The film department from Pacific Union College had a lot to celebrate at this year’s Sonscreen Film Festival at Loma Linda University. From April 3-6, PUC film students presented their work, networked with fellow filmmakers, and returned to campus with awards.

PUC film students Josue Hilario (A Better View), Fabiola Ixcot (What If…), Alex Parriott (This is Real), Nils Anderson (Decisions), Jacob Capiña (Second Self), and Melaney Klinedinst (Ego) showcased their films, alongside alum Melody Park who also presented her film, The Bard of the Mountain Valley.

Watching Park’s thesis film brought a special moment to the weekend as she spoke about her work with former PUC Chair and Professor Rajeev Sigamoney. “It’s an ambitious and heart-warming project,” said Melissa Pratt, assistant film professor. “Many in the audience were moved to tears and inspired by her dedication, art, and storytelling.”

Capiña won the Special Jury Award for Mise-en-Scene for his film Second Self, while Klinedinst received the Special Jury Award for Visual Storytelling for her film Ego. For the Pitch Competition, Katya Popravkina came in second place for her film IT.

When Popravkina pitched her movie on stage, PUC’s film department sat in the front row to cheer her on. “She had worked so hard on her pitch,” said Pratt. “It was very rewarding to watch her inhabit that moment on the stage.”

Popravkina was awarded $1,500, with an additional $3,000 from Sonscreen to go toward her film and contribute to her work. This $4,500 funding will support the production of her thesis film, IT.

“We have a very special group of students,” said Pratt. “I felt incredibly proud seeing their work on the screen, hearing their composed and thoughtful responses during the Q&As, and watching them support one another throughout the event.”