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Open to students from all accredited Westchester high schools, this year’s event featured 23 participants displaying their cinematic creativity at Pelham’s historical Picture House.
The Festival showcased films from a variety of genres paving the way for students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to set foot into the world of filmmaking, production and cinematography. As in past years, the festival witnessed an outpouring of support and collaboration for its talented young participants. After careful deliberation by a panel of judges, three films were awarded ‘Chesters’ – Westchester’s version of the Oscar – for their excellence with a fourth receiving a Chester for technical excellence.
Dobbs Ferry High School student Thomas Newman earned first place for his film “Change”, which chronicles the exploits of a homeless man while delivering a potent message about society’s startling inequalities.
Second place was given to Zach Nagin, a Mamaroneck student whose documentary “Dos Caminos” explored the inner workings of the dual-language program at his high school. Briarcliff High School student Samantha Simpson took home third place for her film “The Taker: Behind the Scenes”, a firsthand look into the challenges of shooting a documentary.
In addition to these three outstanding students, Mark Catolano, from Eastchester High School was honored for the technical excellence displayed in his film, “The Suitcase”. This film exciting graphics accentuated the storyline of the journey of a mysterious suitcase.
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