Siddharth Chibber, an eighth grader at Burlingame Intermediate School, captured first place in the Middle School Division and Best in Festival for his film “Boxed Like a Fish” at the 5th Annual CEC Student Film Fest which was held live at Burlingame High School on March 22, 2022.

Kristin Tieche, a professional filmmaker who was invited to judge the competition and present the best overall film (above photo), said she could see Siddharth as a future journalist as he explained the importance of sustainable fishing practices during his on-camera film moments. She also praised the film’s original animation.

Shoan Deb, a fourth grader from Washington Elementary in Burlingame, won the Best Elementary division for “Go Save the World.” Lian Wang, a ninth grader at San Mateo High School, took first place in the High School division for her film “How Consumerism Drives Climate Change.”

Please link to our YouTube channel to view all 2022 entries.

Students in grades 4 through 12 who live or attend school in San Mateo County were invited to enter environmental videos of up to five minutes in length in the contest. With financial support from Peninsula Clean Energy, CEC awarded cash prizes of $150 to the elementary school winner, $150 to the middle school winner, $150 to the high school winner, and $150 for the “Best in Festival” winner.

San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine, who was a guest speaker at the event, said that he never fails to learn something new from the student films. The film fest was a co-production of CEC and the Burlingame High School Environmental Club.