TOWSON, MD—Several award-winning student films were showcased recently at the 2023 BCPS Film Expo.

Held on May 16 at The Senator Theatre, the BCPS Film Expo is Baltimore County’s largest student film competition. In its eighth year, the competition attracted 148 film and GIF entries from 27 schools, including the Virtual Learning Program. Ten films were selected as favorites by the competition judges and were awarded prizes. These 10 films can be viewed online.

“BCPS values the arts as vital opportunities for our students to develop skills and express themselves,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “The annual film competition provides a wonderful platform for students from across the county to showcase their artistic vision and technical ability. I applaud our award winners and every student who submitted a film, and I thank their teachers and families.”

The following prizes were awarded for 2023:

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Animated GIF
Alexander Olive, Perry Hall Middle School – “The Melee”

Animation
Ashley Coyoy-Ixcot, Perry Hall Middle School – “A Memorable Routine”

Live-Action
Bryanna Taylor and Emmy London, Pine Grove Middle School – “The Life of Sunset”

HIGH SCHOOL

Animated GIF
Nathaniel Fink, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology – “Colorful Cube into Water”

Animation
Emma Plunkert, Hereford High School – “Tea Time”

Documentary
Wilson Liam Siegel, Dulaney High School – “The Art Of Conservation: EPISODE 1, The Horticulture Teacher”

Experimental
Melanie Saenz, Chesapeake High School – “Noise Cancellation”

Live Action
Katheryn Bell, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology – “The Fugitive”

Promotional
Viviana Staicu, Eastern Technical High School – “African Student Association Montage”

Short Form
Ajit Thapa Magar, Perry Hall High School – “Peaceful Scenery”

External judges for the 2023 competition were: Phil Davis, associate professor, digital art and animation, Towson University; David Egan, film and television editor and BCPS alumnus; Christopher Ernst, associate professor of film and moving image, Stevenson University; Vin Grabill, associate professor, emeritus, cinematic arts, UMBC; Jamie Gross, film and television editor; Chung Wei Huang, film director and professorial lecturer, American University; Steve Miller, artist and media professional; Tim Nohe, professor, visual arts, UMBC; and Jeff Otradovec, filmmaker/video instructor, The Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts.

The 2023 Expo Committee was comprised of the following BCPS educators: Jason Adelung, Western School of Technology; Joel Baldwin, Perry Hall Middle School; Camille Gibson, BCPS Office of Visual Arts; Rebecca Meiller McCullagh, Eastern Technical High School; Brandon Nicklas, Lansdowne High School; Sam Tillman, Hereford High School; Ryan Twentey, BCPS Office of Visual Arts; and Rachel Valsing, Johnnycake Elementary School.

The Film Expo was sponsored by The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., the BCPS Office of Visual Arts, and The Senator Theatre.

Photo via BCPS