Paul Revere Hosts Seventh Annual Film Festival, Announces Winners

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

Paul Revere Charter Middle School hosted its seventh annual student Film Festival on Friday, April 9, which was screened virtually on Vimeo.

The festival was launched seven years ago by Palisadian Lisa Robins to offer students a creative outlet: Robins has since passed the leadership torch to Debbie Sachs and Sage Grandy.

Last year was Paul Revere’s first virtual film festival—Sachs and Grandy said the big surprise was how much everybody loved it.

“It really was a success … once again, Revere students have really shown their perseverance and resilience through this year, and we are so proud of all of our filmmakers,” the duo said to the Palisadian-Post. “This year was another success. Since school has remained virtual this entire year, we really felt like the festival was more important than ever. It has been a great way for kids to express their creativity during this time and another way to stay connected to Revere.”

Sachs and Grandy said about 40 films were selected for the film festival this year, with categories ranging from live action and documentaries to animation, music videos and public service announcements.

Professionals from the entertainment industry watched and scored the films, determining third-, second- and first-place winners in each category. This year’s judges were Shabrayia Cleaver, Fred Coury, Jeff Judah, T.K. Knowles, Deniese Lara, Eli Nilsen A.C.E., Pamela Thomas and Frank Wolf.

The 2021 winners for best commercial were “Apple — No Need to Break a Sweat” by Zoey Morris in third, “Lockdown” by Conor Greene in second and “Airpods” by Audrey Smith in first place.

For best music video, “Hallelujah” by Leena Adeli and Izzy Kocher placed third, “Ring Around’’ by Kayla Ring placed second, and “I’m Not Giving Up” by Ryan Carpenter and Anna Song took home first.

The winners for best documentary were Abigail and Isabella James’ “Dogmentry” in third place, Viktoria Amarillas “We Are All Equal” in second place and Nyriah Wright’s “The Dancer” in first.

In the best live action category, Ella White’s “Shut the Box” placed third, Aïssatou Diallo’s “Jack ‘The Not So Great’” placed second and “Writer’s Room” by Jonah Sachs placed first.

In best public service announcement, Sienna Monnier’s “Heal the Bay” and Elizabeth Amarillas’ “Don’t Give 2021 Any Ideas” tied for third place, Aliya Redding’s “The Plastic Pandemic” placed second, and Leena Adeli and Izzy Kocher’s “A Smile Goes a Long Way” placed first.

For best animation, “Daytona USA: The Film” by Ronan Suarez placed third, “Hardwired” by Ella Johnson placed second and “2020, History Has Its Eyes on Us” by Kayla Ring placed first.

“We had many films this year tackling the injustice in the world,” Sachs and Grandy said. “I think this really provided the kids with an emotional outlet in these turbulent times.”

All filmmakers will receive a participation prize, and the writers, directors and editors of winning films will receive trophies and gift cards.

“This film festival is so important because it really embodies the spirit of Paul Revere Middle School,” the duo concluded. “It’s kids from all over the city expressing their unique voices. The students are so supportive and inspired by one another. It really is incredible to witness.”