Cuero High School senior Julian Henson won a state championship at the Texas UIL Film Festival in Austin in February — the first student in the school’s history to earn the award in that category, according to school officials.
Henson, who was recently accepted at UT Moody College of Communication for a major in Radio-TV-Film and a minor in Sports Broadcasting, said the announcement of the win Feb. 25 was overwhelming. To be accepted at the prestigious school in Austin was equally gratifying, he said.
“It is an honor to have such an incredible opportunity to pursue my passion at UT’s Radio, Television, & Film program,” Henson said. “I am still speechless to have become the first state champion in Cuero history for UIL Film. None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for the constant support of my family, who have always encouraged me to pursue my passion for film making.”
Henson is the son of Cuero business owners ShaNon and Maryjane Henson.
CHS Audio Visual teacher Rik Scott who also coaches the UIL Filmmaking program said it was the second year for Henson to proceed to the state competition.
“Julian loves filmmaking,” Scott said. “He has built a very strong portfolio.”
Henson’s winning film is titled “La Lechuza,” which is described in his synopsis as a “psychological horror short inspired by regional Hispanic folklore, focusing on cycles of behavior, temptation, and supernatural judgment.” In South Texas myths, La Lechuza is a witch capable of transforming into a giant owl with a woman’s face to exact revenge on those who wrong her.
Scott said that CHS’s audio visual program has provided Henson and other students with opportunities to explore and realize their dreams.
“Through some grants from the Cuero Education Foundation, we have gained some wonderful realworld equipment for the students to use and learn on,” said Scott, who is a former graphic artist who also studied radio, TV and film and began teaching seven years ago. “All three years teaching here I have had a student enter a film in competition.”
Scott said the career path in filmmaking for students like Henson is growing as media consumption and norms shift.
“Texas is pushing to have more movie and AV production move into the state,” Scott said. “Most of all, the careers in the path are fun and casual, especially if you are creative and love technology. And the pay is above median salary ranges.”
