On Thursday, February 27, the Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts and J.W. Nixon High School filmmakers submission “Sideline," was awarded First Place and was named State Champion in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Film State Contest in the 5A Narrative division. The ceremony was held at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library at the University of Texas in Austin.
“Sidelined,” written, directed and edited by student Lorne Valls-Sandel follows a teenage soccer player, whose athletic future is jeopardized when a closely guarded secret is revealed to the team.
Valls-Sandel began writing the film last summer before his senior year. The film was shot over five days during the winter break before being submitted in the UIL contest where it received exceptional reviews from the UIL judges as it advanced from level to level.
This is the film club’s fourth appearance at state. Appearances include "Dirty Laundry" (State Champion Runner-Up - 2017), "Nothing Changes" (State Champion - 2020), "En Camino" (State Champion Runner-Up - 2023) and now "Sidelined" (State Champion – 2025) marks the second time they won the state championship under the guidance of VMT Radio/TV/Film teacher, Marco Gonzalez.
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.
“When making a film, our goal is to always show something honest and human,” said VMT Radio/TV/Film Teacher and Film Club Sponsor, Marco Gonzalez. “The subject matter of this year's film is timely and incredibly personal for Writer/Director, Lorne Valls-Sandel. I couldn't be prouder of him and the entire filmmaking team.”
At the state contest Nixon High School competed against films from College Station A&M Consolidated High School, Harlingen South High School, Mount Pleasant High School, PSJA North High School, and Mission Sharyland High School
Other crew members of the filmmaking team include Maya Lopez, Director of Photography; Melinda Lopez, Production Manager; Alyssa Cabriales, Sound Mixer/Recorder; Joseph Chavarría Sound Mixer/Recorder; Christine Vasquez, Prop Master; Daniel Garcia Costumes/Special FX Makeup; Carlos Leon, Production Assistant; and José Mendoza, Production Assistant.