The Gainesville High School Digital Media and Film team (aka Audio Video Technology or AV Tech) was recently selected as a Top 15 finalist in the International 100-Hour Film Race, the only high school team to be selected as a finalist. The remaining finalists are independent and professional film teams. The competition involved 76 submissions from around the worldwide.
The GHS team's featured film advanced to the next round of competition, and the winner will be announced at the International Film Screening Premiere and Awards Program on March 13, 2019 at the Strand Theater in Marietta. This is the first time that digital media and film students at Gainesville High School have participated in this type of competition under the guidance of the school’s new Audio Video Technology instructor, Dr. Joseph Miller.
The International 100 Hour Film Race is an annual international film competition in which filmmakers from around the world are challenged to create an entire film in 100 hours using a surprise theme, prop, and action provided at the beginning of the competition. Click here to read an earlier story with detailed information about the competition and the students' work.
"I'm not sure that I have ever been more proud of a group of students," said Miller. "These students came together and did something that I wasn't really sure was possible. Not that I doubted their ability to create, but I doubted my ability to lead them and pull it all together. They created a real short film team and competed against some of the best independent film crews around the globe." Dr. Miller was impressed with how these students worked collectively as a team within a short time frame to create a great film with professionalism, diligence, and commitment. It was even more impressive to be chosen as a finalist considering the team's lack of experience in competing in a film competition. Miller stated, "Being the only high school to compete and also be selected in the top 20% of a global competition is validation to me that...1. I'm doing something right and ...2. GHS students are up for the challenge. We only have to believe in them."
