Four Righetti High School students were winners at the 5th Annual Central Coast Film Society’s Student Showcase, May 17.
Open to all high school film students on the Central Coast, the showcase offered awards for categories such as Best Film, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
Presented at San Luis Obispo High School’s performing arts center, the showcase screened several films from the Central Coast.
Krystian Zarate, a Righetti High School senior, won the Best Documentary award for his film “Dealing Cards.” He also took home a $250 scholarship.
“It felt good to win this award, it made me feel proud of myself,” Zarate said. “I worked very hard on this film, and it was great to have that work be appreciated by other professional filmmakers on the jury.
“The Central Coast Film Festival created a great event that was very fun. They always do a good job with their events, and I felt welcome,” Zarate said.
“I’m going to Allan Hancock College next year, and I am already registered for several film classes. I’m ready to make more films and increase my skill set.”
Honorable Mention awards for screenwriting for their film “The Were-Doberman” were given to seniors Nathan Quesada, Shane Davis, Krystian Zarate, Junghyun Nam, Xavier Mendoza, and Joseph Esparza.
Also receiving an Honorable Mention for directing was “To Catch a Creature,” made by Joseph Esparza, Krysitan Zarate, Asher Dedek, Nathan Quesada, Jaden Samuel, Erick Youngern, and Drazen Peinado.
“I was shocked to win two honorable mentions,” said Esparza. “My greatest accomplishment was making the audience laugh with both films; it was great getting the audience response to my work. “Plus, it’s a great resume builder, and a great experience overall.
“The money can really help students in need as well,” he said. “I feel like I actually accomplished something. My scripts worked in the way I intended. I got laughs where I wanted and shocks where I wanted.
“The Central Coast Film Society showed respect to us as filmmakers, and the audience was very respectful during the screenings as well.
“This event shows young filmmakers that they can accomplish things with their work with this recognition.”
“It feels great to be recognized as a filmmaker by the Central Coast Film Society,” said Davis. “It felt really great hearing everyone laugh and the appreciation for my pug Elle, star of the ‘Were-Doberman.’
“It’s great the Central Coast Film Society got a wide array of films. This event is inspiring for young filmmakers to see how well connected Central Coast is for future careers like filmmaking,” Davis said.
“I have been in the film program for three years, and this is the first time my films have been accepted to an outside film festival. I’m proud and happy to receive this recognition,” he said.
“This was a great event,” said teacher Jacob Gustafson. “The Central Coast Film Society did a fantastic job celebrating and encouraging young filmmakers on the Central Coast. I wish something like this existed when I was a young film student.
“Putting together an event of this magnitude is a lot of work, and I really appreciate everyone that put it together. I’m so happy for my students.
“All of these students have been with me for at least three years, and they have always worked hard from day one,” he said. “I’m so proud of their work and all the effort they put into everything they do.
“I’m so glad their work has been appreciated this year outside of my classroom. These young men have done fantastic work in my class, and their enthusiasm has been contagious,” Gustafson said.
“I really appreciate the judges and the Central Coast Film Society for recognizing their hard work and giving them a wonderful boost to their confidence.
“These students are some of the best I’ve ever had, and I’m really sad to see them leave my program, but I know they will be successful in their futures. These students know how to work and have fun while doing it.
“After seeing such strong work from around the Central Coast, I know the future of film is safe in the hands of this next generation,” Gustafson said.
The Central Coast Film Society is a nonprofit organization with the mission to increase the number of films made on the Central Coast; facilitate collaboration and connection between local filmmakers; and mentor young filmmakers.
“The organization also hosts an annual workshop to educate filmmakers of all skill levels to reach higher levels of success and technical skill.