Student Filmmakers Set to Shine at Showcase
by Public Information Office on Apr 18, 2025GILROY, CA – Gavilan College will host its 8th Annual Film Showcase on Saturday, April 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the theater on the Gilroy campus. The free event will feature approximately 25 student films and conclude with an awards presentation for outstanding filmmaking achievements. The showcase presents films created by students in Gavilan's Film, Television and Electronic Media program.
"I believe this year's showcase will feature some of the strongest student films our program has ever produced," said Grant Richards, instructor in the Film department. "We have an incredible range of genres this year, with more comedies than ever before. Our students have created truly remarkable work, and I'm excited for the community to experience what they've accomplished."
One standout film this year is set during the Salem Witch Trials, created by student filmmaker Marti Silent (Marissa Martinez). This period piece follows a woman accused of witchcraft who escapes, only to be pursued by townspeople forming a mob. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks as the woman later tells her daughter the story.
Following the screenings, the showcase will conclude with "The Gavys," an awards ceremony recognizing excellence in categories including best drama, comedy, director, screenwriter, editor, cinematographer, actor and actress. Winners from the program's 72-hour film competition will also be honored. Students traditionally dress formally for the ceremony and are encouraged to give acceptance speeches.
The Film, Television and Electronic Media program at Gavilan offers both an Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT) degree and a certificate program. The program has a strong track record of students transferring to four-year institutions including UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, USC, Chapman University, San Diego State, San Francisco State and CSU Monterey Bay. Program graduates have gone on to successful careers in the film industry, with many finding immediate employment opportunities.
"What makes our program unique is that we're very practical," Richards said. "Students learn all the skills and jobs on set by actually doing them. They might not know they love editing until they've tried it, or they might discover that working with lighting is their true passion. We make sure they learn all aspects of filmmaking, which gives them a significant advantage when they enter the industry."
The practical, hands-on nature of Gavilan's program distinguishes it from many four-year university film programs. Local industry employers, including Community Media Access Partnership (CMAP), regularly hire Gavilan students because of their practical skills and experience.
The showcase is free and open to the public. The theater at Gavilan College seats 400 people, and organizers expect a capacity crowd for this year's event.