On Saturday, March 18th, Shore Regional High School Senior, David Laporta, came in first place for the Project FX, Count Basie Theater’s Statewide Student Film Festival for high school students. The top three high school films and top three college films won prizes. In addition to a Sony Digital movie camera and a $1,000 cash scholarship, David was also awarded an internship experience at Sony Picture Classics in New York.

Late in February, David became a finalist for his film titled “Trick Question”. The film follows a young man on his journey of self discovery, based around the question “How would you want to die?” David’s film had detailed cinematography and outstanding technical aspects, but the most striking part was the powerful statement he made on suicide and the choice to live rather than die. His film has amazing impact and was beautifully constructed.

Video submissions were vetted by a qualified panel of sub-judges and the top 10 high school videos and top 10 collegiate videos were uploaded to the Project FX’s Facebook page. From there, the filmmakers were encouraged to get people to like and share the video. Another panel of celebrity judges awarded the six winners.

David’s mother Katie posted on Facebook thanking family, friends, and community members for their “outpouring of support”. She went on to thank the Video Production teacher at Shore Regional, Susan Tranchina.

David received the call that he had won just prior to going out to perform as Mr. George Banks in Shore Regional’s Mary Poppins. In addition to being part of Shore players, David is also on the boys varsity soccer team and varsity swim team. Wherever David ends up next year after graduation, he is certainly on to great things!

Click here to check out David’s video “Trick Question”