ENCINITAS — Budding filmmakers from the Encinitas Union School District took center stage and walked the red carpet at the ninth annual Film Guild Awards on May 31.
The celebration, held at La Costa Canyon High School’s Performing Arts Theater, marked the culminating event of the district’s exclusive Film Guild program, a Career Technical Education initiative where students explore the art of filmmaking and produce original works from concept to final cut.
This year, more than 91 student-produced films were submitted for consideration, representing a wide range of genres including documentaries, dramas, instructional videos, comedies, stop motion and animated films.
A total of 31 awards were presented across various film categories, including specialized honors such as Most Dedicated Film Team, Best Art Direction and Best Call to Action.
The evening’s highest honor, the Grand Recognition award, was awarded to a deeply moving film, titled, “His Story,” created by an El Camino Creek student. The film documents the challenges faced by the filmmaker’s family during the cancer journey of their younger brother.
Launched in 2015 by EUSD Educational Technology Coordinator Heather Montgomery, Film Guild is the only CTE program of its kind for elementary students in the region. While CTE programs are typically offered at the secondary level, EUSD champions early access to career-connected learning.
Film Guild serves fourth through sixth grade students across all nine EUSD schools, providing immersive, hands-on instruction in cinematic storytelling. More than just a program, Film Guild is a professional-level creative society that gives students a meaningful platform to express their perspectives and passions through film.
Students engage in weekly, project-based learning opportunities that build their technical skills and creative confidence. They also benefit from mentorships and workshops led by industry professionals, including film directors, USC film students, TV producers and camera technicians who share their craft and inspire students to think like real filmmakers.
“Treating our elementary filmmakers like real professionals, with the same expectations for quality and creativity, is what makes Film Guild so unique,” Montgomery said. “As a result, our students consistently earn top honors in regional and state film competitions – and some have even received national recognition.”
To date, Film Guild participants have earned more than 92 awards across three major film festivals at the local, county, and state levels. Additionally, 27 EUSD student films were nominated for the Innovative Video in Education Awards & Student Film Festival, hosted by the Media Arts Center San Diego, on June 7.
“As a district, we remain committed to amplifying student voice through creative programs like Film Guild,” Montgomery said. “By nurturing student passion and providing real-world learning opportunities, EUSD is cultivating confident, capable future leaders equipped with essential 21st century skills.”
