films from Raton, “Time Kids” and “Demons and Angels,” have achieved significant
success at the prestigious 2025 Film Prize Junior Film Festival, culminating in both
films winning the coveted Audience Choice Awards.
The 2025 Film Prize Junior Film Festival was highly competitive, featuring a record-
breaking 202 films from 88 schools across 22 New Mexico counties and involving 1,500 student filmmakers.
“Demons and Angels” and “Time Kids” premiered at the official Film Prize Junior New
Mexico Film Festival held at the Albuquerque Convention Center from April 4th to 6th.
The first-time filmmakers of “Time Kids” impressed the judges, taking home the Best
Middle School Sci-fi/Fantasy Award during the awards ceremony.
Following the in-person festival, the online “Virtual Festival” (April 10th-17th) allowed
global audiences to vote for their favorite films. Today, El Raton Media Works proudly
announces that “Time Kids” won the Audience Choice Award for Middle School, and
“Demons and Angels” secured the Audience Choice Award for High School, taking both
of the competition’s top awards!
“Time Kids,” written by Cameron Martinez and Juliett Giacomo, follows four friends
playing video games who discover a time portal leading them on an adventure to return
to the present. The film was directed by Christeana Piancino and edited by Juliett
Giacomo, with a lead cast including Juliett Giacomo, Cameron Martinez, Audriana
Esparza, and Matthew Trujillo. Lorenna Gutierrez contributed as additional youth crew
and support cast, with parents being highly supportive.
“Demons and Angels,” a film by young Writer and Director Christeana Piancino and
Chiara Martinez, tells the story of Vanessa, a high school student struggling to break
free from an abusive and manipulative boyfriend. The film was directed and edited by
Christeana Piancino and features a lead cast of Mavis Zamarripa, David Valdez, Bowen
Maples, and Joplin Vigil. Additional youth crew included Christian Padilla, Chiara
Martinez, and Audrianna Esparza, with support from their parents.
Christeana Piancino is a student in the Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) Dual Credit
Film Program at Raton High School. These projects received invaluable production
support and equipment from the dedicated team at El Raton Media Works, including
Ann Theis, Matthew Bacher, Letty Gallegos, James Cordova, Brittney Semone, Cynthia
Lucero, Will Elder, Elizabeth Holloway, Jose Lopez, and Beki Woods. Without support
from the City of Raton and Raton Schools this program would not be possible.
The hometown Raton premiere of these two celebrated films will occur this Sunday,
April 27 at 4 p.m. at the El Raton Theater.
Don’t miss the opportunity to watch “Demons and Angels,” “Time Kids,” and all 202
talented New Mexico youth films at filmprizejr.com/newmexico.
Quotes:
“We are thrilled to mentor youth and showcase the talent and dedication of young local
filmmakers through the Film Prize Junior NM Program,” said Ann Theis, Executive
Director at El Raton Media Works and Adjunct Film Professor at Santa Fe Community
College. “Winning these awards is a testament to the creativity, passion, and hard work
of our youth. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating their achievements.”
“My favorite part of creating Time Kids was acting, and the hardest part was editing. But
I’m so glad I got to experience it all!” said Filmmaker Juliett Giacomo.
“My favorite part of this was seeing all the technology behind the camera, and the
special effects lighting and how it fits together to make a movie,” said Filmmaker
Cameron Martinez.
Filmmaker Christeana Piancino said, “I’m amazed at the dedication and talent of
everyone involved. It was challenging, and there were times where I wanted to quit but I
learned that hard work really pays off in ways you seldomly expect”.
“My favorite part of making Demons and Angels was getting to exercise my writing
skills in a screenplay. It was a lot of fun, and to do it with my best friend was even more
fun, and I was honestly so surprised whenever we won the virtual high school vote. To
have the honor of winning is a really special thing,” said writer, Chiara Martinez.
“Witnessing the production process was truly inspiring. The amount of effort that goes
into creating even a short film, along with the depth of learning the students gain from it,
is remarkable,” said parent, Tarin Giacomo, parent of Juliett Giacomo.
“This was an amazing opportunity for everyone involved. We are truly grateful for the
opportunity with El Raton Media Works and Film Prize Junior,” said Danielle Archuleta,
parent of Audriana Esparza.
“It is so thrilling to see confidence and skill increase throughout the entire process,” said
Chrissy Piancino, parent of Christeana Piancino.
Gayla Martinez, parent of Cameron and Chiara Martinez said, “Without the skill and
expertise from El Raton Media Works, these newly awarded kids would not have been
taught the skills to achieve the production and entry in Film Prize Junior competition as
first-time filmmakers. They truly let the kids experience the production firsthand. Thank
you for your support of our youth, El Raton Media Works.”
About El Raton Media Works:
El Raton Media Works is dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of
filmmakers to thrive in a technology and media-driven world. Our mission is to create
workforce development and career opportunities by providing access to tools, training,
and careers in all aspects of media arts and production. We are committed to
promoting community engagement, creative self-expression, and life and career skills
for youth and adults.
Pictures included below: Movie posters, stills, and behind-the-scenes production
stills.
Ann Theis
Executive Director
El Raton Media Works
575-733-0327
ann@elratonmediaworks.org
