The lights dimmed. Conversations faded into whispers. Then, on a giant screen at Texas Theatre, the dreams of student filmmakers flickered to life. This is not the first time the showcase has been held at the Texas Theater.
“When our program was a part of North Lake College, it was held there several times,” said Video Technology Professor Sharie Vance, who served as mistress of ceremonies for the evening. Vance noted that the last time the event was held at the Texas Theater was in 2019.
For one unforgettable evening on May 19, the student video showcase brought together family, professors and friends to support the students. Participants were all dressed up and the Texas Theatre was transformed into the Academy Awards ceremony of North Lake Campus. Those attending were able to feel the magic, energy, anxiety and pride of the evening.
“I believe the showcase was wildly successful,” Vance said. “We had over 200 attendees even with the bad weather.”
The audience witnessed the work of the students, showcasing their creativity and determination in bringing their stories to the big screen. Students spent many long hours behind camera and in editing bays preparing for this special night. They presented 33 videos from different categories including news packages, narrative films, music videos, documentaries and interviews. Some of the work was funny, some made you feel scared and some were informative.
“I am very proud of all of the students. What you saw on screen represented 100s of hours of blood, sweat and tears,” Vance said. “Our students worked very hard on the content that was selected. I feel they raised the bar for upcoming students. We had a number of former students show up and they were extremely impressed as well.”
The event served as both a celebration of the persistence it takes to turn a creative idea into a finished production and a competition where the audience voted for their favorites. Each film represented more than technical skill. Behind every scene was a student balancing classes, jobs and family responsibilities while pursuing a passion many once considered impossible.
As credits rolled after each piece the audience erupted in applause, not just for the polished visuals or dramatic plots, but for the courage it took to create. The show lasted about two-and-a-half hours. Faculty and family members watched with unmistakable pride.
“My favorite part of the showcase was hearing the audience laugh, and cheer, in all the right places and seeing the joy on the students’ faces whose work was shown. As a former video tech student and a filmmaker myself, there is no greater feeling than connecting with your audience through your work,” Vance said.
Librado Lozano served as one of the judges during the competition. “The energy and spirit at the showcase proved that the North Lake students grasp a fundamental truth of the industry: success comes from lifting each other up and working cohesively toward a shared creative vision,” Lozano said. “The quality of work screened is a testament to how effectively the North Lake Video Tech program prepares its students for the realities, demands, and collaborative nature of professional video production.”
At the end of the show, the audience voted for their favorite film. A QR code was shown on screen with five minutes given to vote. It was five long minutes because audience wanted to know the winner.
“’Limbo’ had me hooked from the very first shot, instantly creating an intrigue that kept me eager for the next frame. Beyond the gripping script, the technical craftsmanship was exceptional,” Lozano said. “The filmmakers utilized creative lighting, intentional blocking and camera placement to create beautifully layered shots. The actors were great! It’s clear the filmmakers spent a lot of time casting, rehearsing and getting it right. The fact that all the elements came together so well was no accident”.
Finally, the vote was announced. The audience was waiting for this moment. The winners were called and they received a certificate or a trophy in recognition of their work. Happiness was all over the place.
Gabryella Reynoso, Ben Krenek and Rebekah Gonzalez won the Audience Choice Award for their music video, “There is No Happiness Here After All.”
Sun Burns and Melany Zarate won the Judges’ Choice Award with “Limbo.”
“We had a limited period of time to plan and write and make and cast and produce a short film. When we were in the process of doing that, we were just kind of having fun and trying to put across a story that I thought was worth telling,” Burns said. “During the process of filming you meet so many people and you really build your skills.”
He went on to say that by finishing the production you have put everything you have learned together.
Emmy Victoria Espinosa won 1st place in the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) Sports Reporting Video earlier this semester. “It is really cool to win the first place when you didn’t think you were going to get an award. I am really excited about that and also very excited that the others got awards too. It was a really good showcase here.”
As the audience filed out of the theatre, students embraced, posed for the camera and relived their favorite moments. The glow on their faces rivaled the light from the projector. The 27th Annual Video Showcase was more than a screening. It was a celebration of resilience, imagination and the extraordinary stories waiting to be told
“My favorite part of the showcase was feeling the energy and camaraderie in the room during the screening. Witnessing the mutual support, the shared excitement, and the collective celebration of each other’s projects was incredibly inspiring. It showed me that the North Lake Video Tech program isn’t just teaching technical skills, it is fostering a true creative community,” said Lozano.
At North Lake Campus, those stories are no longer just dreams. They are already coming true. Congratulations to all the participants.
