Fossil Ridge’s TV program hosted their annual Films on a Shoestring Festival on Friday, May 5. There was a higher turnout this year than any prior. Audiences were greeted with a red carpet and lights. This year’s films included a variety of music videos, documentaries, and narrative shorts which were projected onto the syke (white, thin fabric found at the back of the stage) which the crew agreed looked much better and made for a better experience for the audience than the traditional screen.
The panel of guest judges included editor for Stranger Things, Kevin Ross, Aaron Slavick, a writer on The Killing and The Good Wife, and a 2013 Fossil graduate who is currently working on music videos in Hollywood, Keenan O’Riley. The judges were impressed with the TV program and would consider coming back again. Kevin Ross was invited by Ayden Adair’s parents. “I’m extremely impressed with the whole setup and production. It’s amazing this is a high school film festival at this degree,” said Ross. Both judges expressed an interest at coming back again.
The winner of best film according to the judges was Money. Fun.Vengeance . This win was not surprising as Best Actor, Austin Lee, Best Actress Avery Linne, and Best Supporting Actor Jack Kraus all starred in it. Dip won for best film as selected through people’s choice where the audience got to vote.
A nice touch added to the event was interviews with both current students and alumni to talk about the TV program from the perspective of students. They talked about what they learn in class, and the class atmosphere. There was also high praise for the Advisor, Brendan Gallagher. After the event he said “I didn’t know any of that stuff was going to happen, I knew they were doing interviews for FOASS, but I didn’t know they were going to talk about the program and all the kind words they said about me was very moving.” This was a refreshing break between films and really allowed for Fossil students, staff, and parents to get a look into this very unique class.
