The Lena Archuleta School showcased Upper School student filmmakers, visual artists, musical and dance performers at the annual Indie Film and Arts Festival on Friday, April 26.
Upper School students, joined by their family and friends, enjoyed a full evening of festivities similar to the Academy Awards with guests dressed in formal evening attire. The event began with a “mocktail hour” in the AP Room including hors d'oeuvres prepared by Sage Dining Services. Craft mocktails were designed and prepared by Upper School students. Guests enjoyed perusing the amazing visual artwork created by the students of Mr. Andrew Sullivan and Miss Tanda Tucker in an Upper School art gallery in the main hallway and 1882 area. Many posed for photos on the red carpet to enhance the Oscar night vibe.
All art displayed was from the current school year and consisted of painting, drawing, photography, design, mixed media and sculpture. The main hallway features the work of both AP I and AP II students. The wall leading towards the 1882 room contains work from Level II students. The longer hallway leading towards Oakwood is the work of Level I students.
“It's always amazing to see all of the work compiled from the year in one location. It's a summation of the hard work that the students have dedicated themselves to over the course of the year,” Mr. Sullivan said. “The work ranges from observation and real life all the way to manipulated materials. There is quite a variety of work displayed in the cases. Students should be proud of their contributions!”
Filmmakers and guests then walked to the Berry Performing Arts Center.
After guests were seated in the PAC, adorned with lights and flowers, dynamic and entertaining co-hosts Giannalise Rodriguez ’26 and Al-Hammed Bell ’25 welcomed everyone and introduced the judging panel, which included Middle School teachers Henna Tailor and Tamica Van Dunk, alumnus Liam O’Connell ’14, Afia Atakora, and Mike Byrne, husband of Sharon Byrne, LA Performing Arts Department Chair.
The event also included three student performances: a dance routine by Diya Patel ’24 and Saveena Boga ’25, a vocal duet with Charlie Silver ’24 and Anushka Dalal ’24, and a solo vocal by Sarah Alves ’24. After all 12 films were shown, the judges needed a brief intermission to tabulate the results. The co-hosts announced the winners and presented awards alongside Kamila Franco ’25 and Nia Clark ’25.
Demi Dai ’24 won the first-place prize for Best Film – “Candle Boy.” Jaiden Patel ’24, Simrah Razvi ’24 and Anya Mohan ’24 received second place for “Partitioned Hearts” and Marcus Hamilton ’24, Ahmad Maiga ’24 and Ish Singh ’24 earned third place for “The Riddle.” All of the screened films will be shared with the entire community shortly so that they can be viewed on demand.
Mr. Fernandez was grateful for the hard work of the INDIE Film Committee, which included students Kamila Franco ’25, Nia Clark ’25 and Ava-Rae Calloway ’24, as well as faculty colleagues Michelle Penny, Andrew Sullivan and Tanda Tucker.
"The INDIE Film and Art Festival was a beautiful event,” said Mr. Cristian Fernandez, Upper School English teacher and INDIE event coordinator. “Chef Anibal and his team provided exceptional food, while Upper School art students, led by Miss Tucker and Mr. Sullivan, produced transcendent, creative work for all to enjoy. The night that followed in the theater was nothing short of astounding. I am beyond proud of, and happy for, our students and grateful to my colleagues. Thank you to all who attended. The bar was raised this year and I can't wait for next year's event!”