OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The lights came up on more than just student filmmaking Tuesday night as the Marion County School Board recognized participants in the fourth annual Ocala Film Derby at their October 27, 2026, meeting. This event continues to turn local creativity into real opportunity.
Held Sept. 23-27, the week brought together Marion County student filmmakers for team meetings, hands-on workshops, and a high-pressure production day before their original short films premiered on the big screen. The centerpiece was Derby Day on Friday, Sept. 25, when student teams took over downtown Ocala and had roughly eight hours to write, shoot, and finish an original short film under real-world conditions.
Chance Johnson, executive producer of the film for Forest High School’s video production program, took the podium first. The senior, who earned a $6,000 scholarship for his leadership throughout his years with the Derby, spoke about how the program has shaped more than his resume.
“When I think about the impact that video production and the Ocala Film Derby has had on my life, it’s difficult to put it all into words,” Johnson said. “Because for me, this program has become so much more than making films. It’s given me opportunities I never could have imagined.”
He described learning to turn ideas into finished work, leading teams under pressure, and discovering a sense of direction. “Somewhere along the way, I stopped seeing filmmaking as something I enjoyed doing, and started seeing it as part of who I am,” he told the board. “It’s given me a sense of direction and helped me understand what I want to spend my life doing.”
Johnson also highlighted the community aspect, noting friendships, mentorships, and the chance to represent his school in New York City. “Not every student discovers their passion through a traditional classroom,” he said. “Some students find it behind a camera, in an editing room, on a stage, or while working alongside a team to bring an idea to life.”
The board then screened the judges’ choice winning film, “The Barber: Killer Shots,” created by a multi-school team that had only hours to write, shoot, and finish the project while incorporating a specific genre, line of dialogue, Ocala landmark, prop, and character; despite the intense logistical pressure of the challenge, the finished film was impressively polished and closed with an unexpectedly gruesome twist.
Kathy Otte, coordinator of career and technical education, introduced the students and mentors behind the winning entry. Audience Choice winners and additional participants were also recognized, along with the Film Derby committee.
In total, 119 students took part this year. The committee awarded a record $22,500 in scholarships, which is the largest total in the event’s history. Lori Zink, described as the driving force behind the event, was specifically thanked for fostering the program and expanding its scholarship opportunities.
Board members praised the quality of the work produced under tight constraints and the way the derby showcases student talent outside traditional classrooms. School Board Chair Dr. Sarah James later emphasized the community partnership that makes the event possible, noting that downtown Ocala businesses open their doors so students can film. “That’s really amazing, because businesses don’t have to do that,” she said. “And so really kudos to the partnership that we’ve been able to create to make that happen.”
She connected the experience to broader opportunities funded in part through the one-mill referendum, which supports fine arts and other programs. “It gives students opportunities to learn in different spaces and different types of rooms, like the film classroom,” James said.
School Board member Rev. Eric Cummings stated that he recognized the barber shop where the kids did their film and highly praised their work.
“Anytime we’re able to start our meeting showcasing the talents and the gifts of our students, and all of the things that are happening in our district, it is a great meeting,” Cummings said.
For students like Johnson, the Derby has already opened doors. As he prepares to graduate and pursue filmmaking, he said he is taking more than a portfolio and awards with him. “I’m taking the lessons that I’ve learned, the relationships that I’ve built, and the confidence I’ve gained from being part of this community.”