CCSD Celebrates Student Film Festival Winners

The film ‘I'm Not a Psychopath’ by Sequoyah High School students Noah Popp, Justin Clark, Lauren Turnage and Ava Roberts won first place for Best of Show and numerous other awards at the fifth annual Cherokee Student Film Festival.

Congratulations to the winners of the fifth annual Cherokee Student Film Festival, presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development in partnership with CCSD Career Pathway film and video teachers!

The live screening and awards presentation recently was held at Sequoyah High School, where an audience of 200 cheered on the student filmmakers.

“We’re so proud of our students for focusing on their future in the film industry by participating in this outstanding opportunity,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said.  “This special program would not happen without the leadership of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, our dedicated Career Pathway film and video teachers and the film industry professionals who share their time and expertise.  We appreciate all that they do to help bring our students’ dreams to the big screen.” 

The winning entries are: 
Best of Show
First Place: “I'm not a Psychopath” by Justin Clark, Noah Popp, Ava Roberts and Lauren Turnage of Sequoyah HS.  Also won: Best Use of Prop, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Quality, Best Use of Line
Second Place: “The First Day of Spring” by Logan Carr, Jackson Estapa and Chloe Feibus of Creekview HS.  Also won: Best Use of Line
Third Place: “Bound” by Sophia Berry, Marissa Migneco and Kaili Phillips of Etowah HS

Audience Choice Awards 
“Growing Older” by Aidan Murphy and Kayla Murphy of Sequoyah HS
“I'm not a Psychopath” by Justin Clark, Noah Popp, Ava Roberts and Lauren Turnage of Sequoyah HS 
“The Movie” by Mackenzie Glover, Daniel Reilly, Hunter Schwartz and Hunter Tadin of Cherokee High School 

The entries were judged by regional post-secondary film instructors.  The festival follows the annual Cherokee Student Film Summit presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) at the YANMAR EVO//Center.  During the summit, students connect with representatives from regional post-secondary film programs, explore career paths, and receive expert instruction through engaging breakout sessions. 

“COED is focused on expanding the local economy, and growing film and digital entertainment is a target.  This cannot be done without an educated and talented workforce,” COED President & CEO Misti Martin said.  “Our Audio/Video Technology and Film (AVTF) students are developing comprehensive film production skills that can support all industries.  Our partnership with CCSD has yielded two strong events designed to develop skill, hone craft, and practically connect students to next steps in training and careers “  
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Celebrating the success of the Cherokee Student Film Festival and Cherokee Student Film Summit are organizers Cherokee HS teacher Aaron Childers, Molly Mercer of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, Etowah HS teacher Linda Yunker, Sequoyah HS teacher Brad Mann, Creekview HS teacher Ashley Pruitt and Woodstock HS teacher Jeff Wagner.  Not pictured: River Ridge HS teacher James Dinsmoor.