Film By Group Of Chester County Students Grabs Attention Of White House
By Kristen Johanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- High school students from Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Chester County made a short film about the importance of inspiring teachers -- and it captured the attention of the White House.
A trio of normal high school students had an extraordinary Friday in Washington D.C. Student filmmaker Jason Kim and his two friends, Jack Lewis and Cameron Pratt, were invited to attend the 2nd annual White House Film Festival for a showing of their film, A Student's Dream.
"All 3 of us, we like couldn't believe it," said student filmmaker Jason Kim. "Even right now, it's kind of hard to understand that this was real."
Kim wrote and directed the film. Lewis and Pratt acted in it. The film was one of 15 shown at the festival. The idea was to portray a troubled teen who is guided in the right direction by a teacher.
"This is an awesome opportunity to showcase our ideas and opinions to the world," Kim said, "and this pushes us to go and do even greater projects."
The event was hosted by President Obama, and encourages students to blend educational and community service themes, with technology.
"This year, we received more than 1,500 submissions that came from all across the country," Obama said. "Our theme was the impact of giving back."
The student film festival included guest appearances by Hillary Swank, Kal Pen and Steve McQueen.
Kim called it a day he will never forget.
"We met a bunch of celebrities and filmmakers, and we had our film shown," Kim said. "It was an incredible experience."
