Grade 6 brings Brazilian short stories to the screen at Pan American School’s 5th Short Film Showcase

On Wednesday (28), the creativity and critical eye of Grade 6 students at Pan American School took the spotlight on the big screen, with the screening of short films produced for the 5th edition of the school's Short Film Showcase. The session was held at Cinesystem, located in Bourbon Shopping Country, and marked the conclusion of the final project in the Portuguese Language course.

The challenge proposed to the 45 students — both Brazilian and international — was to transform literary chronicles into audiovisual narratives. The project engaged students in reading, interpretation, text adaptation, scriptwriting, and film production, all carried out collaboratively and filmed within the school. In total, eight short films were presented this year.

“Our goal is to meet the skills and competencies outlined in the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC), particularly those related to authorial and collaborative presentations of different text types,” explained Karine Dourado Silva, the teacher responsible for the course. “Luis Fernando Verissimo was one of the most read authors. They read his work, drew inspiration, and were allowed to make adaptations. At this age, students are especially interested in themes like suspense, mystery, and horror,” she added.

While aligned with the BNCC requirements, the project stands out for its bold approach and the complexity involved — especially considering it was led by sixth-grade students. By transforming literary texts into short films, students are encouraged to develop sophisticated skills such as critical interpretation, creative adaptation, audiovisual storytelling, and teamwork, all within an engaging and authorial format.

In addition to the screening, the event featured a special award ceremony: the Huskyto Trophy, presented to winners in eight categories — Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, Best Soundtrack, Best Costume Design, and IB Student Highlight.

More than an exercise in reading and writing, the Short Film Showcase reinforces Pan American School's commitment to innovative education—one that fosters creative expression, critical thinking, and student leadership through interdisciplinary and multicultural projects.