Santiago Meza, who graduated from Harbor High School in Santa Cruz this year, is planning to study film at Santa Monica City College. WFF officials said they were impressed with Meza’s short films, which they screened at the 2022 festival in March.

Meza is the third recipient of the $500 scholarship, after Diego Lopez in 2020 and Angie Rockey in 2021.

The award is given by WFF to graduating high school students who show strong abilities in the filming field and plan to continue studying the art in college. Through the scholarship, WFF aims to support these up-and-coming local filmmakers.

For original article and information on the WFF Student Scholarship and to learn about Meza and past winners, go here.