In 2019, seniors in the MHS Video program approached their teacher, Emily Dombroff, with the idea of creating a more extensive film with a fully developed script to serve as the artistic culmination of their senior year. It would serve as an opportunity to showcase the skills they had built over the past four years, as well as allowing them to collaborate on a more ambitious project. From this initiative, the senior film emerged. 

This year, seniors Isabella Ostuni and Ella Schluep took on the role of co-directors, producing Knots. The film follows the aftermath of an argument between five lifelong friends as they navigate their final months of high school and confront the uncertainty of losing the one constant they had once shared. 

Schleup explained how “directing this large of a project was definitely a different experience from my past directing experience. There were many more pieces to think about and a lot more people relying on my leadership.” Compared to previous senior films, this production also featured a unique collaborative writing process. Rather than being written individually, Knots was co-written by Schleup and Ostuni, along with Paige Tennant (‘26) and Maya Silverberg (‘26).

As with most filmmaking projects, the production came with its share of challenges and stress. Filming took place over five class periods and required a high level of commitment from all participants. Schleup noted that while the group typically develops a strong rhythm during production, maintaining that flow was more difficult for this project than expected. 

Despite the challenges, the experience also offered meaningful rewards beyond the final product. Strong bonds formed between the cast and crew, with Schluep and Ostuni noting their appreciation for the five Class of 2026 lead actors: Brady Smith, Eli Golden, Maya Silverberg, Paige Tennant, and Andrew Kohler.

For MHS Video teacher Ms. Elmoznino, the senior film represents a culminating experience for students in the program. “The senior film is the project that brings me the most satisfaction as a teacher,” she said. “It represents four years of skills that have been developed in the video program, as well as an authentic production experience for my students. When the students see their final film in front of a large audience, it is very gratifying for all of us.”

The film premiered at the Spring Video Show, where it was celebrated along with the work of many other hardworking video students.