Local News
Best of Show
“Secret Agent Annie Mills” Sequoyah High
Created by Justin Clark, Ava Roberts, Hailey Thompson and Lauren Turnage
Runner Up
“Only…” Creekview High
Created by Jackson Estapa, Chloe Feibus, Abram Midyette and Maxton Williams
Third Place High school students throughout the county participated in the film festival.
Student Film Fest Names Winners
Sequoyah High School freshman Ava Roberts and her team took Best in Show at the April Cherokee Student Film Festival, for their entry, “Secret Agent Annie Mills.” “Having grown up doing on-camera acting, I was familiar with the set,” Roberts said. “When I heard about the Cherokee Student Film Festival, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get behind the camera.” The ninth-grader, who also attended the Cherokee Student Film Summit earlier this year, said both opportunities helped shape her skills and interest in working behind the camera. “I know much more about how challenging it is to run a set,” she said. “I have so much respect for directors and producers, and how much organization it takes to get everything together. It’s really important to communicate well.” The festival was presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), in partnership with the Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) audio/video technology and film educators. The winners were announced at this year’s festival, held at Sequoyah High School’s Skip Pope Stadium. “Working alongside the CCSD to prepare students for successful careers in film has led to moviemaking magic,” COED President Misti Martin said. “Events like these are a powerful catalyst for students to launch successful careers within the film industry, and make lifelong connections.” Student films were screened on the Jumbotron as 175 audience members cheered on 19 groups of student filmmakers from across the county. To learn more about film in Cherokee, visit cherokeega.org/film-media.
“Lucid Dream” Cherokee High Created by Hunter Schwartz, Hunter Tadin, Felisa Vasquez and Riley Watkins
Audience Choice Award (Qualifying Entry)
“Unconscious” Sequoyah High
Created by Andrew Kennedy, Tyler Sandt and Gabe Squillace
Audience Choice Award (Participating Entry)
“I Miss You” Sequoyah High
Created by Donovan Victorino, Robyn Walker and Ben Willison
Best Use of Prop
“Wanna Hear a Scary Story” Etowah High
Created by Sophia Berry, Marissa Migneco and Kaili Phillips
Best Cinematography
“Secret Agent Annie Mills” Sequoyah High
Created by Justin Clark, Ava Roberts, Hailey Thompson and Lauren Turnage
Best Sound Quality
“Lucid Dream” Cherokee High
Created by Hunter Schwartz, Hunter Tadin, Felisa Vasquez and Riley Watkins
Best Use of Line
Sequoyah High’s Lauren Turnage, Ava Roberts, Hailey Thompson and Justin Clark took top honors for “Secret Agent Annie Mills.” 22
AROUND CANTON | June 2022
Robyn Walker, Donovan Victorino and Ben Wilson celebrate after learning they got the most votes in the audience choice category.
“Security Breach” Woodstock High
Created by Taylor Collins, Alex Manser, Riley McCall and Brody Yot
