Sydney Stewart, Will Bond, and Leah Bahamonde, three film production students at Penn State University, will have their self-produced films represented at the Centre Film Festival.

Sydney Stewart’s “8 Minutes”

For senior film production major Sydney Stewart, filmmaking has always been more than just a creative outlet; it’s been a way to tell stories that matter. This year, at the Centre Film Festival, Stewart’s latest project, “8 Minutes”, takes the stage. This gripping real-time narrative captures the heartwrenching experience of a school shooting from inside the classroom. Though she’s been involved with the festival since her freshman year, “8 Minutes” marks the first time Stewart has had a core project featured in the showcase. 

Stewart didn’t start her college journey in film, but in counterterrorism, before realizing it wasn’t the path for her. “I loved filmmaking as a kid, and when I went to the Media Center and saw everything they had there, I just knew this was what I wanted to do,” she said. Discovering the Bellisario College of Communications’ resources helped her realize that filmmaking could be more than just a dream.

The idea for “8 Minutes” came from a personal place.

“I had some friends who were in the Sandy Hook school shooting,” Stewart shared.

She spoke about how the unsteady feeling of not knowing who was alive was something that has stayed with her, and she wanted to create a film that shifted the narrative. She explained how most coverage of school shootings focuses on the shooter, but she wanted to tell the story that brings awareness to what the kids go through, what happens in that room in those unbearable moments. 

To Stewart, the Centre Film Festival isn’t just another event; it’s a powerful platform for student voices. “This opportunity helped me gain so much experience and confidence. I got to see an idea in my head turn into something on the big screen. Not everyone gets to do that, and I’m incredibly grateful. I know now that I really do want to produce for a living,” she said.

Stewart’s “8 minutes” takes the stage on Sunday, November 9th at 6 p.m. in the Carnegie Cinema. 

Will Bond’s “Sunburst”

For Will Bond, a junior majoring in film production, his early fascination with creative expression led him to Penn State, and now to his first film being featured in the festival. Bond’s film, “Sunburst”, is a comedy about a hypochondriac who believes he’s dying and is trying to figure out the purpose of life with the little time he has left. He explains this piece as a way for people to realize how high we set the stakes for ourselves, but sometimes we just have to live life. “This film explores the internal dialogues that define how people respond to anxiety, fear, and the pressure to ‘figure it all out’,” he said.

For Bond, the Centre Film Festival is about broadening horizons. “You get every genre, every kind of story, from all different people. It’s not the typical movie-going experience, and that’s what makes it special,” he said. This year marks Bond’s first time as a festival participant, though he’s been an attendee for several years. The creative, collaborative atmosphere has always been inspiring to him, and now being a part of it as a filmmaker has turned into a validating experience.

This experience of bringing “Sunburst“ to life was transformative for Bond himself. He shared how seeing the whole process come to life was an eye-opening confirmation that this is what he loves to do.  A simple pitch turned into a full production that allowed him to break out of his comfort zone. From developing the story, bringing visual elements to life, and collaborating with his team, Bond created a piece that he is truly proud of. 

Though “Sunburst” is comedic, its message runs deeper. “I’d love for people to walk away thinking about the interconnectedness of all of us,” Bond said. “We all have those quiet moments of desperation, or overthinking, or anxiety, but at the end of the day, it’s our common humanity that ties us together.” 

Bond’s “Sunburst” can be seen on Sunday, November 9th at 6 p.m. in the Carnegie Cinema. 

Leah Bahamonde’s “Eaten Alive”

For Leah Bahamonde, a senior majoring in film production, filmmaking is a form of truth-telling. Her latest project, “Eaten Alive”, is a narrative short that dives deep into the internal world of a woman battling an eating disorder. The film portrays the emotional and mental struggles that come with recovery and self-acceptance, revealing the strength that comes from vulnerability.

This year marks Bahamonde’s first time having a film featured in the Centre Film Festival, as well as being a member of the jury for the documentary feature films. Bahamonde speaks passionately about what the festival brings to Central Pennsylvania. “This festival brings art and culture into a place that’s often centered around agriculture, business, and engineering. It gives students and the community a chance to see film as something that can move and inspire,” she said.

Like many filmmakers, Bahamonde’s love for film began in childhood. She started out wanting to be an actress, but eventually got more interested in what was happening behind the scenes. Her passion solidified during high school when she attended a week-long program at the New York Film Academy and saw her imagination come to life. 

The idea for “Eaten Alive” came from a deeply personal story and a push for awareness.

“When I was a teenager, I spent time in a facility where I met people who struggled with eating disorders. I saw firsthand how misunderstood these illnesses are,” she said. She wanted her film to give audiences a glimpse into the pain, fear, and constant mental battle that come along with an eating disorder. 

The film’s production required a high level of technical skill. Creative lighting, camera work, and set design were important pieces to represent the chaos inside the main character’s head. “It was a challenge, but my team was amazing. It ended up being so much more powerful than I imagined, and I hope this is a start to breaking down stigma and building up empathy.”

Bahamonde’s “Eaten Alive” will be presented on Sunday, November 9th at 6 p.m. in the Carnegie Cinema. 

For Films and Scheduled Times, visit https://centrefilm.org/ for more information.