SMC students worked under the direction of Captor — an Emmy-nominated filmmaker — with additional guidance from SMC faculty members
A documentary produced by Santa Monica College students, showcasing GRAMMY Award-winning musician Stanley Clarke’s artistic residency at BroadStage, has been named an official selection at the 26th annual Newport Beach Film Festival.
The short-form film, Rhythm & Harmony, was created by students in SMC’s Media 21: Short-Form Visual Media Production class, led by filmmaker and SMC instructor Roxanne Messina Captor. The film will screen in the Short Documentaries category on Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. at The Lot 3 theater in Newport Beach.
Rhythm & Harmony highlights Clarke’s three-year residency with BroadStage — the performing arts organization based at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center. The film offers an inside look at the world-renowned bassist’s mentorship of SMC and Santa Monica High School music students, along with behind-the-scenes footage, student performances, and insights into Clarke’s creative process.
The documentary features an artist interview conducted by SMC Music Department Chair Brian Driscoll, along with commentary from SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery.
SMC students worked under the direction of Captor — an Emmy-nominated filmmaker — with additional guidance from SMC faculty members Walt Louie and Vishal Solanki.
In addition to Rhythm & Harmony, another film connected to Captor, Dickens of a Christmas, will also screen at the festival in the Narrative Features category. That film will be shown at 2 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Triangle 1 Theater.
Clarke, a four-time GRAMMYⓇ winner and 2022 NEA Jazz Master, is considered one of the most influential bassists in jazz history. His residency at BroadStage included performances, artist talks, and educational outreach, aimed at inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Santa Monica College offers degrees and certificates in broadcast production, including courses in short-form video, podcasting, and emerging media such as VR and AR. The Media 21 course, which produced Rhythm & Harmony, gives students hands-on experience in professional filmmaking.
The Newport Beach Film Festival runs Oct. 16–23.
