Press Release: Raton Youth Films Sweep Audience Choice Awards at Film Prize Junior
Raton, NM - April 21, 2025 - El Raton Media Works is thrilled to announce that two youth films from Raton, “Time Kids” and “Demons and Angels,” have achieved significant success at the prestigious 2025 Film Prize Junior Film Festival, culminating in both films winning the coveted Audience Choice Awards.
The 2025 Film Prize Junior Film Festival was highly competitive, featuring a record-breaking 202 films from 88 schools across 22 New Mexico counties and involving 1,500 student filmmakers.
“Demons and Angels” and “Time Kids” premiered at the official Film Prize Junior New Mexico Film Festival held at the Albuquerque Convention Center from April 4th to 6th. The first-time filmmakers of “Time Kids” impressed the judges, taking home the Best Middle School Sci-fi/Fantasy Award during the awards ceremony.
Following the in-person festival, the online "Virtual Festival" (April 10th-17th) allowed global audiences to vote for their favorite films. Today, El Raton Media Works proudly announces that “Time Kids” won the Audience Choice Award for Middle School, and “Demons and Angels” secured the Audience Choice Award for High School, taking both of the competition's top awards!
"Demons and Angels," a film by young Writer and Director Christeana Piancino and Chiara Martinez, tells the story of Vanessa, a high school student struggling to break free from an abusive and manipulative boyfriend. The film was directed and edited by Christeana Piancino and features a lead cast of Mavis Zamarripa, David Valdez, Bowen Maples, and Joplin Vigil. Additional youth crew included Christian Padilla, Chiara Martinez, and Audrianna Esparza, with support from their parents. Christeana Piancino is a student in the Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) Dual Credit Film Program at Raton High School.
“Time Kids,” written by Cameron Martinez and Juliett Giacomo, follows four friends playing video games who discover a time portal leading them on an adventure to return to the present. The film was directed by Christeana Piancino and edited by Juliett Giacomo, with a lead cast including Juliett Giacomo, Cameron Martinez, Audriana Esparza, and Matthew Trujillo. Lorenna Gutierrez contributed as additional youth crew and support cast, with parents being highly supportive.
These projects received invaluable production support and equipment from the dedicated team at El Raton Media Works, including Ann Theis, Matthew Bacher, Letty Gallegos, James Cordova, Brittney Semone, Cynthia Lucero, Will Elder, Elizabeth Holloway, Jose Lopez, and Beki Woods. Without support from the City of Raton and Raton Schools this program would not be possible.
The hometown Raton premiere of these two celebrated films will occur this Sunday, April 27 at 4 p.m. at the El Raton Theater.
Don't miss the opportunity to watch “Demons and Angels,” “Time Kids,” and all 202 talented New Mexico youth films at filmprizejr.com/newmexico.
“We are thrilled to mentor youth and showcase the talent and dedication of young local filmmakers through the Film Prize Junior NM Program. Winning these awards is a testament to the creativity, passion, and hard work of our youth. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating their achievements.”
“My favorite part of creating Time Kids was acting, and the hardest part was editing. But I’m so glad I got to experience it all!”
“My favorite part of this was seeing all the technology behind the camera, and the special effects lighting and how it fits together to make a movie”
“I’m amazed at the dedication and talent of everyone involved. It was challenging, and there were times where I wanted to quit but I learned that hard work really pays off in ways you seldomly expect.”
“My favorite part of making Demons and Angels was getting to exercise my writing skills in a screenplay. It was a lot of fun, and to do it with my best friend was even more fun, and I was honestly so surprised whenever we won the virtual high school vote. To have the honor of winning is a really special thing”
“Witnessing the production process was truly inspiring. The amount of effort that goes into creating even a short film, along with the depth of learning the students gain from it, is remarkable”
“It is so thrilling to see confidence and skill increase throughout the entire process”
“This was an amazing opportunity for everyone involved. We are truly grateful for the opportunity with El Raton Media Works and Film Prize Junior”
“Without the skill and expertise from El Raton Media Works, these newly awarded kids would not have been taught the skills to achieve the production and entry in Film Prize Junior competition as first-time filmmakers. They truly let the kids experience the production firsthand. Thank you for your support of our youth, El Raton Media Works.”
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.
