Kelsey Par. COURTESY PHOTO

Kelsey Par. COURTESY PHOTO

Kent residents are finalists in film contest

Film festival to show work at Highline College

  • Friday, January 6, 2017 4:45pm
  • Life

A tender film focused on family and backed by a simple soundtrack took top honors in Highline College’s film contest, a prelude to the 2017 Highline Film Festival.

The contest was open to students and alumni.

With a running time of 3 minutes, 36 seconds, “The Home Within” earned Kelsey Par, who recently moved to Des Moines from Federal Way, first place and a $250 cash prize. Par’s film, along with three films by the four other finalists, will be screened during the Highline Film Festival, scheduled for Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. in Building 7 on the college’s main campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Second place, with a prize of $125, went to Nina Releford of Federal Way for “Holiday Video.” She is studying multimedia at Highline.

Third place and $100 went to a duo from Kent for the animated film “Home Is Where the Heart Is.” It was written by Lisa Lopez, who graduated fall quarter 2016, and animated by Samantha Montes de Oca, who graduated summer quarter 2016.

Fourth place and $75 went to Matthew MacDonald of Des Moines for “Double Identity.” He is in his second year at Highline.

“This is actually the first film I have ever made. I have always been passionate about photography and film, but never really had the resources until just recently,” said Par, who shot her film using a Canon EOS 60D, her father’s old camera. “This film has led me to believe I might have a talent for making films and plan to make many more films in the future. My ideas are endless and as long as I have the resources I know I can fulfill my passion.”

Contestants were challenged to create a short film not to exceed eight minutes, focused on the theme of “home,” containing a scene with a location, art piece or landmark on the Highline College campus.

“I have moved around many times in my life. Despite the troubles that came from constantly having to pack up and move, it didn’t matter because I had my family by my side,” Par said. “I realized that it doesn’t matter where you live as long as the people you love are with you. That is why I felt so passionate about creating this short film. I wanted to spread the message to those around me.”

Par used several family members in her film: her mom, Anna; sister, Taylor, 7 years old; brother, James, 5; and nephew, Brayden, 1. All plan to attend the Jan. 18 film screening.

Par will earn her associate degree this summer from Highline, where she is an editor for the student newspaper, The Thunderword, and a consultant in the college’s Writing Center. She plans on transferring to the University of Washington to study journalism and film.

“Highline’s Film Studies program and Multimedia Design classes are attracting more and more students interested in film and video; the festival encourages student creativity and brings the work out into the world,” said Susan Rich, a Highline faculty member who was one of the contest judges.

Rich noted that this is the college’s first film festival in a decade or so. The previous one was held by a student club, while this one is sponsored by Highline’s Humanities department. Joining Rich as judges were Dr. Tommy Kim, who teaches literature and film studies, and Sean Puno, who teaches multimedia design.

Films were judged on creativity, story structure and production value. The contest was free to enter. Contestants could work individually or as part of a team and could enter up to three films.

More information about the contest, including guidelines and resources, is available on the Highline Film Festival blog.

Par’s film can be viewed at youtube.com.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Life

One of Return Home’s cells, filled entirely with organic material, demonstrates what the terramation cells look like. Based in Auburn, Return Home is one of the few terramation companies in the world. They transform people into soil. File photo
What we talk about, or not, when talking about death

Puget Sound area organizations and businesses strive to normalize the topic of dying.

Key to Change student Eden Pawlos receives a private lesson from Seattle Symphony violinist Ilana Zaks at the Renton studio. Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang /Sound Publishing
Key to Change opens doors in Des Moines for local young musicians

Second studio added to go with Renton location

With Nancy Turner’s final days as cook coming to an end after 40 years, Kent Lutheran Church is looking for volunteers to cook for the Kent Community Monday Night Supper served all year. STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter
Church seeks volunteer cooks, helpers for Kent Monday Night Supper

Free meal to community each Monday at Kent Lutheran Church

t
Kent Community Monday Night Supper cook stepping down after 40 years

Nancy Turner to turn in her apron as she approaches 90th birthday

Photos by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Elf Academy cadets in Renton earn their jingle bells | Photos

The annual Elf Academy let’s local kids get their holiday spirit on with fun games, dancing and crafts.

Courtesy of the Grand Kyiv Ballet.
Ukraine’s most prestigious dancers bring ‘The Nutcracker’ to South King County

On Sunday, Dec. 22, the Grand Kyiv Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” will showcase the most prestigious ballet dancers from Ukraine.

The Kent International Festival received a $15,700 grant from 4Culture, one of several Kent groups to get funds. Courtesy Photo, Kent International Festival
Kent cultural groups to receive county grants from 4Culture

Kent International Festival, Kent Downtown Partnership, Greater Kent Historical Society among organizations

t
Kent’s Winterfest kicks off holiday season with tree lighting, parade

‘A fun, fabulous time had by all’ during celebration at Town Square Plaza

Cody Jinks will bring his honky-tonk music Thursday, July 17 to the ShoWare Center in Kent. COURTESY PHOTO, Cody Jinks
Cody Jinks Hippies & Cowboys Tour coming to Kent’s ShoWare Center

Tickets go on sale Dec. 6 for July 17 honky-tonk concert

t
Kent’s Allegro dance studio to present sensory friendly holiday show

Performance is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 at Auburn Performing Arts Center

t
Miss Teen India contestant represents Renton

Washington state’s 1st runner-up is on her way to the national competition.

t
Annual Kent Winterfest set for Saturday, Dec. 7 at Town Square Plaza

Food trucks, parade, music, tree lighting part of 2 to 7 p.m. festival downtown