MEDIA RELEASE

A student-produced documentary on charter schools and educational reform has its debut screening Friday evening at the Hilo Palace Theater.

The film entitled “Class of 2010″ is a year-long project of HAAS Productions, a digital media program that provides the youth of Puna with real-world opportunities in TV and film.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; screening at 7 p.m. A $5 donation is requested.

The premier event will be hosted by Big Island Film Commissioner John Mason, and there will be a Q&A session with the filmmakers. A reception will follow.

The production team is based out of Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science public charter school and sponsored by the Pahoa non-profit Arts & Science Center.

Led by TV producer and teacher Gloria Baraquio, HAAS Productions launched in August 2008 as a platform from which the youth of Puna could share their stories through video and digital media.

In the pilot year of the program, seven students worked at Na Leo studios and traveled the Hawaii State Capitol to interview Big Island lawmakers during the legislative session. Students also interned on the “Living Local” set, visited the set of feature film “The Tempest,” worked on the set of “The Predators,” and met with various filmmakers in the industry.

The County of Hawaii recognized the students’ efforts and awarded them $20,000 in June 2009 to fund the second year of production. The County recently awarded them an additional $25,000 for the 2010-11 school year.

“Class of 2010” is directed by Gloria Baraquio, edited by Erik Bathen, and produced by students Courtney Campbell, Akela Quin, Bailey Wooldridge, Tyler Flower, Raskassa Johnson, and Kayla Greenberg.

The film features students, teachers, and administrators of HAAS, including Steve Hirakami, Gail Clarke, and Patrick Baker, as well as Mayor Billy Kenoi, Councilwoman Emily Naeole, District Superintendent Mary Correa, Charter School Administrator Maunalei Love, Education Professor Manulani Meyer, and Interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi.