The inaugural Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival, hosted by the Minority Scholars Program, made a profound statement against racism. Held on Feb. 24 at the prestigious AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, the event showcased the talents and insights of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students. Through their documentaries, these young filmmakers conveyed powerful messages emphasizing the imperative of eliminating racism from educational settings. With over 100 attendees, the festival was a testament to the community’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Out of the twelve compelling films presented at the festival, three stood out as exemplary in their delivery and impact. The winning films and their creators are as follows:
“School within a School” by Sofia Woldeab, Montgomery Blair High School
“ESOL Isolation” by Camina Sanchez, Asnakech UHL, Elizabeth Covino, and Isabella Vilchez, Rockville High School
“Power of Words” by Jarvinia Thopae, Hasini Shanthakumar, Sneha Swaminthan, and Aarav Bhatia, Lakelands Park Middle School
These films tackled a range of pertinent issues, from microaggressions and dress codes to cultural appropriation and stereotypes. Each production served as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to combat all forms of hate and discrimination.
Notably, finalists hailed from eight schools across Montgomery County, including Blair, Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Northwest high schools, as well as Lakelands Park, Odessa Shannon, Forest Oak, and Parkland middle schools. Their diverse perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques contributed to the festival’s success and underscored the importance of amplifying youth voices in the fight against racism.
The Youth Anti-Racist Film Festival not only showcased the creative talents of MCPS students but also provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and reflection on crucial societal issues. As the event concluded, it left a lasting impression on attendees, inspiring continued efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational communities and beyond.
