Earlier this year, three Campbell Hall film students were accepted into the All American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF) in New York City: Jack Setzen ‘26 for Joe Guerrero – A Boxing Story, Milo Miller ‘26 for The Runaway Cowboy, and James Milkes ‘26 for Mexican Reggae. Being one of the most significant high school film festivals in the country, official selections will screen and compete at the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square on Oct. 19.
Not only does this festival offer a stage for young filmmakers to share their work, but it also connects students with top industry professionals, higher education opportunities, scholarships and technology prizes.
Having an affinity for film since he was young, Miller was one of the students selected, earning recognition for his short film Runaway Cowboy. The film follows a cowboy returning to his hometown and grappling with the ways it’s since changed. Originally a passion project, the film developed into a full-scale production with the support of Campbell Hall’s film program, faculty, classmates and family.
“At first, the film started out [pretty small] but with a lot of help I was able to make it for class and turn it into something real,” Miller said. “I was able to go out and shoot on a real Western set with an entire cast [from my] class, so it was truly a Campbell Hall production. I’m [really proud] of how it turned out and excited to share it on a bigger [scope].”