Two Upper School student filmmakers have recently been recognized for films they made promoting messages of positive change.

Juniors Charlotte Quintanar and Winston Verdult were honored in separate film competitions for their work promoting change through storytelling.

“Charlotte and Winston are using their skills in filmmaking to bring about a positive impact on the world,” St. Margaret’s film teacher Karen Bennett said. “It is incredibly gratifying to see their hard work dedicated to raising awareness of issues that impact so many of us.”

 

Charlotte won first place in the Climate Video Challenge for her new documentary Growing Our Future. The challenge was sponsored by the California Coastal Commission, which asked student filmmakers to answer the question “What is your vision for a thriving future?”

Charlotte partnered with The Ecology Center to produce a documentary about small steps which can be taken at the local level to alleviate pollution and contribute positively toward climate change.

The contest was open to all California middle school and high school students. Charlotte won a cash prize for her first-place showing.

You can view Charlotte’s winning film by clicking here.

 

St. Margaret’s junior Winston Verdult’s short film Desired Reality will be featured at the Open Mind Film Festival created by the Friends of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The Open Mind Film Festival is centered around bringing awareness of bullying, loneliness, gender identity, addiction and alienation in high school students and young adults. Winston’s film focused on themes of addiction and isolation as a result of virtual gaming.

Winston’s film is one of nine that will be screened for the event out of 120 entries from across the country. You can view his film by clicking here. Learn more about the upcoming Open Mind Film Festival by clicking here.