On March 24, 2025, Orange High School student filmmakers premiered three original documentaries at a special Red Carpet Screening held at Cinema Lab’s The Village at SOPAC (South Orange Performing Arts Center) in South Orange, NJ. 

Over the course of just six weeks, three student teams created compelling documentary films: Immigration Impact On Everyone, Street Racing, and Food Talk. The projects were screened before a sold-out audience of peers, families, and community members.

The films were judged by industry professionals Desiree Hadley, Dustin Dumas, and Ben Niles, with all three films receiving at least one first or second place vote—a testament to the students’ talent and hard work.

We extend our gratitude to the Cinema Ed mentors who guided our students throughout the process, and to our supporters who attended the screening, including Superintendent Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh, II, Executive Director of Innovation Ms. Alcantara, CTE Supervisor Mr. Drakeford, Orange High School Principal Mr. Belton, Assistant Principal Ms. Denis, and Film Teacher Ms. Earle.

All three films are available to view below. We are proud of our students’ creativity, teamwork, and storytelling excellence!

1ST PLACE: FOOD TALK | Student Filmmakers: Kathryn Paguay Santos,
Samantha Raymond, Ashley Crenshaw, Wismyna Milord Angelica

2ND PLACE: IIMMIGRATION IMPACT ON EVERYONE | Student Filmmakers: Simeon Beyan, Richard Alvarez, Esmeraldo Tapia, Katherine Gualan, Keily Castro, Nathaly Orellana

2ND PLACE: STREET RACING | Student Filmmakers: Joshua Lopez, Abner Cruz, Angelica Collaguazo, Mirian Castillo