Zahra B. '25 has been awarded a prestigious YoungArts award with a distinction in the film category, placing her among the top young artists nationwide invited to National YoungArts Week.
The YoungArts program identifies the most accomplished young artists nationwide, offering them recognition, resources, and opportunities to further their artistic pursuits. They received over 11,000 applicants this year—a record high—with approximately 200 winners selected, and Zahra was among this select group. Her distinction will allow her to engage in masterclasses, workshops, and networking events with renowned industry professionals during the week-long intensive program. She commented on the recognition, "Receiving the YoungArts award means a lot to me. It feels great to be recognized by so many people I look up to."
When asked about her filmmaking journey, Zahra shared that it began with a deep love for movies, sparked by the transformative experience of watching Moonlight. Inspired to tell her own stories, she credits Sierra Canyon's Arts program for helping her refine her craft. "The School has provided me a lot of freedom to explore my style in film," Zahra shared. She also highlighted the mentorship of her Upper Campus Film teacher, Mr. O'Reilly-Rowe, whose supportive critiques have been instrumental in shaping her projects.
Zahra's award-winning film, Light Work, has also received significant recognition locally and nationally. It earned her the Best Micro-Film award at the 2024 Sierra Canyon Film Festival and a Best Storyblocks "Representation Through Storytelling" Film nomination at the 2024 All-American High School Film Festival in New York. These accolades highlight her ability to create impactful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Looking to the future, Zahra advises aspiring filmmakers to embrace mistakes as part of the process. "Not everything you are going to make is going to be perfect, and that is okay," she shared.
Through Sierra Canyon's comprehensive Arts program, students have the opportunity to explore their passions, develop their talents, and push the boundaries of their creativity. From state-of-the-art facilities to dedicated teachers, Sierra Canyon is proud to empower young artists to craft meaningful work and succeed on national and international stages.
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