Yesterday was a very special day for PJIFF! Thanks to
@_amazon.com_ 's
@changexhq grant we awarded three, $1,000 scholarships to filmmakers from
@gavilan_college
PJIFF Director
@mattiepjiff152 and Operations Manager of Hollister and San Juan Bautista, Fran Fitzharris along with gavilanprez, Dr. Pedro Avila, and Film Professor, timahlin proudly presented the scholarships to, Emilio Camacho, Alfredo Murillo, and Lea George at the Rotary Club of Gilroy luncheon.
This grant allowed us to establish a scholarship program to bridge the diversity and equity gap in the world of film.
Emilio Camacho
I’ve wanted to be a filmmaker since I was in junior high school. My neighbor, who was like a grandmother to me, had a life story that inspired me to get into film. A friend suggested I check out the Gavilan Film Department. I've always enjoyed making people happy and making them laugh, and I feel that filmmaking allows me to do that on a grander scale.
I’d like to extend my gratitude to the Gilroy Rotary Club for their generosity in hosting us and for all they do in the community. I also want to thank Mattie and the PJIFF as well as Dr. Avila for his leadership in making Gavilan College such a fine institute for higher learning. Last but not least, I want to express my deepest thanks to my professors, Tim Ahlin and Grant Richards, for their guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support.
Alfredo Murillo-
Future goals: Finish at Gavilan with an associate degree majoring in film. Transferring to a 4-year university to Major in Film and Media.
Additional Information: I was inspired to go into film because of videos I watched like movies, skateboard videos, and documentaries. I am self-taught when it comes to editing. I taught myself how to color grade, edit, and add music to videoand compile multiple clips.
Lea George
Future goals: Be in the filmindustry, designing and directing.
Additional Information: I have been involved in film since the age of 10. For fun as a child, I would film and edit my short movies. I have a supportive family who supports me in my goal to be in film.
