Cappies Review: 'Connections' At Annandale High School

By Makenna Buhler of Woodgrove High School

In this time of COVID nothing is more important than safety. Connections, a short film from Annandale High School, highlights everyone's fears in this unprecedented time, and how many people are all interlaced in one web of consequence. Not protecting oneself can lead to infecting innocents. Though Connections takes place in the COVID era it shows depth and enlightens the viewers to make a change in their behavior that can help them for good at any time; to be aware of oneself and one's environment. The story begins with a rebellious teenager who comes into contact with others through various objects. However, they do not follow CDC guidelines and consequently become sick.

This work, which was written, edited, and acted by the same people, has a tight and clear theme throughout—dedication. The process for this production seemed to have been direct and efficient because the resulting video showed the theme and message very clearly throughout, in its use of video elements with acting, cinematography, and editing. It was easy to forget that this was filmed during COVID with the hugging scenes and physical contact between the actors, but the Playbill informed the audience that the choice to have physical contact came with a price- everyone had to wear a mask and consequently they could not have actors' faces in those shots or the theme of the film would be broken.

Production is one of the most affected aspects of a virtual show this season, but it can reveal the creativity of all participants and the limits and obstacles they had to overcome to create the piece. These limits and obstacles added rich depth to the show. Connections used a wide variety of locations including the school, grocery store, coffee shop and various places inside and outside. They used consistently similar areas to make the short film more believable.

Acting is difficult, acting without much dialogue can be harder. The actors in Connections pulled this feat off with stunning performances. Emotions were easier to see and feel by watching the short film versus a stage performance. Character arcs and their realizations that they were sick at the end were done with exactness. Hunter Duggan introduced us to the tone through their reaction to social media. Clara Billows's obliviousness to wide glances at her being maskless was perfect. Isaac Nebyu's excitement at seeing his friend was clearly seen and felt.

Technical elements abounded with precision and clear choices; the specific use of a bright mask at the end contrasted nicely and caught the viewers direct attention. The use of audio from different news broadcasts was powerful. Especially with the lack of other sound and dialogue, it made the viewers feel overwhelmed and put them into the chaos and different viewpoints on this issue with both visuals and audio. The Zoom call-like setup at the end, with everyone joining the screen was powerful because the actors' coughing kept coming and coming, demonstrating that their decisions had consequences.

Editing by Mariam Sesay and others was impactful in the use of hidden cuts and powerful and specific use of sound with voiceovers, plus the ability to hear dialogue and music. Cinematography done by various members still showed clear choices and excelled in not making the viewer feel that it was filmed by different people. The use of varied shots, camera angles and lighting conveyed planning.

Uncommon spreaders of COVID and a message of warning makes this short film an influential and introspective piece of student thought on the Coronavirus. Apples, masks, and more combine, leaving all to question what they can do better to keep everyone safe.

The Annandale High School show is available to watch for free at youtu.be/dCU24XVaZwQ.