5 Years of Stories at ISP Filmmakers
5 Years of Stories at ISP Filmmakers
Whole campus

5 Years of Stories at ISP Filmmakers

11-06-2026

Cinema has the power to move, inspire, and connect people.

By Sandra Couto

Over the past five years, ISP Filmmakers has provided a stage where our students have transformed ideas into memorable stories and dreams into award-winning productions.

There are school projects that go beyond academics and truly transform students’ lives. ISP Filmmakers is, without a doubt, one of those life-changing experiences.
For the past five years, our students have embraced the challenge of becoming directors, screenwriters, actors, and crew members. Over time, what began as a cinematic adventure has fully evolved into a thriving community of creators. Producing short films in English not only strengthens language skills in an authentic and meaningful way, but also fosters teamwork, resilience, critical thinking, and creativity.
Personally, I enjoy this project tremendously because it allows me to closely witness my students’ growth and see, year after year, how they are able to turn a simple idea into something extraordinary.
To celebrate this first five-year milestone, I would like to take a journey through time and revisit the productions we have created along the way.

2022: When the clock stops

Directed by our student Alba Zamora, this story touched audiences by showing how difficult growing up can be and the immense responsibility that comes with making life-changing decisions. Its atmosphere and attention to detail earned us the award for Best Production Design.

 

2023: Seeing you

The following year, we changed pace with this romantic piece directed by our student Karla Ríos. The short film beautifully captured the essence of first love, conveying emotions so effectively that it received the award for Best Performance.

 

2024: Made with Love

Our students’ versatility was on full display when Renée García stepped into the director’s chair to present this suspense thriller. Set in the 1950s, the short film won the award for Best Sound Design, proving that in cinema, what we hear is just as important as what we see.

 

2025: Watch

Directed by Valeria Arvizu, this film tells the story of a teenager struggling with depression and a deep desire to belong. It was a courageous work that sparked important conversations both inside and outside the classroom.

 

2026: Dakota

This past year, we participated with Dakota. Directed by our student Miranda Cabrera, it is a heartfelt short film that explores themes such as faith, innocence, and overcoming loss.

What makes Dakota especially meaningful is its cast and crew. We brought together high school students, an alumnus, a teacher, and a kindergarten student. It is living proof of how ISP Filmmakers bridges generations and strengthens our sense of family. The project ended on a high note, winning Best Poster and the festival’s highest honor: Best Short Film.

Five years may sound simple, but behind every minute on screen are countless hours of writing, editing, laughter, challenges overcome, and, above all, heart. Thank you to every student who has been part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of stories waiting to be told!

 

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