For most first-time filmmakers, showcasing their work to a crowd can be a nerve-wracking experience, with every frame under the scrutiny of critical eyes; however, for Milford High School juniors Chloe Call and Taylor Jackson, their debut at the inaugural Loveland Shorts Film Festival was more than just a test of nerves—it was a proud testament to their hard work and a promising glimpse into the projects yet to come.
"My goal was to finish a piece of art and put it out there, just to have that building block. Making the short film was a really positive experience, even though it was a bit stressful due to the tight deadline—but that was my fault for not planning thoroughly!" said Call.
Call discovered the opportunity to participate in the Loveland Shorts Film Festival through her art teacher, Mr. Luessen, who had put up a poster about the event. Having been interested in film for about a year, Call saw this as the perfect chance to challenge herself and bring her creative ideas to life.
Despite having no prior experience in film contests and working with a tight schedule, Call was determined to complete her project. She and Jackson managed to plan, film and edit their short film in just a few days, working with the free limited resources they had available.
The film, titled “The Barrier,” revolves around a girl trapped in a "mind place," a role portrayed by Jackson, and was filmed entirely in Call’s neighborhood.
The film was selected to be shown at the festival, an accomplishment that took the two of them by surprise.
“I didn’t know how many people would submit since it was the first year of the festival, so I was really excited when I got the email,” shared Call.
The experience of seeing her film projected on a screen and hearing the audience’s applause was a significant moment for the young filmmaker. “It was a big moment to see my name as the director,” she said.
Call and Jackson were also two of the youngest participants at the festival, which included a Q&A session with the filmmakers. Although nervous, they embraced the opportunity to discuss their film alongside other creators, some of whom had spent months on their projects.
Looking ahead, Call is eager to continue her journey in film, with plans to participate in more festivals, including returning to the Loveland Film Fest.
You can watch Call and Jackson's entire short film, "The Barrier", below: