News & Events
Sitar Arts Center Announces Winners of the Set in DC Film Festival
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2025 – Sitar Arts Center is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Set in DC Film Festival, a celebration of youth-led filmmaking, storytelling, and community. Held on Friday, May 9, this year’s festival showcased an inspiring collection of 10 short films created by young artists from across the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia), all centered around the theme, “Love in All Its Forms.”
The festival, conceptualized, curated and produced by teens in Sitar’s Emerging Arts Leaders (S.E.A.L.) program, featured films by youth ages 15 to 24, exploring love in its many dimensions – from friendship and family to a deep connection to place. During the event, four winners across two age categories were honored for their powerful and personal storytelling. The winning films can be viewed here.
Young Adult Category (Ages 20–24)
- First Place: Ryan Camille Turner for “Girl!”
“Girl!” is a heartfelt short documentary that celebrates the profound bonds of friendship among Black women and girls. Through intimate interviews, the film captures the essence of these relationships, showcasing the unique experiences, shared joys, and challenges that strengthen their connection.
Reflecting on her win, Ryan Camille Turner shared: “Winning first place was a complete shock for me, especially since this was my very first time being selected for a festival. I was already blown away that I had been chosen, and having my friends and family there made it even better. It was also my first time viewing my film with an audience, and it was amazing to hear reactions. Hearing that people like your hard work in real time felt insane! As a young filmmaker, this opportunity makes me want to pursue my dreams even more than before, and I have a newfound confidence behind it.”
- Second Place: Gabrielle Zwi for “Three Dollar Bill”
In “Three Dollar Bill,” a young girl reflects on a recent heartbreak. Set to raw, emotional lyrics, the film captures the bittersweet aftermath of a love that once felt like everything—but ultimately slipped away.
Youth Category (Ages 15–19)
- First Place: John Monaco for “How to Love”
In “How to Love,” a young man tries to figure out how to love a girl but is held back by his father’s influence while having to confront the deepest parts of himself.
John Monaco expressed his gratitude, saying: “Being selected in the Set in DC Film Festival allowed me to connect with passionate and talented young filmmakers from across the DC area. Winning first place made me realize the power my voice has in telling stories that foster understanding and challenge perspectives. The festival is a major steppingstone in my journey as a young, independent filmmaker. It provided me with recognition and meaningful connections that will continue to support me as I begin film school.”
- Second Place: Anouk Schneider for “Serena and the Golden Puzzle”
“Serena and the Golden Puzzle” follows a teenage girl whose struggle with self-confidence takes a mysterious turn after an unexpected gift appears on her doorstep.
Maureen Dwyer, executive director of Sitar Arts Center, said: “The Set in DC Film Festival is a testament to the power of storytelling and the incredible talent of young filmmakers in our community. This year’s theme, ‘Love in All Its Forms,’ brought forth stories that are deeply personal yet universally resonant. At Sitar Arts Center, we are honored to provide a platform where young artists can share their voices, connect with their peers, and inspire audiences. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their creativity, passion, and dedication to the art of filmmaking. And thank you to our S.E.A.L. students for producing another remarkable festival.”
Sitar’s Emerging Arts Leaders (S.E.A.L.) program is open to high school students eager to deepen their artistic practice and strengthen their leadership skills. Participants engage in project-based skill development and community service initiatives at Sitar. S.E.A.L. students launched the Set in DC Film Festival in 2024.
The Set in DC Film Festival, which coincides with Sitar’s 25th anniversary, underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering a creative community of learning and belonging, removing barriers to arts education, and empowering young voices to tell their stories.
For more information about Sitar Arts Center and its programs, visit www.sitarartscenter.org.
About Sitar Arts Center
Founded in 2000, Sitar Arts Center advances equitable access to high-quality education and workforce development in the visual, performing, and digital arts. Sitar Arts Center engages D.C. youth, from early childhood to young adulthood, in building a creative community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training. Sitar envisions a city in which all young people experience transformative moments through quality, accessible arts education, and career training, and are supported on their path to discover their creativity and achieve their full potential. For more information, visit www.sitarartscenter.org.
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