By Mandy Moraes, NLPS staff
Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools students are stepping into the spotlight at the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival’s Youth Showcase.
The showcase enables young filmmakers to share their stories with the creative community and develop their skills.
The event takes place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Vancouver Island University’s Malaspina Theatre, spotlighting 10 student-created films, director Q&A sessions, and the Youth Goldie Award ceremony.
Nick Janzen, a teacher with NLPS, is also the showcase coordinator and has been involved with the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival since 2023.
The showcase was created to give students a platform beyond the classroom, turning an idea to expand film opportunities into an international event. While more than 50 students from around the world submitted films this year, the focus will be on showcasing and celebrating local NLPS and Vancouver Island talent.
For young filmmakers, seeing their work on the big screen is a unique and memorable moment that builds their confidence in a way that grades simply can’t.
“There’s a moment when the lights go down, and their work appears up there. You can feel it hit them,” said the showcase coordinator. “It builds confidence in a way that grades simply can’t.”
Dover Bay Secondary student filmmakers are among those taking on the challenge.
Eden Bryson described the process as both demanding and rewarding. Her most recent project, a live-action narrative film titled Rufus, explores themes of friendship, loss, and personal growth.
“It’s kind of cool having recognition for something I’ve made and sharing it with others,” she said. “I even made a few of my friends cry. So that felt like a win.”
Throughout the filmmaking process, students take on multiple roles, including directing, cinematography, editing, and design. With small teams, they gain hands-on experience across all aspects of production.
Fenna Wegener, another Dover Bay Secondary student who will also volunteer as an emcee for the showcase, pointed out the value of both creating films and helping run the event. In addition to introducing films and leading Q&A sessions, she said students often volunteer throughout the wider Vancouver Island Short Film Festival and gain insight into how a professional event operates.
“It’s a great opportunity for young filmmakers,” she said. “It feels like a real chance to get into a film festival, especially for students on Vancouver Island.”
Even when not selected, students improve their storytelling, experiment with techniques, and collaborate with peers, gaining valuable experience.
From networking opportunities with field experts to simply sharing space with like-minded peers, students are introduced to a broader creative community that goes beyond their school.
“This is when students’ work first meets the world,” said Janzen. “That moment stays with them long after the credits roll.”