Pajaro Valley Unified student films to be showcased

Come Tuesday, the Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts will resemble a prestigious movie premiere, complete with a red carpet, stylish fashion and, of course, film screenings.

However, these movies are not big Hollywood blockbusters, but stories created by Pajaro Valley Unified School District students of all ages who represent the next generation of local filmmaking. The films will be presented at the district's fourth annual Oscars Night.

Presented in partnership with the Watsonville Film Festival and the Latino Film Institute's Youth Cinema Project, founded by actor Edward James Olmos, the program gives district students an opportunity to work with filmmakers in their classrooms to craft scripts, produce, direct and edit movies. This year, students from Starlight Elementary School, Hall District Elementary School, Pajaro Middle School, Cesar Chavez Middle School and Pajaro Valley High School took part.

Students will screen their films at the Oscars Night event and receive awards for their work. They will also get to walk a red carpet with their families, mentors and teachers.

“The PVUSD Oscars Night has become a tradition in our District and community that embraces youth talent in their expression of their unique voice and passions,” Superintendent Michelle Rodrgiruez said in a press statement. “These movies are the epitome of the year-long work for these students, and we are very proud to share it with our community.”

Consuelo Alba, executive director of the Watsonville Film Festival also expressed excitement about the event.

“We are thrilled to partner with PVUSD and Edward James Olmos' Latino Film Institute's Youth Cinema Project to celebrate the creativity of our local young filmmakers, encourage them to tell their own stories and nurture the filmmaking ecosystem in Watsonville,” she said in a prepared release.

The event is from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Mello Center, 250 E. Beach St., Watsonville. It is free and open to the public.