2024 Student Film Festival
The Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles (LACLA) Presents:
The 14TH Annual Student Film Festival
Celebrating the voice and vision of young filmmakers, we proudly showcase short films by students hailing from the multifaceted regions of Los Angeles - from the Valley to South L.A., and from East L.A. to Venice.
key dates
April 21, 2024 - Event Date
ATTEND
Welcome to the 14th Annual LACLA Student Film Festival!
Calling all movie lovers and future filmmakers! The 14th Annual LACLA Student Film Festival is here. This year, join us for a showcase of incredible short films by talented middle and high school students. From animation to documentaries, the festival highlights the next generation of storytellers shaping the future of cinema. Join us in celebrating LA's young filmmaking stars!
Reserve your spot by filling out the form below or visiting our Eventbrite page.
THE LINE-UP
Ventura, CA
Director/Cinematographer - Dries Vergeer
Synopsis: A heartfelt homage to Ventura, this film is a personal journey through the filmmaker's roots, celebrating the community and memories that shape a sense of home.
Fairy Ring
Director/Writer/Animator: Lidia Hernandez
Synopsis: In this mystical tale, a young huntsman is whisked away into an enchanting fairy realm, only to discover that beneath their alluring smiles lies a hidden layer of intrigue and danger.
I Remember
Director: Izzy Malia Sanborn
Synopsis: A teenager's mixed emotions after losing her boyfriend and her subsequent reconciliation with her responsibilities and family.
Grief
Director/Writer: Kevin Salinas
Synopsis: A touching story about a boy who finds peace after his mother's death through a heartfelt letter she left behind.
Cat Calls
Directed by: Kate McDonough, Harper Anderson
Synopsis: "Cat Calls" invites viewers into a whimsical chase of cat-and-mouse, where a little cat's charm is put to the test in a quest for companionship.
Whispers & Shouts
Director: Charlene de la Cruz
Synopsis: A candid look at the evolution of friendship, "Whispers & Shouts" portrays two high school students as they navigate the bittersweet crossroads of growth.
Room
Director of Photography/Editor: Lauren Smith, Director: Jack Downing
Music Video
Synopsis: "Room" translates musical storytelling into a visual odyssey, exploring the nuanced emotions captured in Bloodshot's lyrical ballad about space, relationships, and self-reflection.
Life's Tides
Director: Julianna Joy Huffman, Ella Jean Clapper, Logan Issaid Carrera, Micah Alan Orr Courvoisier, Courtney Linh Do
Synopsis: Likening life's emotional highs and lows to oceanic tides, this film offers a poetic look at personal growth during low points.
Trapped
Director: Abby Zidonis
Synopsis: A boy with social anxiety attends his first party, exploring the challenges of stepping out of one's comfort zone.
Power
Director: Marion Martinez
Synopsis: Futuristic and suspenseful, "Power" follows two robots on a high-stakes quest for survival, where the hunt for energy becomes a race against the unknown.
Us And Them
Director/Cinematographer: James Conlee -Yorba Linda, CA
Synopsis: A war-time drama that challenges the concept of enemy lines, showing compassion amidst conflict.
I Don't Know You Like I Used To
Director: Alyse Helm
Music Video
Synopsis: A bench bears witness to time's passage, reuniting a couple whose shared history is clouded by the divergence of their memories and realities.
Hair of its Own
Director/Writer/Animator: Lazayah Lannigan
Synopsis: A journey of self-love and acceptance through the eyes of someone learning to embrace their unique traits.
These Thoughts
Director/Animator: Maryjune Concepcion
Synopsis: An animated exploration of the intense pressures faced by students aiming for academic excellence and its mental health impacts.
Last Sun
Director: Alyssa Tito – Van Nuys, CA
Synopsis: Amidst the twilight of teenage rebellion, a solitary young vampire yearns for the warmth of the sun.
Wired
Director: Dean Gofnung
Synopsis: Set in a dystopian future, this film examines a young boy's struggle with screen addiction in a desolate environment.
Beyond the Surface
Director: Kyan Whiten
Synopsis: A deep dive into personal battles, showcasing that everyone's struggle is more than skin deep.
Brightside
Director: Anabelle Corneau
Synopsis: This compelling PSA confronts the shadow of school shootings, urging awareness and action.
For All That Was Lost
Director/Writer: Nolan Crane, Will Hemphill – Newport Beach
Synopsis: Tracing the poignant journey of two brothers and their spouses torn apart by war, this narrative weaves a poignant tapestry of love's resilience and the healing bonds of human connection.
A Fading Canvas
Director: Angela Huang
Synopsis: A young artist loses her passion for painting after her grandmother’s death, exploring themes of loss and recovery.
MEET THE JUDGES
Ernesto Quintero
Creative Director, Higher Ground Entertainment
Ernesto Quintero brings a sharp eye for socially relevant cinema to our panel. His directorial flair is evident in his thought-provoking documentaries that shine a light on critical issues. With accolades from the Imagen Award to the Cine Golden Eagle Award, Ernesto's work, including the heart-rending "A Sacred Journey," resonates with authenticity and compassion.
Vonyse Reeder
Producer, Director, Musician
The dynamic Vonyse Reeder is a true renaissance creative in the entertainment industry. Co-producing shows like “The Situation Shift,” Vonyse is also a champion of mental health awareness and education, bringing a holistic perspective to our festival's mission of fostering talent and nurturing stories that matter.
Dennis Pastorizo
Journalist, TV Host
Charismatic and culturally fluent, Dennis Pastorizo has interviewed the who's who of entertainment across both Spanish and English media. From "AFV en Español" to his impactful presence in the LGBTQIA+ and Latinx communities, Dennis's keen eye for engaging stories brings a wealth of experience to our judging team.
Vera Amaya
Filmmaker
Vera Amaya's films are a canvas where landscapes become muses and storytelling is a collaborative play. With her latest film "First Born" in post-production, Vera has already wowed audiences at festivals worldwide, earning nominations and awards for her compelling storytelling and breathtaking cinematography.
Our judges are not just evaluators of talent; they are mentors, guides, and the torchbearers of the narrative arts. We are honored to have such distinguished personalities join us in celebrating the next wave of filmmakers at the LACLA Student Film Festival.
SUBMIT
Submissions Are Now Closed
We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all the talented filmmakers who submitted their work to this year's LACLA Student Film Festival. The submission period is now officially closed, and our selection panel is in the process of curating a dynamic and diverse festival program from the impressive array of entries received.
Stay tuned for the announcement of our festival lineup.
For those who have submitted, we commend your passion and dedication to the craft of filmmaking. Whether your film has been selected or not, we encourage you to keep honing your skills and pursuing your artistic journey.
Mark your calendars for April 21 2024 , and join us at the Richard A Grant Theater ( Formerly known as the Phantom Theater) at Cathedral High School - 1253 Bishops Road Los Angeles, CA 90012
Legal Notes: By participating, you affirm your authority to submit the film and guarantee that all necessary rights and clearances have been obtained. LACLA holds no responsibility for any claims or liabilities related to the films submitted. We reserve the right to use excerpts and stills from accepted films for promotional activities. Films may be rejected if the appropriate digital file is not provided by the deadline.
For any queries or clarifications, reach out to us at info@lacla.org.
FAQ for LACLA's Annual Student Film Festival
Q: When and where is the festival taking place?
A: The festival is on April 21,2024, at the Richard A. Grant Theater, Cathedral High School, Los Angeles. Doors open at 2:00pm.
Q: How can I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets are free, but please RSVP by visiting www.lacla.org or via our Eventbrite page.
Q: What type of films will be shown?
A: You’ll experience a variety of genres including Animation, Documentary, Experimental, Narrative, and PSA, all created by LA’s brightest young middle and high school filmmakers.
Q: Is the event suitable for all ages?
A: Yes, the festival is a family-friendly event. However, we advise parents to review the films’ summaries as some themes may be more suited for older children.
Q: Can I submit my film for the festival?
A: Submissions for this year are closed. The submission window for next year’s festival will open later this year. Check our website for guidelines and updates.
Q: How are the films judged?
A: Films are judged by a panel of industry professionals and educators based on creativity, storytelling, technical execution, and originality.
Q: Will there be any awards?
A: Yes, awards will be given for Best Film, Best Documentary, Most Creative, and more. Winners will be announced at the end of the festival.
Q: Can I volunteer at the festival?
A: Absolutely! We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Please visit www.lacla.org or email us at info@lacla.org to sign up or learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Q: Who can I contact for more information?
A: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at info@lacla.org
Our Mission:
At the heart of LACLA lies an unwavering dedication to the promotion and cultivation of cultural expression through cinema. Established in 1997 by a passionate collective of Latinx cultural advocates, LACLA emerged in response to the scarcity of local and national platforms celebrating Latinx and Latin American films. Beginning its journey with screenings of iconic Latin American movies in the historic downtown L.A. theater district; LACLA has since flourished, creating immersive experiences for both youth and adults, connecting them to the rich tapestry of Chicanx, Latinx, and Latin American cinema.