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On Thursday April 19, Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton and Austin Film Festival Executive Director Barbara Morgan, honored the winners of the 6th Annual Awareness Public Service Announcement Contest, which encourages teens to submit a PSA to raise awareness on topics of social challenges they face. The PSA Contest is part of Austin Film Festival’s Young Filmmaker’s Program, founded to encourage and support students, ages 9 – 18, to explore their creativity and improve their literacy skills through the arts of screenwriting and filmmaking.
“We could not be more thrilled about the talents of these high school students and the successes that lie ahead of them,” said Sheriff Greg Hamilton. “It is imperative that through our Awareness Campaign, we continue to bring attention to the importance of healthy emotional, behavioral and physical issues that affect teens.” This year’s winning films address teen suicide, bullying and cyber bullying.
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The Winners
First Place, Westlake High School, Bullying
“The Dream” by Silas Connolly & Conner Stephens
1st Runner Up, Anderson High School, Teen Suicide
“Depression Hits Fast” by Sebastian Crank & Nathan Bott
2nd Runner Up, Westlake High School, Cyber Bullying
“Cyber Bullying” by Sara Pledger, Julia Artaza & Hillel Rodarte
Honorable Mention, Westlake High School, Teen Suicide
“Weighted Down” by Zach Douma, Kyle Zemborain & Emma Blackwood
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For more on Austin Film Festival’s Young Filmmaker’s Program, click here.