Maricopa students win Best Student Film at Show Low Film Festival 

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A Maricopa Wells Middle School student film was a winner at the Show Low Film Festival this weekend.

“Kindness Equals Calm” was the Best Student Film award. The festival took place Oct. 12-14 in Lakeside featuring both short and feature films by independent filmmakers from around the world. The three-day event featured workshops from professionals, guest speakers, VIP events, and an awards ceremony.

The students who produced “Kindness Equals Calm” are Kaden Rogers (director), Zoie Zimpleman (actress, screenwriter), Thomas Abel (actor, storyboard editor), Rori Gosiak (head writer), Joseph Abel (camera 1) and Aubrey Pick (actress, assistant to the director, screenwriter).

The film is a comedy about a group of young people who embark on a weekend journey to Camp Shinebright with their overly enthusiastic therapist, played brilliantly by MUSD Butterfield Elementary teacher Liz Zimpleman.  The film was created during the 2017-18 school year as part of Blended Learning instructor Joe Szoltysik’s film class.

The students received their award on Sunday at the Hon-Dah Resort Casino Banquet Hall in Pinetop.