RAW students take home prize in Salem Film Festival

This week, Salem is hosting its 8th annual film festival, New England’s largest documentary film festival. Salem Film Fest seeks films that are aesthetically and technically superior, with well-told stories that allow viewers to see the world with fresh eyes and leave feeling changed.

This year, two RAW Art Works students took first and third prize in the 5 minute Student Doc contest. Katie Russell of Lynn took home first prize for her film “Jordan” which tells the story of her autistic brother. Third place went to RAW student Emily Webster for her film “Closure,” which explores death from a young point of view. Student entries this year came from across Massachusetts, from north of Boston to Barnstable and Weymouth. The films explored mature topics and points of view. Katie hopes that her documentaries help people see things differently and make a difference.

Speaking about her experience with RAW Art Works and the Reel to Reel Film School, Katie says, “They helped me realize my passion for film, and equipped me with the tools to pursue it. They do a great job of not just treating you like a kid, but like a person with valid beliefs and opinions. I would never in a million years have decided to make a film or to pursue it in any way if it weren’t for Real to Reel.”

“Jordan” by Katie Russell

“Closure” by Emily Webster

 

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