Sask. teen wins film award at L.A. Skins Fest

Earlier this summer she was among a group of young filmmakers who took part in a workshop put on at United American Indian Involvement Inc. (UAII) in collaboration with 7 Generations. What emerged onto the silver screen at the TCL (Grauman’s) Chinese Theater was a two-minute short film about youth rediscovering their traditions by connecting with their culture.

The young filmmaker who has yet to enter high school said she’s always been interested in acting and the movie industry. After being given parental approval, she went to Los Angeles and became part of the youth film crew in the LA Skins Fest Native Youth Media Workshop. Under the mentorship of Veteran Writer, Director, and Editor Ian Skorodin, the crew wrote, shot, acted, and produced the story that would become an award-winner.

“He was there every single day helping us,” said Serna, noting Skorodin is part of the festival board and had submitted the film for consideration.

The story centered around two brothers. They are supposed to be going to a powwow, but one brother wants to stay and play games. As the one brother is getting ready to go to the event, he becomes upset that his twin doesn’t want to attend and then gets stuck in the television. The boy who wanted to stay home is devastated and begins his journey by mounting a rescue mission with their cousin to help release his brother.

“A lot of youth forget about their culture and their ancestry and stuff,” she said of the plot.

“They have to pray to their ancestors and stuff to get out.”

Serna explained the experience was fun and the crew worked well together, and she was comfortable with the process though it wasn’t without its hard work. The crew – helmed by youth director Samara Lopez-Jones and produced by Serna – only had about one week to complete the film and a few hours each day to work on it. Later, when she learned the film had been accepted into the festival from her mother, she was dumbfounded.

“She was like ‘It’s going to be in one of the biggest theatres in Hollywood that’s going to be premiered in’ I’m like, ‘Are you serious?’”

The City of Angels was somewhat of a culture shock with its tall buildings and busy traffic and once at the theatre, Serna wasn’t sure anyone would be there.

“I thought I was early, or I was late, and I go get my snacks and I go in there and it’s filled – all the seats are (taken),” the teen said with awe.

“I’m like ‘No way,’ it was crazy.”

All the short films were shown together and afterwards, the filmmakers were called up onstage to share their thoughts and answer questions.

“It was honestly a really great experience,” said Serna, noting she also made industry connections from across the continent.

The awards ceremony took place on the last day of the festival and when they announced the winner in Serna’s category, she didn’t hear her name. Her mom had to whisper to her.

“I ran to the stage, I did like a little fast walk up there,” she said laughing.

“I was smiling so hard.”

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julia.lovettsquires@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @jls194864

by Julia Lovett-Squires

Sask. teen wins film award at L.A. Skins Fest

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