Salisbury Students Win Best Script Award at Mad Monster Film Festival with Powerful Film on Trauma

Salisbury Students Shine at Film Festival with Creative Project

In the vibrant city of Salisbury, excitement buzzed as students from Henderson Independent School celebrated a remarkable achievement at the recent Mad Monster Film Festival held in Charlotte. These young creatives poured their hearts and souls into a film titled “The Horror of Trauma,” which won the award for best script out of 27 submissions.

A Journey of Artistic Expression

The journey began as a collaboration between the school and a program called Art & Soul Rowan, which focuses on helping students express their feelings through art and poetry. Shane Manier, a dynamic creative coach and trauma-informed care instructor, has been at the helm, guiding students through creative exploration. Manier described the program as one that artfully blends poetry, art, and personal development. “Through artistic expression, we explore identity and rewriting the narrative of your trauma,” Manier shared, emphasizing the program’s aim to equip students with essential life skills like anger management, conflict resolution, and overall emotional learning.

The Birth of a Horror Film

At first, the idea of creating a film felt like a distant thought, but as the students delved into their creativity, inspiration struck. “We decided to make a film… and I was like, ‘What about a horror movie?’” Manier recalled, and to her delight, the students eagerly agreed. It became a true team effort; they all participated in writing the script, directing, and applying special effects, all while filming on a shoestring budget.

The shooting took place entirely within the school, and due to time constraints—just four weeks to get everything done—things were often hectic. “We really only had about 30 minutes of actual filming time,” Manier explained, fondly remembering the laughter and creativity that filled their sessions. “With one basic camera and heaps of enthusiasm, the end result was not just fun, but deeply impactful.”

Cinematic Recognition

Once the film was completed, the next question arose: “What do we do with it?” After some encouragement from Manier, they decided to send “The Horror of Trauma” to the Mad Monster Film Festival. This festival, part of a horror convention in Charlotte, was a place filled with excitement and creativity. Thanks to a partnership with the Nazareth Children’s Home, students obtained festival passes and attended the event, where they could meet industry celebrities and participate in discussions.

When the award ceremony arrived, the students were elated to learn that out of the several films entered, their creation had been recognized for its exemplary script. “The love from the filmmakers was so beautiful,” Manier expressed, stating that many people attended the screening to see their film, a validation that meant the world to her students. “These people didn’t know us at all; they showed up and appreciated our story.”

The Transformative Power of Art

Manier highlighted the profound impact that this experience has had on the students. She noted how important it is for young people, often labeled as troublemakers, to have the chance to express their experiences through art. “The whole process can completely change the trajectory of their lives,” she explained. “It gives them a way to process difficult emotions and encourages them to rewrite their narratives.”

The students not only honed their creativity and skill sets but also learned to see themselves differently. “Many realized that their past experiences didn’t have to define them,” Manier said. This newfound understanding leads to a great sense of ownership regarding their personal stories and what they want their futures to look like.

A Glimpse into the Future

Beyond artistic exploration, the program has proven effective in fostering improved behavior and academic performance. “We’ve witnessed remarkable transformations,” Manier said, sharing stories of students who turned their lives around, leaving behind past troubles. The road to success may look different for everyone, but for each student, every step taken is celebrated.

As the curtains closed on this film festival adventure, Manier is already looking forward to what comes next for her students. The journey of creativity, self-discovery, and recognition is just beginning for these talented young filmmakers from Salisbury, and the future is certainly bright!