Sachse High student Sidney Mallari’s short film “Value”  earned a top spot at DIFF. Courtesy Photo

Five Sachse High School students were involved in the creation of three films shown at the Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF) in late April. The Oscar-qualifying festival now in its 20th year features films from around the world. The animated short film “Value” became the first high school production to be included in the regular short films category in DIFF history and earned the Audience Award for the festival’s North Texas High School Showcase.

“It’s such an honor to be included in a festival that’s meant to support and showcase so many artists,” Sidney Mallari, animator, writer and director of “Value,” said. “This was an incredible stepping stone that opened up my path to so many more opportunities as an animator and artist.” 

The animated short film explores Sidney’s journey with mental health and took 18 months to complete. Music for the film was by student Kaedan Newsome.

“(‘Value’ is) about how even when you feel that you have no support, acknowledging that you’re struggling and giving yourself grace is all the support you need to keep going,” Sidney said.

Additionally, two other short films by Sachse students were shown in the North Texas High School Showcase. Ben Castillo was one of three students able to attend in person. The film “The Chemical Rainbow,” made by Ben and Wyatt Roman, is about the chemical ingredients found in Skittles and their potential effects on health. Ben worked as the director, filmmaker and editor, while Wyatt appeared as the actor and voice in the film in addition to gathering information. 

“This means a lot to Wyatt and me, with our film not only showing at a big film festival like DIFF, but our first film making it to the big screen with only eight months of experience in filmmaking,” Ben said.

Sean Brown created the animations and music for the short film “Road Rush.” Sean’s entry featured a street race with several twists and turns for the competing drivers.

“One of the biggest praises we got this year was from DIFF organizers telling me how they have heard from festival leaders about Sachse High School’s growing film program,” Bryant Varnell, SHS animation teacher, said.

Varnell said he looks for students who go beyond what was asked of them in their class film projects and submits their films online to be screened and voted on by festival organizers.

“The films that have gone to competition were a combination of in-school and at-home productions,” Varnell said. “It takes that level of dedication to be a festival-worthy film.”

Stay informed, and support your local community newspaper, subscribe to The Sachse News