For the 21st year, the Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) brought a cinematic celebration to downtown Rome, Georgia, with screenings and awards, including a Halloween-themed opening night featuring student films. Among the filmmakers were several GHC film production majors, whose works, including “The Goop” and “Beside Still Waters,” captivated audiences on the festival’s first night, Thursday, Oct. 31.

The Halloween Horror Film Race—a collaboration between GHC and the University of West Georgia—showcased “The Goop” and “Beside Still Waters” at the Rome City Auditorium, where the GHC projects gained notable recognition. “The Goop” received the award for “Best Use of Weapon,” and “Beside Still Waters” earned “Best Directing.”

Stephen Burris, a film production major and contributor to several GHC films screened at RIFF, including “Awkward Date,” “Test of Patience,” and “The Changeable,” shared his experiences in post-production and cinematography. “I’m pursuing a career in film and post-production, but I got a lot of on-set experience with the camera team, which has been invaluable,” Burris said.

“Seeing shots from behind the camera has expanded my understanding of editing—it’s all about crafting the story.” Burris directed, wrote, and edited “The Changeable,” a unique musical short film, which he said adds a “special element” to the usual lineup of short films at GHC.

Kenli Garner, also a film production major, served as script supervisor for “Beside Still Waters.” Garner highlighted the collaboration involved in filmmaking. “I love that people from different backgrounds and skills come together for one project,” she said. Garner was especially thrilled to see “Beside Still Waters” on the big screen, describing the experience as both rewarding and educational.

Darlyn Morales, in her first semester at GHC, worked on both “The Goop” and “Beside Still Waters.” Morales praised GHC’s hands-on approach, especially in comparison to her previous school experience. “At GHC, even in my first semester, I’ve already worked on three films. That kind of involvement keeps me motivated,” she said. An aspiring editor, Morales likens editing to solving a puzzle. “You get into a flow of organizing and refining shots until they finally come together,” she added.

Joseph Castleman, the director of “The Goop,” shared his passion for storytelling and directing. His goal, he explained, is to bring the vivid images in his mind to life on screen. “Directing is the way I can achieve that,” Castleman said. He worked closely with classmates on various roles, collaborating on “Beside Still Waters” and several other films, contributing as a First Assistant Director, scriptwriter, and voiceover artist.

Seth Ingram, film chair at GHC and creative director of RIFF, played a significant role in guiding these students. His dual involvement in both the academic and festival areas bridges the students’ college projects with the professional film community. The festival  allows students to not only showcase their work but also gain real-world experience in film production and network with industry professionals.

“It’s been a very inspirational environment because Seth is so knowledgeable, and he’s taught me so much, and the experiences he’s given me are what has led me to being where I am,” Castleman said.

Justin Ford, a GHC graduate, shared that his roles in film production include working as a set lighting technician and a stuntman. “I chose stunt work because I love the feeling of it—it’s my favorite part of acting. I got into set lighting through an internship with GHC and the Georgia Film Academy, which turned into an actual job on set,” Ford explained.

Peighton Williamson, a graduate of Berry College, brings a diverse set of skills to the industry. “I’m an actor, office production assistant, sometimes a script supervisor and I also produce and write,” Williamson said.

Her journey into film began with a passion for creative writing and theater acting, which eventually led her to film. “I took my first on-camera acting class when I was 16, and it was then I knew I wanted to pursue film acting and storytelling,” she said. Her experience on her first professional set for “Creed III” confirmed her passion for a career in film.

Both Ford and Williamson contributed to multiple films showcased at RIFF. Ford worked on nearly all the GHC-related films screened at the festival, excluding The Goop and Beside Still Waters. Williamson was featured as an actor in “The Changeable”, as an actor and co-writer for “Awkward Date” and as a script supervisor for “Test of Patience.”

For these students, RIFF offered a platform to celebrate their achievements and future aspirations, demonstrating the strength of GHC’s film program and the promise of its emerging talent. Through hands-on experience and a collaborative festival environment, these students continue to shape their careers in a dynamic film industry.