Film festival turns its eye on Clark alum

The morning of September 23, 2023, began like any other for Mitchell Gamache ’17. But a quick glance at Instagram turned the routine into a moment of triumph. Among the posts from the Burbank International Film Festival was the poster for “Watchful Eye,” proudly accompanied by the words Best Cinematography. Gamache, a Clark University alumnus and the film’s co-director of photography, had just earned one of the most coveted accolades in independent filmmaking.

“It was an absolute surprise,” Gamache admitted. “Winning Best Cinematography was something I’ve always strived for, but it hits differently when it happens unexpectedly.”

The award was a milestone in Gamache’s journey as a filmmaker, a path defined by adaptability, collaboration, and the creative foundation he built during his time at Clark. He is immersed in a variety of multimedia projects, everything from creating music videos to producing and editing content for an auto parts manufacturer’s YouTube channel with more than two million subscribers.

Gamache’s participation in the creation of the short film “Watchful Eye” began in December 2022. Originally hired as a second assistant camera, his role quickly expanded to include camera operations and, eventually, co-director of photography, where he took the lead on the film’s more dynamic, motion-oriented sequences.

“I approached the camera as a character,” he explained. “It’s not just a tool — it’s a storyteller in itself.” Creative choices like these cemented the film’s crew as a singular unit that achieved a unified vision. “It was pretty seamless to step into the role and collaborate with the lighting team along with our director to just get the images that we all wanted.”

This philosophy shaped the film’s emotional core. Gamache’s cinematography captured the frenetic energy of a budding romantic relationship and the creeping tension of a psychological thriller, using movement and pacing to mirror the shifting dynamics between the characters.

Behind the artistry were the logistical challenges of filming. Worcester served as a familiar location, with one early shoot involving hauling heavy equipment up a narrow spiral staircase to a rented Airbnb attic. “We had to create an assembly line just to get everything up,” Gamache laughs. “It was a workout, but the crew’s dedication made it work.”

For night shoots, the team relocated to a home in Falmouth, Massachusetts, transforming the space into the film’s primary setting. Call times began at 4 p.m. and shooting often stretched until 3 a.m. Adjusting to the nocturnal schedule was challenging, but for Gamache, the night’s stillness offered a unique kind of inspiration.

“There’s something tranquil about it,” he said. “It felt like no one else was doing this right now, and it made me grateful to be part of the production.”

Central to Gamache’s experience was his collaboration with the film’s director, Mikel Cravatta, a close friend he’d known since high school. “We’ve worked on each other’s projects for years, so this felt natural,” he says. “But stepping onto set, I couldn’t help but feel imposter syndrome. Everyone was so talented — I felt like I couldn’t measure up.”

Cravatta offered welcome encouragement early on. “I know what you’re capable of — just do your thing.” By the time the film premiered at the Boston International Film Festival, Gamache was able to see the final product as a testament to the team’s collective talent and dedication.

“When you look at the finished scenes, it’s seamless,” he says. “You’d never guess there were 30 or 40 people on set. It’s incredibly rewarding to see something you helped create come to life.”

Gamache’s time as a student in Clark’s Screen Studies program provided a foundation for his career.

“I came in expecting a hands-on approach, but Clark was more theory-based,” he recounts. Classes with professors Hugh Manon and Soren Sorensen offered important insights into the why behind creative decisions. Gamache’s passion for high-contrast cinematography, for example, was heavily influenced by studying film noir under Manon.

“I didn’t appreciate it at the time, but learning the theory has been so valuable,” he says. “It’s one thing to execute technically, but understanding why great directors made their choices has shaped my own style.”

Under Sorensen’s mentorship, Gamache also created a short documentary during his final semester at Clark. The project earned a spot at a local film festival, sparking his interest in navigating the festival circuit — a skill that proved essential when submitting “Watchful Eye” to festivals like Sundance, Tribeca, and ultimately, Burbank.

Gamache’s next steps include exploring commercial projects and continuing to hone his craft in narrative filmmaking. His advice for aspiring Clark filmmakers is clear: “Always be learning, always be practicing. Watch movies, analyze them, and create with whatever tools you have — even if it’s just your phone.”