Goliad High student film advances to UIL semi-finals

Posted Date: 02/13/2023

Two of two Goliad High School student short films made it through the first round with one making it to the semi-finals of UIL judging.

“Nightmare on Tiger Drive” is one of 12 films competing in the 3A semi-finals for a chance at State.

This short film by Alex McCaskill, Hunter Mitchell and Isaiah Pena tells the heart-pounding story of what first appears to be a zombie invasion at the high school.

“‘What could be worse than zombies… Freshmen,’ Oh my gosh. I laughed so hard,” one judge wrote in his comment.

“I love the music choice, it helps add suspense,” another judge wrote. “The film paces and moves perfectly for what you are wanting to accomplishes, humorous and it also has frightening sequences.”

Both Pena and Mitchell played leading rolls in this production.

The second film, which scored well in the first round and was also created by the team of McCaskill, Mitchell and Pena, is titled “Inner Thoughts” and tells the story of a youth and his struggle to overcome depression after the loss of his brother.

One judge described this film as “awesome” while another said the film “did a good job presenting loss, framed against fear and backed by sadness.”

Another wrote, “Actors were believable. The pace of the movie is well done. Cinematography is excellent…”

Joe Hand and Faith West play leading rolls in this film with supporting cast from throughout the school.

McCaskill served as director in both films with Mitchell as sound editor and Pena as editor. Mitchell also wrote the original scripts for both films.

Both films were produced with guidance from Jason Collins, who teaches photography, yearbook and journalism at Goliad High, and David Luna, who serves as a theatre director and district director of technology.