Aspiring Filmmakers Showcase Their Work and Gain Hands-On Experience at Inaugural Steel City High School Film Festival Friday, October 17, 2025
Thirty high school filmmakers from 11 states showcased their work, networked with industry professionals and participated in hands-on workshops at the inaugural Steel City High School Film Festival, held Sept. 12-13 at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse.
“Seeing these young filmmakers' work and allowing them to share it at the festival is what excited me most about organizing and running this festival,” said Andrew Halasz, M.F.A., chair of the Department of Film and Animation. “I wanted to provide these young filmmakers — who are the future of film — the opportunity to network, learn from the professionals, and most importantly, give them a venue to present their visions through their films on the super impressive screen of the PNC Theatre.”
On the opening night of the festival, attendees enjoyed:
- A welcome reception to meet participants, Point Park faculty and alumni.
- A panel with alumni filmmakers of “Fog of War,” including Mike Day (director), Dean Fisher (cinematographer) and Kevin Kaufmann (editor), moderated by Andrew Halasz.
- A screening of “Fog of War” in the PNC Theatre.
"One of the proudest moments of my life was teaching Mike, Dean and Kevin," Halasz said. "Each one of them are superstars because they worked hard, had focus and drive."
During the panel, the alumni were asked to share what they wish they had known at the start of their film career:
"Be open to feedback and be confident in your work," Kaufmann said.
"Try everything," Fisher added. "There is so much in film to do, so find out what you like."
Day agreed: "Try to learn and know how everything works. The more you know about all of the different jobs, it will make you better at what you do."
Day two of the festival was jam-packed with:
- A filmmakers' breakfast.
- A Q&A with Kathryn Spitz Cohan, founder of Film Pittsburgh.
- Camera Playground and Mixing for Film workshops in the Highmark Theatre, Soundstage and West Penn Hall Lab.
- Film screenings in the PNC Theatre.
- An awards ceremony in the PNC Theatre.
During the Q&A with Spitz Cohan, she encouraged the students to "follow their dreams, do the work and don't expect it to be easy."
She added, "I have a long history with Point Park and have formed so many special relationships here. The people at Point Park really care about film and the resources here are phenomenal. If I were a student looking to study film, Point Park is where I would go because it has so many resources for aspiring filmmakers."
Sophia Peanella, a student from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, said Point Park is one of her top options for college.
"Point Park is really amazing for anyone who is creative or has a passion for the arts," Peanella said. "I really enjoyed meeting teachers, professionals and other filmmakers at the festival. It was such a welcoming environment and a place where you can nurture an interest or passion."
Stay tuned for details about the 2026 Steel City High School Film Festival.
Behind the Scenes at the Film Festival
Film Festival Award Winners
Congratulations to all of the student filmmakers. Hear more from the award winners in the videos below.
Angela Ruohan Yan, Best Narrative/Experimental
Ella Kurschinske, Best Documentary
Owen Stillwell, Audience Award
Reporting contributed by Chloe Humway '28
LinkedIn videos produced by Austin Zarnick '26