Valentine’s Day was extra sweet for four local high school students who qualified for the interview round for the $2,500 Burt Reynolds Scholarship as part of the Palm Beach International Film Festival’s Student Showcase of Films.
These amateur filmmakers included Chandler Kravitz from Spanish River High School and three students from G-Star School of the Arts: Raymond Knudsen, Ben Beeler and Jordan Hall (the only female finalist). They were picked up by limos at their schools and transported to Reynolds’ home for their interview.
To qualify, each student submitted a self-authored letter about why they deserve the scholarship and make for an ideal candidate, a letter of recommendation from their film and television instructor, a five-minute compilation reel, a one-sheet explaining their reel and a post-high school acceptance letter, if applicable.
The legendary actor will personally present the scholarship recipient the award at the 19th annual Student Showcase of Films ceremony on Friday, March 14 at 10:30 a.m. at Lynn University’s Keith C. and Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center in Boca Raton.
“Mr. Reynolds is so welcoming and supportive of all the students with a passion for the production industry, and we are honored that he takes the time to personally connect with these young filmmakers in his own home no less,” Palm Beach County Deputy Film Commissioner Michelle Hillery said.
ABOVE: Burt Reynolds with the four finalists.
