2025 Student Film Festival

Film Description: Greensboro teacher James Gardner quits his job to grow and give away vegetables in one of the most food insecure regions of America. The documentary follows his journey as he examines how generational trauma has affected farming in his community, works to reconnect children with the earth, and provides a firsthand look at the challenges faced by those living in food deserts by secretly recording inside a local convenience store, exposing the limited and unhealthy food options available to residents. 

Director Bio: Aaron Chan is a junior at Elon University from Clayton, NC, majoring in Cinema and Television Arts. He sees documentary and storytelling as an important instrument for change in the world, and hopes to continue doing that with future projects. When he's not working, Aaron finds creative inspiration in cooking, spending time with cats, and film photography.

Producer Bio: Evan Purnell is a 21 year old Cinema and Television Arts major at Elon University, from Greensboro, NC. He hopes to shoot more films and documentaries in the future. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, skateboarding and reading books.

Film Description: My short film, Driving Possibilities, is about the wonderful County Transit Program we have here in Rutherford County. I wanted to showcase what a great service they provide to everyone in the county. 

Filmmaker Bio: My name is Sam Lovelace, I am graduating from the Isothermal Community College AV Tech program this spring. I have a background in the arts, including short and student film work. I have won several awards from the 48 Hour FIlm Festival over the years. 

Film Description:  When Hurricane Helene devastated rural North Carolina, Shelby Tramel faced unimaginable loss as her general store was swallowed by rising waters. Overwhelmed but determined, she chose to rebuild—not just her store, but a sense of hope for her tight-knit community. This documentary captures Shelby’s journey from and the stakes of reviving a vital hub in a small town that refuses to be washed away.

Filmmaker Bio:  Maggie McIntyre is a senior journalism student at UNC-Chapel Hill in the Hussman School of Media and Journalism. She is a writer, photographer and filmmaker, telling stories that inspire wonder, build understanding, and leave a lasting impact. Outside of class and work, she is an outdoor hiking and backpacking guide, a banjo picker, and a fierce pickleball player. She proudly hails from Greensboro, NC and currently lives in Chapel Hill, NC. 

#HalifaxRise was directed by Halifax County School students.  #HalifaxRise is a film about their county school and the incredible opportunities and community that their school offers.

Film Description: 'Agriculture' follows a local farmer and organizer who is familiar with the many obstacles that come with being a Black farmer in the South. This year, Hurricane Debby is threatening Princeville Homecoming. The annual event invites back natives who have moved away from the flood prone town on North Carolina's coast to celebrate and reconnect with community.

Filmmaker Bio: Freedom Hill Youth Media Camp started out of the impact work from short film Freedom Hill (PBS, 2024) directed by Resita Cox. FHYMC teaches the tenets of filmmaking to 14-19 year olds in Eastern North Carolina, with an emphasis on learning and preserving Black history. During a four-week summer camp, independent filmmakers serve as teaching resident artists, guiding students as they research, produce, direct and edit a short film. 'Agriculture': Khymell Chapman - Director; Antonio Draughn - Producer; Javani Jones - Production Manager; Taylor Braggs - Director of Photography; Masiyah Willaims - Sound; John Wesley Edwards - Drone Pilot and Editor; Jacob Holloman - Assistant Editor and Second Camera.

Film Description: Leadership Rutherford is a film about interviewing the group Leadership Rutherford and understanding what they are doing and have done for the community of Rutherford County and all that the group is about.

Filmmaker Bio: Brayden Ruff is a student in video production at Isothermal Community College with goals to hopefully work on other projects for a community focus.

Film Description: After The Storm is a documentary-style student film. It tells a story of perseverance and rebirth for a small business in Spruce Pine, North Carolina after the utter and unexpected devastation of Hurricane Helene. 

Filmmaker Bio: Megan Biddix is a 20-year old college student with a passion for cinema and the art of filmmaking. She is a storyteller and writer at heart who wishes to tell compelling and touching stories through the medium of film. She is currently attending Isothermal Community College and is on a path to receive her degree in Audio and Video Production. Her ultimate goal after graduating is to be a Christian film director and take the world by storm!

Film Description: A short summary of everything offered at the Rutherford County Senior Center and how the seniors are impacted by these services.

Filmmaker Bio: I'm Daniel Stacey. I'm currently in high school at East Rutherford High School and taking classes at Isothermal Community College. I'm the oldest of four siblings, two brothers and a sister. I have always wanted to go into the film industry so when I heard that there was a film production class available at Isothermal, I took the opportunity to build skills. I haven't been editing for long and this Senior Center video is the edit I'm most proud of so far. Working alongside Ken and Penni came with a few challenges due to differences in the narrative, but we made it work in the end, and I think it turned out great. I'm honored to have our film selected for the film festival. 

Film Description: Through trials and tribulations, theatre is about the relationships between people. Rutherford Stage — a beloved Rutherford County organization set adrift from its original location — has found a new home at Isothermal Community College’s Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, and it’s a testament to the connection of the theatre community.

Filmmaker Bio: Annika is a student in Isothermal Community College’s Audio and Video Production Program, and has a deep passion for theatre. They’ve been involved in community theatre productions as lead characters, featured characters, ensemble, sound designer, and board operator in the Hendersonville area. They have also worked in live studio settings with multiple Grammy winners, and worked multiple roles on film productions.