Ernest Righetti High School sophomore Mason Graham was recently accepted to the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival with his film “The Grimm Truth,” which will screen in the Filmmakers of Tomorrow competition.
More than a dozen films were selected from around the world, and Graham’s film, completed during RHS’s summer film production class, was the only one made in Santa Barbara County selected to screen at this event.
Jaden Samuel (11th grade) and Jayden Mendoza (10th grade), also starred and worked on the film.
“I feel really honored as a filmmaker that I was alongside other films that had bigger budgets. It makes me feel validated as a filmmaker,”Graham said.
“The audience was great; the response was very positive. They made me feel like I succeeded with entertaining,” he said. “The SLO Film Festival staff treated me very well.
“I could easily relate to the moderator who was also a selected filmmaker for the Filmmakers of Tomorrow showcase when he was in school. It was great to be able to relate to him as a filmmaker, and he understood what it was like to make films as a high school student. The staff treated me like a real filmmaker, which made me feel very special and respected.
“The best part was the Q & A because the audience and the moderator asked me questions. Their genuine interest in me as an artist made me feel very respected and appreciated.
“This was confirmation of my skill, that my films are worthy enough to be presented at the world class SLO International Film Festival. It encourages me to pursue film later in my life.
“This experience gives me high hopes for my future as a filmmaker showcasing my work to audiences,” Graham said.
“I’m so proud of Mason. He works very hard in my class and completes work at a very high level as evidenced by this selection,” said Jacob Gustafson, RHS media arts teacher.
“The SLO International Film Festival is a very prestigious festival, often cited as one of the best in the country and the competition for acceptance is fierce,” Gustafson said. “Mason is very passionate about film and always works hard in my class.
“Beyond that he’s also kind, helpful, curious, and collaborative with other students embodying the ideal student filmmaker in my program.
“I emphasize leadership, collaboration, use of technology for creative problem solving, and filmmaking craft and Mason excels at all of these skills. I’m lucky to have him.”