The FirstDance Film Festival returned to Westchester Community College’s Gateway Center on Wednesday, April 29, showcasing films from seven Southern Westchester BOCES students for an audience that included family, friends, teachers and members of school and SWBOCES administration.
“The students did amazing work,” said Michael May, the Video Production teacher at the Center for Career Services who organized the event and served as emcee. “Filmmaking is not an easy thing. I give my students a lot of credit for persevering, being professional, and knowing that this is part of expanding their career.”
The film festival, now in its second year, premiered seven short films that were directed and produced by students in May’s Video Production class. Additionally, a film co-directed by seniors Tyler Luisi and Jake Olivier that earned a gold medal at the SkillsUSA Area IV Regional Competition this winter was screened for the audience.
“It was a lot of fun working on the movie, but it was definitely a lot of work,” said Luisi, an Eastchester High School student whose film, “Monster Hunters,” earned Best Picture. “Mr. May was tough on us to make sure we got everything done, but it was great seeing everything come together. I was very happy with the final product.”
Three students had their films recognized with awards to cap the festival. Luisi’s film earned both Best Picture and Best Editing. Jake Olivier, who also attends Eastchester, earned Best Cinematography for his film, “Scourge of Suburbia,” while White Plains’ Alan Arizmend was selected for Best Screenplay for his film, “The Man in the Shining Armor.”
The evening also included contributions from Damian Powers’ Advertising & Graphic Design students, who teamed with student directors to produce movie posters, which were on display outside the screening room. Mr. Powers even appeared as an actor in one of the films.
Sean Harty’s Audio Production students also played a key role helping to improve the audio tracks and sound effects in the productions.
“It was a very exciting day,” Mr. May said. “I’m very proud of everybody and I appreciate everyone for coming out — the administration, the friends, the family members — and participating in such an exciting event.”
FirstDance Film Festival
One of Us - Directed by Eduardo Lozano
Technically in Love - Directed by Tyler Balancia
The BnB Trap - Directed by Eli Shriber
Hunter’s Resolve - Directed by Lorenzo Gerardi
Scourge of Suburbia - Directed by Jake Olivier (Best Cinematography)
Monster Hunters - Directed by Tyler Luisi (Best Picture, Best Editing)
The Man in the Shining Armor - Directed by Alan Arizmend (Best Screenplay)
SkillsUSA-Recognized Films
Bodybag - Directed by Jake Olivier and Tyler Luisi (SkillsUSA winner)