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Shrum medallist has passion for film
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David Brigden 604.421.4420(h) 604.812.4978 (cell) dbrigden@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl/Julie Ovenell-Carter Media/PR 604.291.4323
David Brigden 604.421.4420(h) 604.812.4978 (cell) dbrigden@sfu.ca
Marianne Meadahl/Julie Ovenell-Carter Media/PR 604.291.4323
June 13, 2006
Each year, SFU bestows its most prestigious medal – the Gordon Shrum gold medal – on a graduating student whose high scholastic standing and extra-curricular activities demonstrate outstanding qualities of character and unselfish devotion to SFU.
This year, Burnaby resident David Brigden, who is graduating with a bachelor of fine arts degree, receives the honour. He has put so much energy into his chosen field of study, both as a student and as a volunteer, that it’s not unusual for him to work around the clock.
It’s a surprising output, considering that Brigden suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome for 10 years. The debilitating disease prevented him from graduating from Maple Ridge secondary school and sidelined any thoughts of a career. Finally, he found a doctor who advised him to relax and spend his time doing what he enjoyed. So he turned to reading and watching films and chose work in low-stress jobs. Gradually, his bouts of fatigue waned, while his interest in reading, writing and film grew into a life’s passion.
Brigden completed high school and began studying film-making at SFU, where his passion for film-making transformed his life. “When you’re working with all of these great people who are passionate about their work, it’s contagious,” says Brigden.
His volunteer work also stretched to the external film community and to fundraising activities for organizations like the 24 hour Relay for Kids and the Pitt Meadows Soccer Association. “When you’re excited and love what you’re doing, you can find energy reserves,” he says.
Through it all, he found time to write and produce a number of his own short films. One of them, Ms. Lead, was nominated for best comedy, Canadian Aspirations Film Festival, 2002. The National Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television short-listed him for its 2005 student apprenticeship in cinematography, a rare honour.
Brigden has just finished work on a feature film with Infinity Film, Butterfly on a Wheel, starring Pierce Brosnan, and has co-written a romantic comedy, Of Golf and God, with SFU film alumnus Ryan Mains. The film is in the midst of post-production and he plans to submit it to film festivals as well as find distribution for it.
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(electronic photo available)
This year, Burnaby resident David Brigden, who is graduating with a bachelor of fine arts degree, receives the honour. He has put so much energy into his chosen field of study, both as a student and as a volunteer, that it’s not unusual for him to work around the clock.
It’s a surprising output, considering that Brigden suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome for 10 years. The debilitating disease prevented him from graduating from Maple Ridge secondary school and sidelined any thoughts of a career. Finally, he found a doctor who advised him to relax and spend his time doing what he enjoyed. So he turned to reading and watching films and chose work in low-stress jobs. Gradually, his bouts of fatigue waned, while his interest in reading, writing and film grew into a life’s passion.
Brigden completed high school and began studying film-making at SFU, where his passion for film-making transformed his life. “When you’re working with all of these great people who are passionate about their work, it’s contagious,” says Brigden.
His volunteer work also stretched to the external film community and to fundraising activities for organizations like the 24 hour Relay for Kids and the Pitt Meadows Soccer Association. “When you’re excited and love what you’re doing, you can find energy reserves,” he says.
Through it all, he found time to write and produce a number of his own short films. One of them, Ms. Lead, was nominated for best comedy, Canadian Aspirations Film Festival, 2002. The National Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television short-listed him for its 2005 student apprenticeship in cinematography, a rare honour.
Brigden has just finished work on a feature film with Infinity Film, Butterfly on a Wheel, starring Pierce Brosnan, and has co-written a romantic comedy, Of Golf and God, with SFU film alumnus Ryan Mains. The film is in the midst of post-production and he plans to submit it to film festivals as well as find distribution for it.
-30 -
(electronic photo available)