(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, Ca) -  At a recent guest lecture, Platt College introduced its art and design students to local filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton, winner of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival short narrative category.  Cretton inspired students with his winning film, "Short Term 12" and sage advice for aspiring filmmakers.

"We bring working artists to campus so students can hear about what it takes to become successful in this tough business," said Marketa Hancova, Dean of Education.   "Our instructors identify and cultivate artistic talent of our students, but we like to add to their education by providing the opportunity to hear about the long, and sometimes arduous, journey to success."

When a student asked Cretton what it takes to be successful, he replied, "Sweat, crying, rejection, and belief that you will get there."   Hancova said that it is important to remind students that success does not happen overnight and they need resilience as much as talent. "Short Term 12 was a sincere, raw and carefully crafted sketch of the lives of teens and their caretakers facing extraordinary challenges."