After a successful launch last year, the FirstDance Film Festival — a Southern Westchester BOCES event that showcases outstanding student filmmaking— will return on April 29, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Westchester Community College’s Gateway Center Building.
The festival will showcase a selection of short films created and produced by students in Michael May’s Video Production classes at the Center for Career Services. Students in the Audio Production and Advertising & Graphic Design programs will also play key roles in bringing the event to life.
“Last year’s festival was a tremendous success, and I’m excited to see this year’s films take it to the next level,” said Dahlia Jackson, Director of the Center for Career Services. “I look forward to seeing the culmination of our students’ hard work.”
That enthusiasm is shared by May, who said he’s eager to build on the momentum of last year’s inaugural festival.
“I’m very happy with the students’ effort,” May said. “They have worked really hard on the projects. It is asking a lot of them to make short films that rival college-level work. It’s a testament to the program and to the creativity of the kids.”
The 2025 festival featured original student films, most created specifically for the film festival. Some were produced for and won awards at SkillsUSA competitions. Two of the graduating seniors finished in first place at SkillsUSA New York.
“Last year set the bar high for these kids,” May said. “I’m proud of them and I’m excited to see the end result.”
Already this year, May’s program has earned more hardware. Seniors Jake Olivier and Tyler Luisi combined to earn first place in the Digital Cinema Production competition at SkillsUSA’s Regional Competition last month, earning them the right to compete again at the state level this spring.
In addition to showcasing the talent of Video Production students, this year’s film festival will highlight other programs as well. Audio Production students are refining the sound for the films, while Advertising & Graphic Design students are designing promotional movie posters.
Cosmetology students contributed their makeup artistry skills, and other students throughout campus served as actors, demonstrating the broad collaboration that helps define the event.
The FirstDance Film Festival promises to once again be an exciting showcase of talent, creativity and teamwork.