Astoria, Queens.

The only one of its kind in the United States, the museum offers a deep dive into the world of film, television, video games, and other digital media through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. Film teacher Jesse Fernandez organized the trip to help students bridge classroom learning with real-world applications in digital storytelling.

“We live in an ever-increasing digital landscape, and it's important for our students to understand its history and the many opportunities that this media offers,” said Fernandez.

Preparation for the visit began weeks in advance with classroom discussions about the history of film and the production process.

“On the trip, IB students were able to connect and even apply filmmaking techniques to the films they’re making right now for class. Meanwhile, my honors students got a better grasp of how digital media, specifically film, continues to influence how we interpret digital texts and express ourselves through them,” Fernandez explained.

One exhibit that stood out was the stop-motion workstations, which allowed students to create and record their own stop-motion scenes. This hands-on experience not only sparked creativity but also encouraged experimentation. From exploring the mechanics of animation to delving into the history of iconic films and television shows, the interactive displays helped students better understand the evolution of media and its profound impact on society.

For Fernandez, the biggest takeaway was seeing how inspired and engaged the students were. “Our students are highly engaged and inspired by the world of film and how it relates to their everyday lives,” he said. 

Click here to view the High Schoolers Explore Film History at Museum of Moving Images slideshow.

Date Added: 1/21/2025