I'm proud to update you all on the results from the UIL Young Filmmakers State Finalist Showcase on March 5th at the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas. It was a huge thrill to take a group of aspiring filmmakers to see our documentary entry, "South Texas Maize - An Evolution in Agriculture" showcased on the big screen. The film finished competition as one of the top 6 documentaries in Texas for Division 1 (1A-4A) schools. To make it to this level, the film had to score higher than more than 100 film entries, and while we didn't end up in the top three, we had the privilege of hearing laughter, and best of all, enthusiastic applause from an audience of young people in the packed theater. There's no better feeling.
If you haven't seen the film, yet, you won't regret taking 7 minutes out of your busy life to watch a great story inspired by our neighbors in Hondo, Texas. The Grafs were so gracious and welcomed our student film crew out on multiple occasions to get video and photography needed for the production. Most important, they took time out of their busy lives to tell their story. We hope we made them proud, and we thank them for the support they showed our school.
Please, enjoy the film! Feel free to share how many "thumbs up" or "jalapenos" or "likes" you would award. See ACTUAL judges' comments below, and add your own review, if you like. Want to give your students some writing practice? Show the film to the entire class and ask them to write a review for extra credit! Make sure you let them know a team of LHS Skull Studios students produced the film, and it was completed thanks to the diligence of Junior Joshua VanDong, who edited lots of footage and interviews into a great 7-minute story.
Judges designated this film for the Social Impact Award, citing, "This is a great depiction of issues revolving around farming communities."
Additional Judges comments on the film are as follows:
"Unique and interesting topic – definitely has a unique cultural and regional perspective and gives us a peek into the life and agricultural pride of Texas. Opening music and subject interviewed (farmer) was just beautiful and authentic in its impact on the audience. Immediate audience buy-in and emotional value with the subject matter.Great work in communicating the values to the audience and explaining the history of the family culture in the documentary. The filmmaker has a clear understanding of the structure and development of a documentary film – clear and evident. Love the continuing development of how we got from the struggle to success – definitely a powerful story and one that audiences love to see. Overall – Some very nice work in shot selection, interview subjects, and background on how the culture of “South Texas Maize” has such an impact and transforms the community. Great work!"
"Quite an interesting documentary! So professionally produced. It was as if watching on the television. All elements of a quality documentary were exhibited. Congratulations on a job well done." Freddie Buckner Film Judge
"I loved the information you give right in the beginning. I think highlighting agriculture in our digital day and age helps remind people how important farming and agriculture still is in today's society. The story of how the Corn Maize came to existence was interesting. I love how you were able to capture children, adults, and workers interacting on the farm and being engulfed in so many activities on the grounds. I feel like some narration of the facts may have helped, but overall you did a great job highlighting a dwindling, yet a very important industry. Great job and keep filming!"
"Loved this film! The "character" of the farmer was either a purposeful or a lucky choice - he was perfect for this reflective piece. I found this very creative and uplifting and enlightening."