Running Bull Student Film Festival

We are excited to present the second annual Running Bull Film Festival! Students from all Durham Public High Schools will debut their original short films in Fletcher Hall at the Carolina Theatre, inviting friends, family, and the Durham community to celebrate their creative achievements. Additionally, the students will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with filmmakers and industry experts during a full-day workshop at the Carolina Theatre of Durham.

Chickens at Jordan by Angelo Smith, Rebecca Barrier, Connor Winstead, Ellie Hall, and Riley Martin
Get to know the chickens at Jordan, courtesy of Mrs. Saunders and the Animal Science department.

Two Faced Durham by Wyatt Dean
Essentially documenting the duality of Durham. Clips line up with Tame Impala’s “The Less I Know The Better.” Film mostly just appreciates the nicer cityscape and also the more rundown areas, just highlighting areas of downtown and Duke.

Yes, Ramona, I’ll say it: this is a love story, isn’t it? by Pete Vines
What sense does it make to love someone when there’s no reason to anymore? On a warm Friday evening in the springtime, two high school seniors share a conversation with each other. Do they see their own reflections in the water?

Strong & Fragile by Sage McNeil
This film is a montage of who I’m inspired by and who I feel made me who I am today. Everything in this video represents what type of person I am and who I want to be in the future. Beyoncé plays a big part in this because we share the same beliefs. When I have ideas, I immediately think of what the visual might look like, and that’s what helped me create my film.

alien.mov by Daniel Chakrobartty
A teen finds himself running from a giant disaster, but can’t seem to remember what happened to him. He researches the recent occurrences while someone watches him. He realizes he is the suspect for a tragedy and unexpectedly faces the force that has been searching for him.

The Art of Tattoos by Jania Murray
In this short film we dive into the meaning of tattoos for students and teachers at Jordan and how they impact their lives.

And That’s Okay by Edie McClernon
Ben is a kid who struggles with dyslexia and is unable to complete his school project. After walking around in his home town, he finds inspiration. This story follows Ben as he figures out how to interpret the world in his own way.

The Final Countdown by Morgan Canada-Gilbert
In this short film by Morgan C-G, a basketball player at the end of the bench finally gets his chance in the biggest game of his career. When his number is called, how does he respond?

Exhuming McCarthy by Mason Todd
A music video for R.E.M.’s “Exhuming McCarthy.” It focuses on the corruption of mass media and how division in America is fueled by how people are fed specifically curated fear-mongering. Made by the Film II senior class at Durham School of The Arts.

The Hare by Nick Brown, Aubrey Kimball, and George Etherington
Inspired by the Tortoise and the Hare students explain the adversities of drinking too much alcohol.

No Less, No More by Si Grigoni
A fatal hit-and-run car accident leaves our protagonist in mental turmoil. Guilt-ridden and hallucinating, he follows a map to the unmarked grave of the man he has just killed, only to find out that the grave is his own.

Sweet William by Lauren Drexler
“Sweet William” is the love story of William and Cassia. We follow them through the highs and lows of their relationship, and the constant reminder that love will pull through. But when tragedy hits, what will happen to them?

Old Spice for Women by Curtis Berzofsky
An innovative new product straight out of Jordan High School: Old Spice for Women. America has been waiting for this since Old Spice was founded in 1937.

Why Did She Stay? by Gabriela Robayo Suarez
“Why Did She Stay?” is about a girl named Megan telling her story of how she survived in an abusive relationship, when she didn’t have any idea she was in one. The story of how they met, how it all began beautifully, and how it ended so badly. We are going to feel her pain and experiences, and to to be with her on her path.

Dear Football by Angelo Smith, Noah Clark, Michael Koonce, and Asher Holland
As Senior night for the Jordan football program approaches, Gelo, Mike, Noah, and Asher reflect on how football has shaped them into the people they are today.

The Gift of Goodbye by Laurel DeWolf

Mirror, Mirror by Angeli Morales and Mia Monroe
A colorful cast of characters explains the danger of talking to strangers and that someone is always watching! Will the protagonist become a victim of costume changes and trickery or will she defeat the evil villain?

Bahala Ka Sa Buhay Mo by Isko Pajel
A documentary from the cinematographer’s perspective of life and time. Bahala ka sa buhay mo is a common phrase in Filipino households which translates to do what you want with your life. With it usually used in a negative light, it was important to make it positive, doing so by adding the concept of time, understanding that there is no way to control the clock and finding your way through life by making every second, minute, hour, and day matter.

Boiled Frogs by Aniah Satterfield

Heartbreaker by Edmund Pattishall
Watch Marcus Bolan and the Dinosaur’s hit music video “heartbreaker”. Through his prehistoric ballad, he gets back at his unfaithful dinosaur ex! All while backed by a Bronto on bass, a Pteranodon on guitar, and more! 🦖🦕

THANK YOU TO THE 2026 FESTIVAL SPONSORS