East County student's short film wins at Miami film festival

For Braden River High student Carrie Dutting, the weeks she spent writing, editing, directing and acting in her first short film paid off.

Dutting's film, "Alike," won first place at the Miami International Science Film Festival's shorts competition Jan. 23 and Jan. 24.

The teenager also won the Young Prodigy Award.

The local students' film was the only film in the festival created by teenagers. Professionals or college-level film students created the other entries.

 “Alike” tells the story of Jaime, whose mother sold her to Gemini Labs — a government program that uses ethically questionable methods of building an army, such as cloning people.

After meeting her clone, Jordan, Jaime, played by Dutting, questions the agency and its practices, and must make a choice.

“Alike” was filmed at Gene Witt Elementary School last summer during the annual Inspired Minds filmmaking camp.

"I'm so proud of all the cast and crew that created this film," said Heather Manley, Inspired Minds co-founder.

Inspired Minds plans to host its summer camp from July 6 through July 17. Exact dates and locations are still being discussed.

The deadline for film script submission for the camp is April 1.

Email [email protected] for more information.

Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].