Local students' short film 'Safe' receives international recognition

Lakewood Ranch High student Haley Legg and the 20 other members of the Inspired Minds student filmmaking group can add another name to their list of recognition.

The students, who range from third grade to high school juniors, were notified recently that their short film "Safe" received a nomination for the Toronto Film and Video Awards.

The 13-minute film depicts a group of students trapped in a school that was designed to keep them safe. The titanium shutters and other safety features enclose the students and lock them inside their school for five days, over which the characters learn more about themselves and each other.

"Safe" poses the question, "Their parents wanted to keep them safe from the world, but who will keep them safe from each other?"

Students say the film, a modern take on William Golding's "Lord of the Flies," has something for everyone, children and adults.

To date, the local students have received nominations at six film awards, such as the Gasparilla International Film Festival and the Sarasota Film Festival Hollywood Nights Program.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].