GREENFIELD — A Greenfield film student was one of two top winners and one honorary mention winner in the Monterey County Film Commission’s 2022 Director Emeritus Richard Tyler Film Student Scholarship Award program.
David Orta, a Greenfield resident and film student at Hartnell Community College, was awarded a $1,500 scholarship.
The other top recipient was Laska Stanford of Marina, a California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) student in the Cinematic Arts and Technology Department, who also won a $1,500 scholarship.
Diego Garcia of Lemoore, also a film student at CSUMB, received a $500 scholarship.
“In a time of financial strain and economic disparity, this award is a glimmer of hope for artists like myself and the creative people I collaborate with,” Orta said. “As a film major and student filmmaker, opportunities like these are critical for experimentation and professional growth in the field.”
Established in 2008, the Monterey County Film Commission’s scholarship program provides financial aid and incentive to students of film as well as beginning filmmakers who reside in Monterey County, or those enrolled in a college or university here.
The fund is a permanent endowment with the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
“I feel very grateful for the creative freedom receiving this scholarship affords me,” Stanford said. “The film community here in Monterey County is so supportive.”
Monterey County Film Commission presented plaques and checks to the winners on Feb. 2.
Tanya Olson, a member of the commission’s board of directors and chair of the scholarship committee, made the presentation at East Garrison in Marina.
“We are ecstatic to continue this scholarship program that recognizes college students passionate about using their voice and talent in visual storytelling,” Olson said. “It is so refreshing to hear their original story ideas. We look forward to seeing their films. We are also deeply moved by the continuous support from the Monterey County community in making these scholarships available for the next generation of storytellers.”
Contributions to the commission’s Director Emeritus Richard Tyler Film Student Scholarship Award Program were made by the Craig and Paula Tigerman family, Dino Cocalis, Coastal Roots Hospitality Group, Union Bank, and numerous local businesses and individuals.
For more information, contact the Monterey County Film Commission at [email protected] or call 831-646-0910.
