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Buzzing with energy, the Gavilan College theater was alight with excitement before the Ninth Annual Spring Film Showcase.
The showcase, which began on April 25, featured a special first-ever screening of a student feature film.
Nearly 400 people attended the film showcase at the Gavilan Theater to watch 17 student-made films. Grant Richards and Tim Ahlin, the lead instructors of the film department, host the event annually to recognize students with Gavys, similar to the Oscars.
Richards said the showcase is for students who want an audience to experience people’s reactions to their creations, and to recognize the students who go above and beyond with films that stand out.
The instructors indicated they plan to create more award categories in the future as the film department’s talent continues to grow.
Richards said cultivating a space for students to grow and succeed in filmmaking is a collaborative process. It involves building a team with a family atmosphere where many feel a sense of connection they may not find elsewhere.
Daniel Renteria of Hollister was nominated for Best Cinematographer and Best Editor for his work in the Gavilan film department. He also won the new Shawn Mulcare Above & Beyond award for always helping everyone in the film program and for filling any position that’s needed.
“Daniel is always the first on set and last to leave,” Richards said, “and the department wants to give recognition for the hardest workers and peer helpers in the community.”
The Shawn Mulcare award is created in honor of late Gavilan faculty member Shawn Mulcare, who always supported the community.
Renteria said, “I’m very surprised, but excited too. This is my first time editing a film, so I didn’t expect to be nominated. I’m really happy.”
A milestone in his filmmaking career, “B2B,” written and directed by Phil Rappaport, is the first film for which Renteria has edited.
Raised by blue-collar workers, he said business and construction were the only options given to him, until he was encouraged by his high school teacher to go for his dream of being on a movie set with the words “just do it.”
After graduating high school, Renteria joined the Gavilan College film program. He said he is glad he took the risk.
He has become a lead cinematographer and recently taken more opportunities to step into acting roles to become more comfortable in front of the camera. He said he likes to explore every role in film production and work his way up in the program.
This Spring, Renteria also co-directed the working title “This You?” with Marti Silent. The film was co-written by Renteria and his friends Tony Shamoun and Silas Wright.
For the special screening of the first feature film ever presented in the Gavilan Film department, Renteria worked as first assistant camera for the new student-owned film company Redhouse Digital’s “The Devil’s Game,” written and directed by Silent.
“The people around me inspire me,” Renteria said. “I love the experience, all the friends and connections I’ve made. The more I move forward in my career, the more opportunities I have because of this place.”
The BenitoLink Internship Program is a paid, skill-building program that prepares local youth for a professional career. This program is supported by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation AT&T Golf Tour and Taylor Farms.
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