On Wednesday, February 22, the J.W. Nixon High School Film Club submission “En Camino” was awarded Second Place and was named State Champion Runner-up in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Film State Contest in the 5A Narrative category. The ceremony was held at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library at the University of Texas in Austin.
“En Camino,” written and directed by Isabella Lopez, tells the story of a high school student who searches for his artistic voice as he navigates everyday life on the Texas-Mexico border. The film gained superior reviews from the UIL judges as it advanced from level to level.
Additionally, the film is also the Nobility Social Impact Award Prize for the 5A Conference, which celebrates student films that inform their audience about issues that affect their communities and inspire social change.
According to members of the Film Club it’s been such an honor getting to bring this film to light. The late nights and early mornings were worth it!
Sponsor Marco Gonzalez is incredibly proud to see his students come up with an idea and work day and night tirelessly to execute that idea.
“The students developed and workshopped the script for a little over a year. I am proud of them for having the patience to see this project through its completion,” said VMT Radio/TV/Film Teacher and Nixon High School Film Club Sponsor, Marco Gonzalez. “I am especially proud of them for choosing such thoughtful subject matter. Being a high school student has obstacles many of us are unaware of. I hope this specific border community story resonates with a wider audience.”
At the state contest Nixon High School competed against films from Longview High School, McAllen High School, Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin, and Boerne Champion High School.
The full cast and crew includes Writer/Director, Isabella Lopez; Directors of Photography, Tabatha Calderon and Edgar Rodriguez; Editor, Tabatha Calderon; Assistant Director/Props, Amalie Verastigui; Production Manager, Alyssa Cabriales; Asst. Director of Photography, Alejandra Rodriguez; Production Assistants, Bella Dancause, Michael Leija, Maya Lopez, Valeria Montemayor, and Lorne Valls-Sandel; Audio Assistants, Bella Dancause, Alyssa Cabriales, and Maya Lopez; Boom Operators, Alyssa Cabriales, Kaitlyn Mata, Jesse Padilla and Rey Tijerina; and Costumer, Maya Lopez.
The film is now available for public viewing at the following link; https://vimeo.com/790676925.