MBHS Celebrates Their Fourth Annual Film Fest

By Jocelyn Ocampo-Mateo 

On April 28, MBHS held its fourth annual Film Festival at the Bay Theater. The event is a captivating way to highlight the MBHS’ aspiring filmmakers, as well as make way for our school’s community to come together and share special moments of laughter. There were 17 finalists across all categories that were showcased at the event competing in six categories. The house was full with students, parents, and members of the Morro Bay community, all to come and support the young filmmakers of MBHS. 

The doors opened at 6:30 p.m., and there was already a line of students out the door excited to get in their seats. Tickets were $5 for students, and $10 for adults. Students stocked up on snacks and sat down in preparation of the six categories ahead. They kicked off with the Animation category, with films “Starcrossed Failure” by sophomore Dian Lewis, and “Nuestros Semenjaentes” by junior Abby Ryan. Both of these films were creatively put together, and the hard work and dedication to their animation easily shined through. In between each category, there was a short three minute break that would allow the judges to pick their favorite film from the category. Ryan took home the title as the winner for the Animation category. However, the winners of each category were kept most secret, until they were all announced together at the very end. 

Following Animation, the Comedy category was shown next. This category had three films, and each one had its own uniqueness and clever humor. The films showcased were, “Bad Therapy,” once again by Lewis, “Noah Moreno: Hall Monitor” by senior Noah Moreno, and “A Bike Video,” by sophomore Cameron D’Aunoy, and juniors Dexter Parks, & Nathan Fuller. Senior Lucas Huss’ personal favorite from the whole Film Festival was from this very category, “I would say Noah’s film is my favorite, it was hilarious and it very easily enjoyed,” Huss said. “I really enjoy the sense of community the Film Festival brings and I love to see everyone get together for a night.” 

Then it was time for the Drama category featuring the films “988! Dial Now!” by Lewis, “Five More Minutes” by freshman Norah Belsanti, and “Savior Cowgirl” by junior Emerson Jacquay. The category winner was Lewis, and Jacquay notably won “Best In Show” overall for the whole festival, selected by the panel of judges in the theatre. Jacquay’s film was an absolute hit, and had everyone talking about it even following the event. Then came the intermission, a nice time for people to get up, stretch and talk about the films that they had just seen and express excitement or nerves regarding the next ones. Students got snacks and promptly settled down for the next three categories.

Act two of the event was kicked off with the Foreign Language category, featuring the films, “Cultura De La Propina” by sophomores Matt Haggard & Atticus Feldman, “La Escaladora” by sophomores Shelby Taylor and Sedona Silverling and junior Astrid Barnett-Davis and “Mamas De Voleibol” by juniors Lucy Duprey, Haley Hart, Abby Tuller, Philline Asuncion & Bridget O’Leary. This category had most students working on the films, mainly because films became a project for the Spanish classes at the time so it all worked out. “Mamas De Voleibol” won for this category, and it was a great accomplishment for the band of juniors. 

Then it was time for the suspenseful category that is Horror. The titles for this category were, “The Shadow That Follows You” by juniors Ashley Beltrama, Andre De Angles & Zoe Fitzwater, “Stalker” by freshman Noah Lewis, and “Buddy?” by Bridget Molina-Avila. Each and every film carried a suspenseful feeling that had you sitting at the edge of your seat and if you blinked even for a second, something could be very easily missed.