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'Moonlight' Inspires FSU Film Students

Moonlight Film
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wikipedia.com

Florida State University is celebrating Moonlight’s Best Picture win at the Oscars. The film’s director and several editors graduated from FSU’s Film School.

The crew of Moonlight is mostly comprised of FSU alumni, including director Barry Jenkins. Moonlight is a story of love, sexuality, class, and race. But its production speaks to current film major as Sam Bartz.

"You know, in an industry that’s full of blockbusters you can make an indie film that’s still very greatly appreciated," Bartz said. "They made Moonlight in 21 days for 1.5 million dollars. There’s never been a best picture film like that."

FSU Film School senior Taylor Cook went to an Oscar showing sponsored by the film school. Cook says the room was moved by the mix-up at the end.

"The most amazing moment I’ve seen so far at my time at the film school," Cook said. "Where just my professors and fellow students were cheering and shouting. I actually cried. I’m not very emotional [but] it was so cool to know that Barry went to the FSU Film School, and that I’m there right now, my classmates are there, and he just makes us believe anything is possible."

Moonlight won 3 Oscars Sunday night, including Best Picture, Actor in a Supporting Role, and Best Adapted Screenplay.