Frame by Frame: Exploring Film Through Horror
In this after-school introductory cinema studies course for high schoolers, students will explore how horror films do far more than just scare us; they reflect our fears, our culture, and ourselves. Through five films covering various horror subgenres, we’ll uncover how filmmakers use sound, editing, performance, and visual storytelling to create tension and meaning. Through pre-screening lectures and open post-film discussions, we will ask: Why do we enjoy being scared? What do monsters represent? And how does horror help us process the world around us?
Students will view five films: A Quiet Place, Smile 2 , Talk to Me, Late Night with the Devil, and The Return of the Living Dead.
Parents and guardians, please note the rating of each film below to determine if this course will be appropriate for your child before registering.
Detroit Hamell, MA, MS
Detroit Hamell earned a Master of Arts in Cinema Studies from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts and a Master of Science in Adolescent Education from the Pace University School of Education, where he received certification in English Language Arts and Theater Arts and was honored with the 2026 Outstanding Student of the Year Award. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Film Studies from Pace University in Manhattan and plans to continue his scholarly work by pursuing a doctorate in Cinema Studies.
Detroit's journey with cinema began at the Jacob Burns Media Arts Lab as a fourth grader, where he first discovered his passion for storytelling and filmmaking. Since 2018, he has worked as an educator at the Media Arts Lab, helping young filmmakers develop both their technical skills and creative voices. His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Jacob Burns New Lens Award, Best Director and Best Picture at NYLIFF, and Best Director at the Revolution Me Film Festival. He is also a published poet whose work was recognized with the Sarah Willis Award.
