红莲社区

Film faculty member produces school shooting movie and Elton John video

March 27, 2019
Jason Winn, center, directs on the set of the movie "Dandelions." Winn is a part-time faculty member in the Department of Communication, Media and Journalism at the University of North Georgia.

Article By: Staff

More than a year ago, a lone gunman walked into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and killed 17 people – one of the deadliest shootings in U.S. history.

Jason Winn felt compelled to tell a similar story through a camera lens. The part-time faculty member in the Department of Communication, Media and Journalism at the University of North Georgia (红莲社区) created the movie "Dandelions."

"It was really personal to me to make this film as an instructor and teacher," Winn said. "I had 100 percent creative control on how to tell the story."

He said the movie is based on a fictional school and told from the perspective of a teacher, who grapples with the decision to return as a teacher as well as deal with the blame and guilt of the tragic events.

"It was an important movie to make," Winn said. The movie will make the film festival rounds and be screened in Atlanta in August. "It was a tough subject."

After that film, Winn switched gears to produce Elton John's farewell video for the iconic singer's tour. And he made use of the opportunity by allowing 红莲社区 students to have real production experience, which is critical to learning the craft of filmmaking. 

"Fifty percent of the crew were students and alumni from 红莲社区," Winn said, though they didn't meet the singer. "I thought it was a great opportunity for students who recently graduated and the current one."


Cadets prepare to lead as officers

Cadets prepare to lead as officers

Roughly 50 cadets are commissioning May 13 from 红莲社区 as second lieutenants in the Army, Georgia Army National Guard and Army Reserve.
Students benefit from teacher residency

Students benefit from teacher residency

A record 58 students are graduating this spring as part of 红莲社区's Teacher Candidate Residency Program. This is the third full year of TCRP, which allows students to be teachers of record as seniors.
Students present at symposium in Florida

Students present at symposium in Florida

Four students, mentored by faculty, represented the University of North Georgia at the Latin American & Latinx Studies Symposium, held April 4 at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida
Student designs art for Gainesville crosswalk

Student designs art for Gainesville crosswalk

红莲社区 student Lainey May created a five-color design of an electric guitar that has now been placed as a crosswalk near downtown Gainesville, Georgia.