Thirteen Govs Students Nominated in Local Art as Activism Film Fest

Senior Tyler Garvey Takes Second Place

Early this month, the Cabot Theater in Beverly, Massachusetts hosted the first annual “Art as Activism Film Fest” sponsored by Leading Ladies, featuring the winning shorts submitted by area high school students. These high school filmmakers tackled subjects like climate change, education, homelessness, the psychological effects of the pandemic, and LGBTQ issues.

Thirteen Govs students were nominated for top 10 awards and three of their films won honorable mentions. To view all of the nominated films, please click here.

●      Tyler Garvey ‘22, The Movement Family

●      Bryce Ciampitti ‘23 and Amelia Barlow ‘23, Plum Island Erosion (honorable mention)

●      Selina Liu ‘22, Under the Skyline (honorable mention)

●      Riley Thurston ‘24, Climate Change

●      Ryana Riaz ‘24, Macari Joyner ‘24, Chelsea Cashin ‘24, Simon Zhao ‘24 and Cora Knoell ‘24, Equal Education (honorable mention)

●      Finn Duff ‘22, Quality Education

●      Aby Joyner ‘24 and Marlo Johnson ‘24, Climate Change in the City

Taking second place in the entire competition was senior Tyler Garvey of Rowley, Massachusetts, whose documentary submitted to the festival was created in his Honors Research Seminar in Documentary Filmmaking with Brace. Each student in this two semester class builds a portfolio of documentary films. The first quarter is spent learning the hands-on skills used in creating a documentary— camera, lighting, and editing— along with understanding the interview process. Throughout the rest of the year the students engage in the creating numerous documentaries; some of which will have a worldview while others will limit themselves to the particulars of campus life.  

The topic Tyler chose for his documentary was The Movement Family (TMF), a non-profit organization in Lawrence, Massachusetts, whose work demonstrates the role young people can play in helping their communities. They offer those who feel lost and isolated a second family while spreading awareness about homelessness and addiction.

“There were many really good films in the contest, so I was honored to be selected as one of the top few. That recognition has also given more exposure to The Movement Family and the great work they do in Lawrence, as well as creating opportunities for the Leading Ladies to collaborate with TMF,” said Tyler of his second place honor.

He says he chose to feature TMF for his documentary after learning that the founder Michael Gorman started the organization in high school. Tyler says, “(Michael) showed me how much of an impact one can make, even at a young age. After learning more about TMF and their mission, when I was given the opportunity to make a meaningful documentary, I knew I had to choose them.”

Tyler visited their weekly Wednesday dinner for the homeless and interviewed the founder and multiple group members, then produced a five-minute documentary discussing the beginnings of the group and the importance of teens becoming involved in their own communities. Click here to watch Tyler’s documentary.

To learn more about The Movement Family and their mission, click here.

Cover photo credit to Leading Ladies via Facebook