Khaylee Sands, an Andrews University senior majoring in general studies with a concentration in media studies, has had her film The Deal place second at the Bahamas National Arts Festival. The judges scored the film 96.3 out of 100 and affirmed Sands as a “budding filmmaker.”
When she heard the result, Sands said she “felt an overwhelming sense of joy, coupled with a profound humility at being considered for this festival.” She explained the award was especially significant because she was the only young female recipient. “The other nominees who secured placements were all accomplished male professionals aged 30 and above. As a 21-year-old female college student, I'm particularly humbled by this recognition, and it gave a warm reminder that I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
The Deal was produced in Professor Daniel Weber’s COMM 105—Intro to Video/Film class in the fall of 2022. Sands wrote the script and served as the director of photography during production, and her classmates helped produce the film as part of a class project.
The Deal was also selected to be shown at the 2023 Sonscreen Film Festival in Loma Linda, California. Weber’s class will be taught again in the spring semester of 2024.
Sands explains why she enjoys film as a communication tool. “I find immense joy in the world of film, as it serves as a canvas where storytelling transcends boundaries. The act of writing and sharing stories through film is a profound form of expression for me,” she shared. “The ability of cinema to evoke emotions and transport audiences to different realities is what fuels my passion for this art form.”
After graduating from Andrews University, Sands plans to pursue a graduate degree in film and media studies. “Concurrently, I plan to approach my own projects in this field with a continued sense of humility, aiming to contribute thoughtfully and learn along the way. I'm eager to grow in my craft and make meaningful contributions to the cinematic landscape.”
The original version of this story was posted on the Andrews University website.