Dylan Visioli, a student filmmaker from Boonton School District, was honored at the Morris County School Boards Association’s meeting June 16 at Parsippany Hills High School.
Dylan received a certificate at the meeting for his film titled “Turning Iron into Art: The Boonton Story,” which was the winner in the New Jersey School Boards Association’s sponsored category titled “New Jersey Hometown Documentary Short” in 20th Annual Garden State Film Festival. Judges from the Garden State Film Festival picked the winners.
Attendees at the meeting had the pleasure of watching the film.
First lady Tammy Murphy, honorary chair in the festival; Secretary of State Tahesha Way; several New Jersey legislators; renowned film producer Michael Uslan, producer of the “Batman” films; and numerous other dignitaries played a critical role in the festival.
The NJSBA-sponsored category was reserved for works that were written, directed and shot by New Jersey high school students. Films had to focus on some aspect of their hometown, including topics like profiles of interesting persons, places, time periods or subjects related to the arts. The category was created to encourage young filmmakers’ creativity while instilling a sense of pride in their hometowns and state.
The first runner-up was “Submergent Music – A Guy Named Pete,” which was submitted from Middletown High School South. Maura Collins, Jay Fielding, Grace Wilson, Erika Ridgway, Isabella Campion, Alicia Aponte, Stephen Sassano, Joseph Costa and Gigi Maiorana are the directors.
“The NJSBA is proud to sponsor this category — and we are thrilled that these young filmmakers are being
recognized for their skills. Their work is moving and inspiring,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director of NJSBA. “Credit must also be given to the teachers who’ve helped nurture their talent.”
The student films will also be featured at the NJSBA’s Workshop in October in a student film showcase.