Celebrating future cinematographers with a Hollywood-style, red carpet affair, the third-annual Fire Reel Film Festival Awards Gala was held Feb. 19 at Sachse High School.
“Each year I am in awe of how great the films are, and this year was no exception,” said Northlake Elementary School PE teacher and Fire Reel Film Festival host John Beltz. “The films were extraordinary examples of what Garland ISD students and staff are capable of creating with technology.”
More than 250 participants from 17 campuses submitted 49 video productions in the 2014-15 competition. While a panel of judges critiqued most entries, more than 1,400 individual votes determined the People’s Choice Award.
During the event, participants signed a large, commemorative poster, while others posed for photos and provided on-camera interviews for Sachse’s “Mustang Report.” The audience then enjoyed an engaging show, complete with entertainment breaks from Sachse’s comedy improv troupe—JOTS—and the district’s Mariachi Estrellas. Twelve district teachers and administrators served as presenters, awarding 28 Best in Category titles.
“This is my first time doing Fire Reel. I got nominated and was really happy about that,” said Jackson Technology Center for Math and Science student Maisha Ahmed. “It feels awesome winning [four awards]. That just made my day.”
Like Ahmed, North Garland High School senior Ilce Villeda-Principe also took multiple wins home, including Movie of the Year.
“It is surprising. I was only expecting one award,” she revealed. “I worked hard on my submission. I feel really proud.”
Sachse High School technology applications teacher Brian CdeBaca believes one of the Festival’s finest attributes is that it rewards dedication and diligence.
“It was an amazing feeling to see students on stage and all the hard work—the planning, directing, editing and hours in post-production—be recognized. It was very rewarding,” he said. “The most valuable thing I think the students get out of this competition is real-life experience. They learn skills working with technology, collaborating, communicating and thinking creatively. Those are all things that they can take and use in and outside the classroom.”
Beltz hopes many more sign up for this experience in the future.
“I hope the Festival grows even larger next year. I hope there are more entries and more people at Gala night to experience how cool the ceremony really is.”
To see a complete list of 2014-15 Fire Reel Film Festival winners, visit the competition’s website.