Annual CVAF film festival supports student filmmakers
Filmmaking is widely considered a pivotal part of creative expression. The Conejo Valley Association of Filmmakers [CVAF], founded by Parker Bohl, NPHS alumnus, allows young filmmakers in the Conejo Valley district to practice storytelling through cinematography, writing, acting and film production. Twice a year they hold their film festival to show off all of the creative minds behind the short films produced throughout the year. Last weekend they held their February showing, and the next one is in May.
Maxwell Hellard, senior and published author, debuted his first short film, “With Sympathy” at the CVAF film festival. “I come from a background of literary writing and thought this would be a great experience before I go to college for screenwriting to work on interactive media like this,” Hellard said. “With Sympathy” is a story about two young girls coming together after losing something important in their lives. Being able to blend different artistic forms into filmmaking is a unique opportunity that CVAF gives to students looking to branch their creative passions.
Similarly, Zoe Maturo, junior, presented her short film, “Brush it Off.” “I was inspired by the movie, ‘Black Swan,’” Maturo said. “The film influenced me to create themes of beautiful imagery and obsession, the main basis of ‘Brush it Off.’” CVAF highlights the best part about creation: taking a piece and turning it into your own.
Justin Bongiorno, junior, has made several short films in the past but was most excited to debut his most recent short film, “Check Mates,” where a group of friends discover a chess board outside of an empty cafe. “My experience was super fun because it was one of my first times using a new camera, a professional one, and filming in a public place was exciting because it was in the middle of everything and anyone could come there,” Bongiorno said.
CVAF lets students try new methods of filmmaking and the ability to expand from their typical circle of people. Connection is a fundamental part of the CVAF club, and it is clear when you see how passionate the directors are to share a community with like-minded people. “I really wanted to make a short film before I graduate, but I don’t know anything about cameras, and I love directing, but I’m not very interested in the technical side of things so it was a great process learning to storyboard, learning to roll with the punches on set and I had a great cast and crew to work with,” Hellard said.
