Woodlawn High School’s Talented Theatre students have once again left their mark on the cinematic landscape with their latest creation, The Never Ending Duel. This captivating short film, written and directed by Woodlawn High School Senior Ava Jones, has garnered accolades at the esteemed Film Prize Jr. Film Festival and Competition in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Ava Jones, a senior in Woodlawn High School’s Gifted and Talented Theatre program, showcased her exceptional creativity and directorial expertise in bringing The Never Ending Duel to life. With her vision and dedication, Ava crafted every aspect of the film, from its inception to the final storyboard. Her previous involvement as the lead character in Woodlawn High School’s 2023 Audience Choice Award-winning film, Reap What You Sow, underscores her remarkable talent and commitment to the craft.
Beyond her achievements in filmmaking, Ava’s academic excellence and passion for creative writing have earned her acceptance into 15 colleges nationwide. With plans to pursue a degree in Creative Writing, Ava has already been awarded over $1.16 million in four-year merit scholarships, a testament to her outstanding achievements and bright future ahead.
Ava Jones proudly shows off her award at the film festival.
“The students worked incredibly hard on their film; everything that you see on screen was completed by a student. Creating a film of any length is a difficult process, just completing a film is a major accomplishment. Seeing the culmination of all of their work, the final realized piece, was incredible,” stated Ms. Mullins, Woodlawn’s Talented Theatre teacher. “Being able to sit in the audience and watch film after incredible film and knowing that they were all created by the students sitting around me from all over the state was an amazing experience and one that I hope we can bring to more students next year!”
The success of The Never Ending Duel wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the Louisiana Shakespeare Company, particularly the invaluable contributions of Liz Odom, the head of fight choreography. Their expertise elevated the film’s fight sequences, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
As the virtual Film Prize Jr. Festival unfolds, viewers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse array of student-created films, including The Never Ending Duel. Woodlawn High School encourages the community to watch the films and cast their votes for their favorites, supporting their quest for the Audience Choice Award.
Join the excitement of the virtual film festival by visiting https://filmprizejr.com/festival/ and exploring the 96 submissions before Monday, April 22nd, 2024. Let’s rally behind Woodlawn High School and celebrate the talent and creativity of Ava Jones and her fellow students.
