CCRI Announces Winners of 2025 Student Film Festival

05/22/2025

Warwick, RI -- The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Student Film Festival following a weekend of cinematic talent and storytelling.

The festival kicked off with a red-carpet gala on Friday, May 10, and continued on Saturday, May 11, with a full day of student film screenings. The event drew students, faculty, and local film lovers to celebrate the achievements of CCRI’s talented filmmakers.

Award winners were selected by a panel of local industry professionals who judged films spanning multiple genres. Abby Stinnette (North Scituate, RI) won five awards and two honorable mentions for her film “I’m Fine,” which provides a thought-provoking look at an 18-year-old’s struggles with mental health.

“In today’s society, mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are still heavily stigmatized,” Stinnette said. “Reflecting on my own experiences, I felt compelled to create something that emphasizes the severity of these conditions, especially for those who may not otherwise understand.

“This film holds deep personal significance for me, as the protagonist, Raina (portrayed by me), shares a deeply personal journey that closely mirrors my own struggles with mental health. Through her, I was able to tell my story. While I'm Fine touches on just a few of the many challenges that come with depression and suicidal ideation, I’m glad that it plays a role in raising awareness and shedding light on an issue that is often misunderstood.”

Stinnette, who also took home two honorable mentions, won the Film Festival’s most coveted prize, the Brent Henderson Award for Filmmaking Excellence.

“All of this means the world to me,” Stinnette said. “I still can’t believe I had the privilege of sharing this special film with so many people, let alone receiving such overwhelming love at the Film Festival. … looking at how far I’ve come, I only wish my younger self could see the light that was waiting for her.

“If teenage Abby could see us now, the awards we’ve been fortunate enough to receive, the way our story has resonated with so many, she’d be so proud. She’d be thankful she held on. She’d be so glad she chose to keep fighting, just to reach this moment.”

Cam Laxton (Cranston, RI) also won five awards and one honorable mention for his film “My Song.”

All films can be watched on CCRI’s YouTube channel: Film Fest TV

2025 Award Winners

• Brett Henderson Award for Filmmaking Excellence
  I’m Fine – Abby Stinnette
• Best Animation
  Spirit Wielder: DUEL – Andrew Hurst
• Best Director
  I’m Fine – Abby Stinnette
• Best Cinematography
  My Song – Cam Laxton
• Best Sound
  Alice in the Frame – Nicolas LaFleur
• Best Fictional Narrative
  I’m Fine – Abby Stinnette
• Best Experimental Film
  My Song – Cam Laxton
• Best Writing
  I’m Fine – Abby Stinnette
• Best Editing
  My Song – Cam Laxton
• Best Actress
  Abby Stinnette, I’m Fine
• Best Actor
  Jason Sutcliffe, The Put Pocket
• Best Production Design
  My Song – Cam Laxton
• Best Costume Design
  Death Stair – Luke Dailey
• Best Musical Score
  My Song – Cam Laxton
  
  

2025 Honorable Mentions

• Best Fictional Narrative
  The Put Pocket – Jacob Hall
• Best Experimental Film
  Intra Bellum – Darius Caceres
• Best Animation
  You’re Not Alone – Lain Twining
• Best Director
  My Song – Cam Laxton
• Best Writing
  After We Die – Jason Sutcliffe
• Best Editing
  I’m Fine – Abby Stinnette
• Best Cinematography
  I’m Fine – Abby Stinnette
• Best Sound
  The Reappearance – Yarinette Paulino
• Best Actress
  Marshalee Josephs, Closure
• Best Costume Design
  Hallway of Terror – Anna Mitchell
• Best Actor
  Nicholas Ferentinos, After We Die
• Best Production Design
  India Point Killer – Wilson Duarte
• Best Musical Score
  Pharmakill – Brian Mercer

 

 

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