On February 26, 2026, McClintock High School students who participated in the 2026 Tempe Union High School District won an astounding nine awards, including 3rd Place Best Picture (Maggie Wood, “Weren’t Witches”) and 1st Place Best Picture (Ramon Gonzalez, “SUNDOWN”).
Participants had just over one week, from February 4th to February 11th, to create a five-minute short film that integrated this year’s required prop—a letter—as the inciting incident of the story. Students were given far more creative freedom than previous years, leading to a large variety of genres being explored.
At the screening, which was hosted at Pollack Cinemas, the top ten best short films were shown. There were several films showcased from several participating TUHSD schools, but McClintock saw four of its eight submitted short films make the top ten: “All In” by McCartney Heffner, “Divergence” by Elena Lee, “SUNDOWN” by Ramon Gonzalez, and “Weren’t Witches” by Maggie Wood.
The awards ceremony was dedicated to Ms. Crane, McClintock High School’s Film and TV Production teacher and a beloved inspiration to students, teachers, and staff alike.
McClintock High School went home having won nine awards at the festival, three for Maggie’s “Weren’t Witches” and six for Ramon’s “SUNDOWN.”
“Weren’t Witches” by Maggie Wood won Best Original Screenplay, Best Soundtrack, and 3rd Place Best Picture.
“SUNDOWN” by Ramon Gonzalez won Audience Favorite, Best Sound Design, Best Editing, Best Use of Prop, Best Cinematography, and 1st Place Best Picture.
Congratulations to all the Chargers who participated in the 2026 TUHSD Film Festival and put McClintock High School miles ahead of its rivals!