Tartan Filmmakers Leap into Action Over Spring Break

St. Margaret’s Tartan filmmakers represented on the national stage. From film festivals in Seattle and Aspen to exciting summer opportunities at USC, these young storytellers are making their mark in the world of film.

St. Margaret’s student films were featured in the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) 48 Hour Film Off competition in Seattle, Washington recently. The students had just two days to write, shoot, and edit a short original film using required elements: a mirror as a prop and the line of dialogue, “I have been waiting for this.”

The first film, Rewind, created by Ani Alyanakian and Vivian Li, tells the gripping story of a young girl who discovers a button that can reverse time—and uses it to correct her mistakes, with unexpected and dire consequences.

The second film, Washing Away, by Coco Johnson and Mac Ullem, explores the emotional challenges of friendship, centering on two friends navigating the news that one is moving away the summer before their senior year.

Both films were screened in front of live audiences at NFFTY, the largest youth film festival in the world. The films were met with positive reception, showcasing the creativity and dedication of St. Margaret’s student filmmakers.

In addition to the two films showcased, Carson Good attended the NFFTY festival, engaging in screenings and workshops aimed at college-bound filmmakers. The experience was both inspiring and educational, offering a glimpse into the global community of young filmmakers.

Elsewhere in cinematic arts, Timothy Lindenfelser served on the youth jury at Aspen Film’s Shortsfest for the third consecutive year. Celebrating its 34th year, the Oscar-qualifying festival featured 68 short films from 29 countries and is known for discovering emerging cinematic voices.

In addition, Timothy, Carson, and Vivian Li have been accepted into the prestigious USC Cinematic Arts Summer Program, where they’ll take college-level courses in filmmaking over six weeks this summer—an incredible opportunity to deepen their craft and prepare for future careers in film.

Tartan filmmakers are gearing up for the Spring Film Festival, scheduled for Thursday, May 15.