Cambridge Film Festival Raises Over $1,000 To Fight Child Cancer

Patch Staff Report

Cambridge High School held its first ever Cambridge Film Festival in April to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit organization that raises money for childhood cancer research. 

The event raised over $1,000 in its first year and has become a labor of love for the young film and video program at Cambridge High School.

The Cambridge Film Festival was the brainchild of Cambridge High School students Grant Keller and Sahana Subramanian.  

“The students wanted to start a film club to celebrate their passion for film culminating with a yearend film festival,” said Cambridge High School film and video instructor Marc Schneider. “Grant and Sahana suggested proceeds should benefit a charity rather than go to our fledgling program. How could I refuse that?”

The Schneider family was introduced to CURE at the foundation’s annual Lauren’s Run and Picnic several years ago through their close friends Alan and Dayna Thomson.

“CURE is near and dear to our hearts,” Schneider remarked.  “I proposed CURE as our charity and Grant and Sahana were immediately on board. We had over twenty submissions in the Best Film and Best Documentary categories. The students, faculty, and Cambridge community rallied for a great night.”  

Dr. Edward Spurka, principal of Cambridge High School, was on hand to present the awards for the two winning films.   

“I couldn’t be more proud of Mr. Schneider and our students in our Video Broadcasting program for developing the first ever Cambridge Film Festival for CURE,” said Spurka.  “I am excited for this tradition to continue in years to come and we look forward to supporting CURE.”

Each filmmaker paid a $5 entry fee for their film, and the ticket price to the event was $5.  

Additionally, Grant Keller ran a 50/50 raffle to boost donations, while Sahana Subramanian and Schneider teamed to direct production of the event. 

The Cambridge High School Film and Video program is looking forward to hosting this annual spring event next year to benefit CURE.