Student Films Earn Accolades

Upper School students showcased their creativity and skills through filmmaking at the annual University School of Milwaukee Student Film Festival, for which students shot, edited, and produced films that were entered into one of several categories. Students worked under the guidance of Upper School Librarian Laura Klein. 

The films were played to Upper School students during community time on Friday, April 26, and the showcase was emceed by Nathan Merriweather ’24 and Fred Fitzsimmons ’25.

Congratulations to the following students, who were awarded first place in their categories:

Aida El-Hajjar ’27, marketing and communications, “Club Film”
Anand George ’26 and Drew Nerbun ’26, health video, “Hallucinogens”
Jorge Guifarro ’25, most artistic, “a two-week art journey”
Jackie Jiménez ’24, documentary, “Rigoberto!”
Nolan Schenker ’24, digital journalism, “Giannis Antetokounmpo”

Many thanks to all of our Upper School entrants for their excellent, creative work, as well as the festival sponsors: Milwaukee Film, Bricks & Minifigs Northshore MKE, and Boswell Book Company.

In addition to the USM Student Film Festival, several students competed in the Wisconsin Schools Film Festival hosted by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association. The following films received awards from the WISDAA:

“Club Film” by Aida El-Hajjar ’27
All-State, Outstanding Cinematography, Outstanding Editing, and Outstanding Sound

"a two-week art journey" by Jorge Guifarro ’25
All-State, Outstanding Cinematography, Outstanding Editing, and Outstanding Special Effects

“Rigoberto!” by Jackie Jiménez ’24
All-State, Outstanding Cinematography, Outstanding Editing, and Outstanding Screenplay