Westwood Regional High School student filmmaker Emma Lagatol won the award for best film in the NJSBA-sponsored category at the Garden State Film Festival last week before a crowd of almost 450 students and teachers.
Awards were presented by NJSBA Executive Director and CEO Dr. Timothy Purnell at a ceremony held at the Asbury Park Lanes. The ceremony kicked off the 23rd annual festival, which, by the time it was over, was expected to attract more than 20,000 people.
The film festival is one of the most prestigious on the east coast. The category, “New Jersey Hometown Documentary Short,” sponsored by the NJSBA, is for films that are written, directed, shot and edited by students. The films must focus on an aspect of the student’s hometown.
Westwood High School Student filmmaker Emma Lagatol wrote, produced and directed the documentary film that profiles a Westwood school crossing guard who is recognized as a hero throughout her community.
As a result of Emma’s win, the school district will receive $500 to support its TV/film program. Lagatol also received a plaque from the NJSBA recognizing her achievement.
Student-produced films receiving honorable mentions at the same ceremony were presented with plaques as well.
Atlantic County Charter Tech High School student Wilbur McGeown’s film, “The Lavish Life of Lucy the Elephant” was honored, and so was East Brunswick Magnet School student filmmaker Traysten Karpi for his film “Cisneros.”
All honored student films will be showcased during the NJSBA Student Film Showcase at Workshop 2025 in Atlantic City from Oct. 20 through 23, 2025.
Students interested in submitting their films for consideration for the 2026 festival can contact Robin Kampf, NJSBA Digital Media Specialist at rkampf@njsba.org
Submissions will be accepted beginning May 1st.
