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NEWARK, N.J. — The Newark International Film Festival, Sept. 2–7, celebrated its 10th year spotlighting Essex County College student filmmakers.
The student films were screened at the Newark Museum of Art on Sept. 3. The cultural institution partnered with the festival for the “Newark Block Screening,” which showcased local and international talent through a lineup of films and special guests.
The accepted student works included “Ghosting,” directed, written and produced by Angelique Cuevas; “Petals of a Lily,” directed and written by Essa Alavi, Jasmine Orejola and William Figueroa; and “Theater Killer,” directed by Mariana, written by David Ortega and produced by Essa Alavi.
All three films were nominated in the student film category, with “Ghosting” earning the award for best student film.
In just six minutes, “Ghosting” weaves a powerful reflection on grief, memory, and healing—an award-winning showcase of ECC student creativity.
“I am so pleased to see our film students accepted and nominated for the Best Student Film award by the Newark International Film Festival (NewarkIFF), which we have been partnering with since its inception in 2016,” said Professor Jennifer Wager, coordinator of the Entertainment Production program. “It says a lot about the quality of our students and programs, especially the Entertainment Production and New Media Technology degree programs. Newark is the birthplace of film, so it is only fitting to see our students continue this legacy of filmmaking.”
Wager also thanked Kenneth Gifford, the festival’s founder and director, “for his amazing mentorship of our students and for opening so many opportunities for the greater Newark community.” She added: “A special shout out goes to our Student Film Club leaders Essa Alavi, Angelique Cuevas and Mariana Alexandre and the entire club for their hard work and creativity. I’m so proud of them!”
The recognition comes as ECC expands its film and entertainment offerings.
This year, the college will roll out its new Entertainment Production certificate, allowing members of the community, students and professionals to gain production skills in the film and entertainment fields.
To learn more about the new certificate and other ECC programs, visit: https://catalog.essex.edu/overview-academic-divisions/certificate-programs/
