New York, NY — 12/01/25 — The Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) Film Program, now in its third year as an official major, has established itself as a meaningful presence within national youth filmmaking. Student work has led to recognition from respected festivals, arts organizations, and top film schools around the country. These early achievements underscore PPAS’ commitment to creating an environment where emerging artists can explore their talent and reach their highest potential.
Major Awards at the All-American High School Film Festival
This year, PPAS Film won the top award at the largest and most competitive high school film festival in the world. Receiving thousands of submissions annually, the All American High School Film Festival hosts the best young filmmakers from around the globe and culminates in a premiere screening of their work at AMC Theaters, followed by a red carpet awards ceremony at the historic Kings Theater in New York City. PPAS Film students were honored with several significant recognitions, including the top prize:
- Best Overall Film — Ways of Remembering, directed by Hudson Loverro and Maria Curry.
- Best Cinematography — Be Mine, directed by Will Coombs and Philipp Tsemnov, with cinematography by Michael Jamrozek.
- A third film, How Very, Very Nice to Meet You, produced by Summer Brown, earned a nomination for Best Comedy, an award presented by HBO’s John Oliver.
PPAS Film appears to be the only high school program in the country to receive two major category awards in the same night. Combined, PPAS Film students won new equipment and access to more than $100,000 in scholarship opportunities.
YoungArts Award With Distinction
PPAS Film also celebrated a major achievement at the National YoungArts Competition, one of the most selective arts recognition programs in the United States. Student filmmaker Jaxon Zepel received a YoungArts Award with Distinction for the short film Deer Trails.
This year, nearly 11,000 students applied across ten artistic disciplines. Only 12 filmmakers nationwide received the “With Distinction” designation—the program’s highest honor. Zepel has been invited to National YoungArts Week in Miami, where he will receive mentorship from leading artists and become eligible for additional honors, including consideration for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts.
About the PPAS Film Program
PPAS Film is the new film major at the Professional Performing Arts School in Midtown Manhattan. Modeled after university-level film programs, PPAS Film students gain in-depth, hands-on experience with every aspect of the filmmaking process, from theory and criticism, to craft-based instruction in screenwriting, cinematography, directing, producing, and editing.
For students aiming to pursue careers in the field, the program offers a crucial opportunity to build a portfolio for college applications under the supervision of experienced industry professionals. For students interested in related fields (journalism, communications, marketing, design, etc.) the program offers a one-of-a-kind lens to explore and critically analyze the digital tools that are transforming our society.
The curriculum emphasizes empathy and self-expression as catalysts for positive change in the world. Students are encouraged to embrace their individuality while fostering a deep sense of self-awareness and artistic integrity.
PPAS Film was founded by award-winning filmmaker Stephen Scott Scarpulla and is run in partnership with Evolution Arts.
