Senior Grace Diem is seeing a glimpse of her future firsthand. Diem has been invited to attend the “Garden State Film Festival” in Asbury Park, NJ, where her film “A History of Video Violence” will be shown, on March 24.

About three days prior to the contest deadline, Diem received the information needed to complete her film. She immediately began planning, filming and editing over the next two days. 

“I thought it’d be a fun challenge,” said Diem. “I started working on it Friday, when it was due that Monday.”

Diem received an email shortly after submitting her film informing her that it would be screened. She immediately texted her family group chat to share the good news. 

“I checked my email, saw the notification and was so excited!” said Diem. 

Diem is enrolled in Del Val’s Film and Literature class, where she has been learning shots, ways to edit and camerawork. 

Diem has had little experience when it comes to actually creating films. She filmed her first one in Oct. 2023 through trial and error. Diem’s skills have only improved since then. 

In her free time, she enjoys writing and planning out short stories that could potentially be turned into films. 

Although Diem is undecided on what college she will attend, she knows she wants to double-major in English and film. 

“If I could do anything, I would like to be a director,” said Diem. 

Growing up, Diem always preferred reading and writing over math and science, and is a self-described “film nerd.” She loves to watch any type of film, expanding her palate, but ultimately chooses horror as her number one genre.  

The Garden State Film Festival welcomes filmmakers and celebrities, making this an important place for Diem’s career to start at.

“The Delphi” extends a huge congratulations to Diem and wishes her future success.