Once again, Sierra Canyon's Film Program students have set a new school record for the most films accepted into the 2023 All-American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF).
Known as the most prestigious high school film festival around the world, AAHSFF, selected seven students and ten films from the Sierra Canyon Film Program. Every year, the festival receives over 30,000 submissions, with only about 300 films selected from various categories. Visual Arts instructor Dan Gvozden shared that these SC filmmakers spend countless hours in and out of the classroom writing, producing, and editing their films, adding, "Each step is just as important as the last, and a great deal of fun as the final product comes closer and closer to reality."
Below are the Sierra Canyon films in competition:
"Mona Lisa" by Dean G. '26, 2023 mxmtoon Music Video Custom Category
"Presence" by Katelynn W. '25, Adventure/Travel
"PINSTRIPE" by Justin P. '25, Animation
"Mother, May I? by Willow S. '25, Drama
"Movie Night" by Ruhai D. '24, Experimental
"Varnished Creatures" by Willow S. '25, Experimental
"Wake Up!!!" by Dean G. '26, Experimental
"After We Play" by Sam L. '24, Music Video
"Nine 2 Five" by Sam L. '24, Music Video
"The Flap Birthday" by Isabela P. '23, Comedy
In October, the films above, along with others selected from high school filmmakers around the world, will be screened in New York City's Times Square as part of a weekend-long event, potentially earning nominations in each category.
This year, Katelynn, Justin, Ruhai, Sam, and Isabella were all admitted for the first time. "Even the act of submitting a film to a festival as prestigious and exclusive as the All-American High School Film Festival takes courage. So, to match all that effort and love of filmmaking, I could not be more proud of their work. Traveling to New York City to represent Sierra Canyon and watch our films on the big screen is just the cherry on top of a journey some of these students have been on for four years." Each film will now have a laurel of its own that can be used to promote its accomplishments.
Our students continue to bring our community together through their infinite creativity, and we celebrate the power of their artistic expression. Congratulations to all the Trailblazers who participated, and best of luck to the official selections in October!
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