» shane@firstletterssite.com

Shane Hamstra has been producing films for over five years, and has been working in education for three. After receiving a Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida he attended the New York Film Academy's Los Angeles division. From this experience Shane honed his skills as an independent filmmaker. His experience as a substitute teacher for first through twelfth grades prepared him for his teaching assistantship in UF's Telecommunications College. Shane spent the summer of 2006 interning at the Independent Television Service (ITVS) in San Francisco, CA. In this position he worked on the production of the nationally televised series Independent Lens and in the ITVS programming department. Shane recently completed co-producing and co-directing the documentary First Letters at the Documentary Institute at the University of Florida. Upon graduation in May Shane is looking forward to getting married and moving to Chicago, IL to continue making films.

How did you find out about the Pen Pal Program between the schools?

It was quite coincidental that I heard about the pen pal program. While traveling through Atlanta my fiancée and I met with a former boss and friend of hers. I discussed how I was searching for an idea for a thesis film project. Two weeks later she called me to tell me about a kindergarten pen pal program that her niece helped to create. The upcoming Friday was when the pen pals would meet. Unfortunately I was out of town and thought I had missed my opportunity.

What led you to make First Letters?

While interning at Independent Lens during the summer of 2006 my supervisor, Craig Harris, allowed me to bounce ideas off of him. During one of these sessions I mentioned a kindergarten pen pal program back in Gainesville. However, I thought it wouldn't work because they kids didn't meet until mid-May, and the film needed to be finished by the last week of April. He prompted me to contact the teachers and see what they were planning for the upcoming school year. I contacted them, and they were already working out the details to have the kids meet twice, in December and April. They were open to making the April meeting early in the month and then we were off and running.

What do you want to achieve with First Letters?

I hope that people will see the importance and impact of learning about diversity at a very young age. The achievement gap and segregation of schools doesn't seem to be changing much, so creating new programs at the school and community level is an amazing way to introduce kids to cultural awareness. If even a few educators see the film and take initiative like Katie and Kristen did by thinking globally and acting locally that would be great success.

What were some of the interesting events you experienced while making First Letters?

The kids meeting each other were the most interesting events, but when they celebrated holidays in school that was very exciting as well. I especially remember the kids at Newberry played Santa Claus and reindeers just before winter break. They would take turns wearing a big white beard and red suit, while a few other children would put red noses and antlers on and pull Santa around the room in his sleigh. It was a great moment, but we couldn't find a way to put it into the film.

What was the most challenging part of making this film?

The most challenging part was also the most fun, working with the kids. Being 5 and 6 years old, their attention spans are extremely short, so many times I would ask a question and they would go off on a completely different subject. The challenge was to be patient, because eventually they would remember the question and come back to it. But, I also heard some of the funniest stories during those times. If you ever want to hear a story about Legos told with the utmost importance, ask a kindergartener.

What are your three favorite films?

The Fog of War, Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport, American Movie

What sparks your creativity?

Trying to see something in a different manner than I am used to seeing it. If I'm having trouble with something I'll try to let it sit for a bit. Then when I come back to it I can usually see another approach more clearly.

If you could have one motto, what would it be?

If it will be, it starts with me.