Lights, Camera, Action!

St. John The Baptist Diocesan High School in West Islip challenged student filmmakers to "raise the bar" on filmmaking and go beyond what is technically possible. Students were encouraged to create film productions that have meaning and purpose at the First Annual Film Festival, Voices and Visions on Film.    The theme of the film festival is to educate, raise awareness and make a positive difference through this medium. 

Submissions were entered in five categories. The winners were:

Mini-Documentaries

1st Place - James Callahan and Jeremy Lew (St. John's The Baptist - SJB) for Camden, New Jersey

2nd Place - Gabriella Baldassin (SJB )  for I'm Just Like You

Short Films

1st Place - Eric Micallef (North Babylon HS) for Watch Your Back

2nd Place - Taylor Page (Holy Trinity DHS) for Exposed

Public Service Announcements (PSA's)

1st Place - Mark Burkhalter (Lindenhurst HS) for Random Act of Kindness

2nd Place - John Zimmerman (SJB) for Be a Leader

Music Videos

1st Place - Angela Sementilli (SJB) for The Smile Train

2nd Place - Jackie Wiswall (SJB) for Breathe Me

Animations

1st Place - E.J. Acosta (SJB) for Man's Best Fiend

2nd Place -  Alfredo Talavera (SJB) for The World is Awesome

"It sounds cliché to say that all of the students who entered their films to the festival are winners, but it is true." said Laura Messano, director of media arts at SJB, "The students understand the power of the medium and how, by bringing attention to a topic through filmmaking, they can advocate for positive change.  We are very proud of all of them."  

St. John's was thrilled to have two distinguished judges that generously shared their time and expertise: Karen Arikian, executive director of the East Hampton Film Festival and Joanne Beattie, veteran producer at the TELECARE Network.

Nan Doherty, assistant principal at SJB, congratulated the students at the awards presentation stating, "Kudos to all the talented student directors, writers, actors, editors and producers. You inspire our future!"