MCC Comm. Student’s Short Film Selected for Local Film Festivals

Middlesex Community College Communications student Max Gofstein, of Lowell, had his short film, “Sit Down, Mr. Burton,” selected for the Boston Independent Film Festival and the Boxborough Student Film Festival.

“I feel capable in my ideas and am looking to share many more as they come to me,” he said. “This was just a project for school too! I’m really looking forward to making something without the time constraint. This short film and the class itself taught me how to get started with that.”

The story he created for class is about a man “who’s looking to get a job at a mental institution to finally use his knowledge he learned from college to do something important,” Gofstein said. The interview does not go as planned and the man must get himself out of a challenging situation.

Gofstein got his first camera when he was 8-years-old. He has been making videos ever since and has developed a passion for storytelling that he wants to turn into a career. Having started at Middlesex after graduating high school as a homeschooled student, he is trying to learn as much about communications and filmmaking as possible.

While he is familiar with working with a camera, Gofstein learned more about working with a team while creating the short film. He is also taking the time to explore all of his options within the industry. In addition to taking classes and working on projects, he is completing a social media internship.

Being able to work hands-on on relevant projects – combined with the content he learns in his lectures – is setting Gofstein up for lasting success. Dr. Jennifer Bauer, MCC’s Chair of Communication, Art & Design, is the professor who has influenced him most. The attention and advice he received has created “the exact type of learning environment I aspire to be in,” Gofstein said.

“Professor Jen Bauer has got to be one of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” he said. “She prioritizes student success and wants to see every student reach their goals.”

As he pursues his path as a filmmaker, Gofstein will continue to work on local productions as a production assistant. In the Fall 2022 semester, he will also start MCC’s Communication Transfer program to earn his associate degree. He plans to transfer to a four-year college after graduating from Middlesex to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“MCC is the start of the journey I’m ready to take,” he said. “I’ve gotten a look into what the field and the industry look like and now I’m inspired more than ever to put myself out there.”