2026 Virtual Films
This year, we’re excited to expand the festival by offering a selection of films through our virtual festival. We look forward to building on this opportunity and expanding our virtual programming even further next year!
WHITTIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Whittier Turns 100, (3:22)-Second- and third-grade broadcasting students celebrate Whittier Elementary School’s 100th anniversary by exploring its history, growth, and lasting impact on generations of students, staff, families, and the community.Director: Sophia Eckert, Writer: Penelope Conley Producers: Vivian Townsend and Vera Bharath
The Story of Whittier- Whittier students explore the rich history of their school, comparing Whittier then and now while celebrating its growth, traditions, achievements, and lasting impact on generations of students. Director and Writer: Tanoor Dieng Writer: Evan Sumner Producer: Tanoor Dieng
The Super Heroes of Whittier, (2:01)- Fifth-grade students at Whittier Elementary School set out to discover the extraordinary superpowers within their school community. Through student-led interviews and exploration, they uncover the unique talents, strengths, and qualities that make Whittier’s students and staff everyday superheroes. Writer and Producer: Aria Anderson, Producer and Director: Jiya Mitchell
Voices of Whittier, (1:47)- In this, we dive into exactly what people think about Whittier turning 100! We show this by interviewing some of the Whittier family! Director, Writer, and Producer: Joaquuin Martin Brown, Director: Mylah Germain
Day In a Life of a Whittier Student, (1:19)- A Day in the Life at Whittier invites viewers to experience a school day through the eyes of Whittier students. From the moment they arrive to the final bell, students share the learning, friendships, activities, and experiences that make their school day special. Created by students, the project features a student-written script and offers an authentic glimpse into what it’s really like to be a Whittier Warrior. Director, Writer, Producer: Mackenzie Alise Mitchell, Director, Writer, Producer: Triston Hassan Symes
100 Years Of Whittier Traditions!, (4:21)- Whittier Elementary is turning 100 — that’s a LOT of birthday candles! To celebrate, rising fifth-graders Ellie and Maya grabbed a camera and became movie directors. They interviewed students, teachers, and alumni, mixed in old photos and historic videos, and blended it all with fun moments from today. The result: a fun trip through 100 years of Whittier history, told by two of the school’s newest storytellers. Directors: Ellie Luna Munoz and Mya Nicole Jackson, Writers: Ellie Luna Munoz and Mya Nicole Jackson, Producers: Ellie Luna Munoz and Mya Nicole Jackson
Gavel Club of the Nation’s Capital Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc
Three podcasts from the Gavel Club of the Nation’s Capital Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
The Gavel Club is a youth auxiliary of Toastmasters International. The participants/Gaveliers in these podcasts are in 3rd - 6th grade. The Gaveliers filmed 3 different podcasts with 3 different groups of Gaveliers. Each group develops their own questions and interviews the guests.
Podcast 1: A Conversation with Dr. Ja'Lia Taylor, Director of Policy, Telecommunications, and Technology at the National Council of Negro Women about the Legacy of Shirley Chisholm (Grace, Ella, Joelle, Harper, Bobbi)
https://youtu.be/Qojh_uG-Jcg?si=QkkiMCn8nYemgD8u
Podcast 2: A Conversation with History Professor Derek Musgrove about the Legacy of Booker T. Washington (Joe, Jagger, Carter, Valor, Noah)
https://youtu.be/8seXXSmrh-A?si=nM9uJBL35IbXjn7F
Podcast 3: A Conversation with Park Guide Ife Calhoun about the Legacy of Frederick Douglass (Rinaldo, Noah, Dash,Vernard, Beau)