Modesto City Schools is once again in the spotlight on the national filmmaking stage. Students from Downey High School, led by video production teacher Rene Guevara, and students from Johansen High School, taught by Digital Content and Media teacher Nicolas Garcia, have had their work accepted into the All-American High School Film Festival in New York City, taking place October 17 and 18.
Guevara’s students submitted two films that were selected to screen. One is StateBound, written by first-year college student Elias Jackson, who followed his friend Zoe as she fought to return to the state cross-country meet after an injury and intense training.
“You have an expected end goal and story, but you have to move and be dynamic with the story that unfolds before you,” Jackson said. He hopes the experience will help him build a portfolio for future work on professional film sets.
Another Downey alum, Vanessa Pacheco, created the animated short Alien Trouble, inspired by a dream and the phrase “get your head out of the clouds.” Learning new programs and fixing mistakes under a deadline was tough, she said, but “it was surprising and exciting to hear my title announced during the animation category.”
Garcia’s students entered a variety of categories, including Best Video Podcast (V:Cast – The Lacey Peterson Story by Dahlia Lucero, 10th grade), Best Broadcast Journalism Feature (HBCU 2025 Tour by alumni Breyden Horstman), and Best Influencer content (One Time by Kamryn Little, 12th grade, and Be The Change and Say Something App by Amelia Medearis).
“Students chose these stories because they were passionate about them,” Garcia said.
“Whether making an impact with substance abuse awareness, see something say something, telling local stories, or documenting an amazing HBCU trip, they poured in long hours and commitment to film, direct, and produce high-quality content.”
His students were “beyond excited, but very humble,” when they learned their work had been accepted.
“The most important part for them is bringing awareness to their stories and hopefully making a difference,” Garcia said. “No matter what the outcome is at the awards show, they have already won by impacting so many lives with their storytelling. I could not be any prouder.”
Students echoed that pride.
“Being able to be a part of the HBCU tour and to document it for our district and my peers was my win,” said Breyden Horstman.
Dahlia Lucero added, “I got a chance to tell a major local story through a video podcast, and to create something all on my own. Content is my future, and I’m glad I have an opportunity to showcase it.”
Downey’s 3D Graphics and Animation teacher, Heath Grant, shared that his students are currently finishing an animated film to compete in the 2026 festival. Last year, Grant’s program won the animation category for the second year in a row with its film The Legend of Wild Wes.
“Congratulations to Nick and Rene. It’s exciting to see their students’ creativity and hard work celebrated in New York,” he said.
The All-American High School Film Festival draws thousands of submissions from around the world, giving students the chance to see their work on a New York City theater screen, connect with industry professionals, and compete for scholarships and prizes.
For more about the festival, visit hsfilmfest.com.