I vividly remember walking into the Righetti High School film room for the first time. Most of my recollection of that first day of freshman year is a blur—or I prefer it remain that way at least. Repressed memories aside, I’m glad that heading into fifth period after lunch is not one of them.
I had been instantly drawn to the walls, decked with movie posters as well as photos of students throughout the years. Some of them were holding what appeared to be Oscar trophies, which switched to award plaques as the years progressed. Who were these young Spielbergs? Past winners of the Righetti High School Film Festival—an annual tradition that originated with the man who stood at the front of class explaining the syllabus, film and broadcasting teacher Robert Garcia.
The idea for the film fest sprung early on, only two years after Garcia took the instructor position in the 1994-95 school year. He knew his students’ films deserved a public outlet.
“I started thinking that the students were making these films, and the only ones that saw them were the students in the class,” Garcia said in mid April, more than two decades later. “That year, I asked Hancock [College] if we could use their little theater for our showing, and they gave the OK.”
The single screening soon evolved into a two-night event complete with an awards ceremony. And what began as a showcase exclusive to Righetti students became open to young filmmakers from other high schools as well.
“I thought if we invited the other schools, the kids could see what others were doing and that would encourage them to work a little harder,” Garcia said. “It worked. Soon people started asking when the next one was coming, and here we are today, about to do our 22nd.”
This year’s event, which takes place on May 10 and 11 in the Righetti gym, will be the last festival Garcia manages as film instructor. After 24 years of teaching, he’s retiring, making the 2018-19 school year his last. Looking back on his career, Garcia is still surprised that life led him to teaching.
“Teaching was never on my list—if I made lists that is, which I don’t,” Garcia said. “I was a terrible high school student, why would I want to face a younger version of me every day?”
At the time, Garcia had just left his job at KCOY to work as a freelance photographer and videographer. He said that someone suggested he try substitute teaching between assignments for extra money. After passing the CBEST, Garcia found himself subbing his first class.
“The day was over before I knew it. I loved it,” Garcia said. “When I got home, I called the district to find out how to become a teacher, and they directed me to Chapman University. And I was off to become a teacher.”
The rest, as they say, is history.
Guests at this year’s festival can expect to enjoy student films, live music from the RHS Jazz Band, food, and raffle giveaways. To celebrate Garcia’s final festival, a few films from years past will be screened, along with three student remakes of Gasoline Rainbows—one of Garcia’s own short films.
But the last thing he wants is the fact that he’s retiring to steal the show, he explained.
“I want to make sure that the festival isn’t about me,” Garcia said. “I want it to be about the students’ work. It’s their night, so let’s celebrate their accomplishments. I’ll say goodbye, but it is about them.”
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood is a proud
Righetti film alumnus. Reach him at cwiseblood@newtimesslo.com.
This article appears in May 2-9, 2019.
