James Clemens impresses national film festival in NYC
Students from James Clemens High School won first-place and finalist honors at the All-American High School Film Festival in New York City. CONTRIBUTED
James Clemens High School, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Schools, Z - News Main
 By  GreggParker Published 
8:35 pm Monday, December 19, 2022

James Clemens impresses national film festival in NYC

MADISON – Students in JetsPress, the award-winning film, photography and media study at James Clemens High School, received high praise during their trip to New York City for the All-American High School Film Festival.

“I would like to congratulate Clay Combs and students in the technology and broadcast academy at James Clemens for outstanding finishes in the All-American High School Film Festival held Oct. 21-23 in NYC,” Dr. Ed Nichols, Superintendent of Madison City Schools, said in his recent District Update.

James Clemens had seven finalists and two winners in various categories in this international competition that involves more than 3,000 submissions from across the United States and foreign countries, Nichols said.

Industry professionals consider the film festival as the premier destination for talented filmmakers in high school and for media arts enthusiasts. Festival organizers strive to provide immersive education with a profound impact and to connect the future filmmakers with the rewards, respect and recognition they deserve. (hsfilmfest.com)

At the conference, Jim Eso from James Clemens earned first-place honors in the Public Service Announcement or PSA category with his submission of “Open.” Another winner in first place was Connor Douglass for his production of “For the Picture,” which is a micro movie, defined as a brief film of any genre. Some designers use a micro movie for advertisement and promotional purposes.

Zach Williams was a finalist for “Best Visual FX” for special effects in this design. In addition, Williams reached finalist status for “Best Music Video,” a very active and competitive category.

Riyan Makenna Barnett ranked as a finalist for the submission, “Best Storyblocks – Representation Through Storytelling: Our Gospel.” In the category of “Best Action Sports,” Kinsley Hunter developed a work that advanced to finalist: “James Clemens High School Football Promo 2021: The Coming Storm.” Maby De La Hoz qualified as another award winner from James Clemens.

Clay Combs mentors these students and teaches introduction to TV production, photography and advanced TV production, known as JetsPress. In 2019, the All-American High School Film Festival named Combs as “Teacher of the Year.”

For more information, visit hsfilmfest.com.

Also on The Madison Record
Rocket City Marching Invitational set for Saturday, Sept. 20 at stadium
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
September 17, 2025
James Clemens fined and forfeits victory over Gardendale for rule violation
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
September 17, 2025
Mayor Paul Finley bids farewell, reflects on accomplishments at 2025 Madison Update
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
September 17, 2025
District 6 seat to be decided Tuesday in runoff election
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - There is one final race to be decided from Madison’s municipal Aug. 26 election. The representative for District 6 on the Madison City Counc...
Heart of the Valley YMCA exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy, renews mission focus
A: Main, Business, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
HUNTSVILLE – On Sept. 8, Heart of the Valley YMCA announced its successful emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This development marks a new chapter ...
MCDAB presents check to Parks and Recreation, chairperson steps down
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
September 17, 2025
MADISON - After serving as the chairperson for the Madison City Disability Advocacy Board (MCDAB) for nine years, Janessa Crosswy is moving and steppi...
State lawmakers, local city leaders meet with Space Command leader to discuss transition
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By ALEX ANGLE Alabama Daily News 
September 17, 2025
WASHINGTON — Space Command is moving quickly to bring the headquarters to Huntsville through meetings with members of the state’s congressional delega...
Best-Selling Author Jen Hatmaker to share memoir on Oct. 21
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 17, 2025
MADISON – Jean Hatmaker, “New York Times” Best-Selling Author, speaker and podcaster, will share thoughts from her memoir, “Awake,” at Blue Apple Book...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *