San Antonio's up-and-coming filmmakers have something to cheer about, as the winners of the 2024 Annual #FilmSA Competition have been announced. The city's homegrown cinema talents were recognized in two categories focused on San Antonio's rich cultural heritage and booming film industry. A cool $1,000 prize and the chance for a public screening of their work are now in the pockets of three young creatives.

In a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture, the competition flaunted films in "Beyond the Plate: Exploring San Antonio’s Food System” or "Lights, Camera, Action, SA!" cutoffs. Contestants were grouped by age, 14 – 17 and 18 – 21, both of whom showed their mettle through the lens. Winners are gearing up to have their films showcased at an Awards Ceremony at Mission Marquee Plaza.

Driftwood Productions took home the prize in the 14-17 age group for the category Beyond the Plate: Exploring San Antonio’s Food System with "SA Food Prosperity," according to the City of San Antonio's announcement. Gabriel Brewster captured the same age category for "Lights, Camera, Action, SA!" with his entry "Come See SA." The 18-21 bracket saw Paloma Monterrubio taking the spotlight with "3RD PLANET."

The #FilmSA competition is a platform for the youth to voice their experiences and insights into critical local issues. “Each year, I look forward to seeing how our youth are motivated to use film as a way to share their thoughts and experiences to inform and educate others about complex issues, such as our food system, and why building food resiliency is vital for a sustainable and equitable future, especially as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy,” told Colleen Swain, Director of the City of the San Antonio World Heritage Office, this sentiment. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Arts & Culture's Executive Director, Krystal Jones, underscored the city's burgeoning film scene. "San Antonio continues to be one of the best places in the nation to live and work as a filmmaker," she said. The San Antonio Film Commission, a division of the City of San Antonio's Department of Arts & Culture, plays a pivotal role in nurturing this growth, offering services ranging from permits to production advice, making the city a one-stop shop for the film industry.