STUDENTS on the RIVER

film contest

Watch this website for more educational opportunities, dates to be determined:

  • December - Intro to Filmmaking video call

  • January - Storyboarding workshop

  • January - Film and Family walk along the river

  • February - Editing workshop

Student filmmakers can seek the OFFICE HOURS tech support from professional filmmaker, Steven Bumgardner via Zoom on December 17th from 6-7:00 pm. https://calendar.app.google/pLDcCa7dgKAPvizx9

INSPIRATIONS

Check out MCHS Watershed Council scholarship recipient Finn Westerlund’s inspirational video below presented at the 2024 Merced River Fest AND a student-created claymation video “Bad Bugs” about the good they offer to our planet.

In collaboration with the Mariposa Arts Council, the Upper Merced River Watershed Council is proud to sponsor its first STUDENTS on the RIVER film contest open to all school-age Mariposa County youth.

First ($500), second ($300), and third ($200) place videos will be selected by a panel of filmmakers and Watershed Council board members.

Student videos will be featured at the April 19, 2025 MERCED RIVER FEST - Wild and Scenic Film Festival event at the Grove House and will used as educational outreach materials throughout the watershed.

Guidelines

  • Must be a school-age student within Mariposa County

  • Films can be up to 3 minutes

  • Content must be suitable for all ages

Suggested topics include

  • what you love about the Merced River and watershed

  • water conservation and why it’s important

  • importance of water quality

  • wildlife in the watershed

  • artistic explorations in the Merced River watershed

Submissions due March 1, 2025

Submission link to be posted soon.

Send questions and submissions to Film Contest Coordinator, Kristina Rylands, at kristinarylands@gmail.com.

This activity is funded in part by the County of Mariposa and the Mariposa County Arts Council