The All American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF), the largest annual event for high school filmmakers, recognized 12 Sacred Heart Greenwich Upper School students for their accomplishments. This year, the film festival took place in Kings Theatre, New York City from October 20 to 22. For the upcoming generation of selected filmmakers, the AAHSFF provided an outlet to express their creativity through their filmmaking abilities, according to hsfilmfest.com. Ms. Leah Principe, Upper School Multimedia Assistant Teacher, commented on the accomplishments of Sacred Heart nominees and the honor of this organization’s recognition. Junior Lila Caruso spoke to the King Street Chronicle about her experience as a first-time nominee at the AAHSFF.
Seniors Ella Breitenbach, Devan Jordan, Clare Murray, Jane Murphy, Isabella Nardis, Julia Randolph, and Emily Sedgwick, junior Lila Caruso, sophomores Mia Ritossa and Grace Villar, and alumnae Nadia Borja ’23 and Jacqueline Franco ’23 each produced nominated films. These students submitted their work to various categories, showcasing their skills and experience in filmmaking and the media arts. Judges then viewed and chose the films that they found the most impressive and unique. At the AAHSFF, judges reviewed the nominated film submissions and distributed awards to the best entries from 2,500 high school applicants worldwide.
Co-founders Mr. Tom Oliva and Mr. Andrew Jenks initiated the AAHSFF due to their shared passion for filmmaking. As a result, the two decided to start a film club, and together they organized a local film festival. Then, they decided to expand nationally and embark on the task of building the AAHSFF.
The nominees attended a ceremony where they were officially eligible to win an award through the AAHSFF. Lila and Jacqueline both earned the distinction of Category Nominees for this year’s festival, marking the first occurrence of this achievement for Sacred Heart students. Out of over 2,500 submissions resulting in over 700 Official Selections and around 200 Category Nominees, these two students emerged among the top filmmakers in the nation in their respective categories. Ms. Principe emphasized the level of dedication a student must invest to stand out among thousands of other applicants.
“It is very impressive that these students were selected among the thousands that were submitted,” Ms. Principe said. “I’m so proud that their hard work got recognized and was represented at such a prestigious event.”
Furthermore, the AAHSFF recognized Lila for her films “In Order To Create Chaos” and “Nobody,” which qualified her to become a nominee. This recognition allows audiences to view both of her films in Times Square alongside other award-winning pieces. Lila talked about her first nomination ceremony and her passion for thoughtful filmmaking.
“The films were inspiring and educational,” Lila said. “I am grateful to learn from other filmmakers and have the opportunity at Sacred Heart to create pieces that speak to issues that are relevant and that I care about.”
Featured Image by Sofia Latrille ’25
