HCS students showcase films at Virginia Film Festival

Hampton City Schools students recently participated in the Virginia Film Festival as part of the Next Generation Storytellers (NGS) showcase, an experience they described as inspiring, energizing, and unforgettable. Their student-produced films were featured on the big screen alongside projects from young filmmakers across the region, creating a celebration of creativity and storytelling talent.

 

Students had the opportunity to discuss their films, share insights about their production process, and learn how other teams approached their work. A highlight of the event was meeting Ben Mankiewicz of Turner Classic Movies, who spoke about his passion for film and offered valuable industry perspectives—an exciting moment for the aspiring filmmakers.

 

The experience aligns with the division’s Hollywood to Hampton program, which immerses high school students in the fundamentals of filmmaking. The yearlong program guides students through the process of creating original short films, from scriptwriting to production and editing. By summer 2026, participants will complete three 10–15 minute films to be submitted to the 2026 Next Generation Storytellers Film Festival.

 

The program includes three key components:

• Screenwriting 101 (Weeks 1–9): Developing story structure and crafting scripts

• Movies 101 (Weeks 11–28): Learning directing, shooting techniques, and behind-the-camera skills

• Production & Post-Production (Week 28): Filming and editing final projects

The Virginia Film Festival provided students with both recognition and motivation, reinforcing the power of storytelling and fueling their enthusiasm to continue growing as filmmakers.