Anna High School Students Win UIL State Film Championship, Earn State Finalist Honors

Anna High School students have made school history after earning both the 5A UIL State Film Championship and a State Finalist finish in the same year, a first for the school’s Audio/Video Production program.

The student documentary “One Pill Can Kill” won 1st Place in Texas in the UIL Documentary category, bringing statewide recognition to the program. The powerful film examines the dangers of fentanyl and its impact on communities.

▶ Watch the State Championship film: https://youtu.be/sAZsefqz-jo

The documentary was directed by Asher Tombrella, edited by Erickson Pastor Lopez, with Jackson Herrera serving as first assistant director and Elijah Seay as camera operator. The film also features Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner, who provides insight into the growing fentanyl crisis.

Anna High School also earned State Finalist honors with a 5th-place finish in the Narrative category for the film “The Last Class.”

▶ Watch the State Finalist film: https://youtu.be/zu0GEFFLskQ

“The Last Class” was directed by Charitha Bijivemula and produced by a team including Kayla Okpako (1st Assistant Director), Erickson Pastor Lopez (Editor), Asher Tombrella (1st Assistant Camera), Elijah Seay (Camera), Jackson Herrera (Grip/Continuity), Emory Tucker (Sound Design), Mckenzie Reynolds (SFX Makeup), and Tristyn Jones (Script/Story). The film stars Tristan Uribe, Azia Hessing, and Kobe Mora.

The films were created under the guidance of AHS AV teacher Andre Costa, whose program continues to grow in statewide recognition.

The achievement places Anna High School among the top student filmmaking programs in Texas and highlights the creativity and dedication of its student filmmakers. 🎬