Raton, NM, April 15, 2024 - El Raton Media Works is proud to announce the successful completion of the debut film, "Doubt Defiers" by young Writer and Director, Christeana Piancino. The project, which Piancino also starred in and edited, was created for participation in New Mexico's 2024 Film Prize Junior.

"Doubt Defiers" features Piancino alongside her co-star, Chiara Martinez. Piancino is a student of Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) Dual Credit Film Program at Raton High School, and Martinez is a 10th grade student at Raton High School. The project received invaluable production support and equipment from El Raton Media Works' dedicated team, including Ann Theis, Matthew Bacher, Jose Lopez, Will Elder, and Elizabeth Holloway. Additionally, Kaydence Murcia-Trujillo, another student from Raton High School, contributed as a cinematographer for several scenes, further highlighting the collaborative effort behind this remarkable film.

"We are thrilled to mentor youth and showcase their talent and dedication of young filmmakers like Christeana Piancino through the Film Prize Junior NM Program," said Ann Theis, Executive Director at El Raton Media Works and Adjunct Professor at SFCC. "‘Doubt Defiers’ is a testament to the creativity and passion of our youth, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating their achievements." Young Filmmaker Christeana Piancino said of the experience, “I had a blast being in front of the camera and filming Doubt Defiers, a film that shows two young girls trying to make their dreams come true despite no one believing in them. I would HIGHLY recommend Film Prize Junior to any kid out there interested in filmmaking.”

The premiere of "Doubt Defiers" took place at the prestigious Albuquerque Convention Center on April 5th-7th. It and the other outstanding Film Prize Junior NM films will now have a “Virtual Festival” on www.filmprizenm.com/festival where audiences from around the globe will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite films. The “Virtual Festival” is from April 16th to 22nd and will award filmmakers additional voter choice awards, and thus wrap up the FPJNM 2024 season. A hometown Raton premiere of "Doubt Defiers" will follow in the 2024 season. Please be sure to logon to www.filmprizenm.com/festival  and vote for "Doubt Defiers" and other great youth films.

About El Raton Media Works:

El Raton Media Works is dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of filmmakers to thrive in a technology and media-driven world. Our mission is to create workforce development and career opportunities by providing access to tools, training, and careers in all aspects of media arts and production. We are committed to promoting community engagement, creative self­-expression, and life and career skills for youth and adults.

Contact:
Ann Theis
Executive Director
El Raton Media Works
575-733-0327
ann@elratonmediaworks.org