Delmarva Christian Student’s Film Featured at Ocean City Film Festival

Delmarva Christian High School student MaryKate Dougherty recently had her short film The Way Out featured during the High School Showcase at the Ocean City Film Festival.

MaryKate created the film last fall as part of a photography and cinematography class assignment taught by graphic design teacher Josh Kline. Students in the course were challenged to develop and produce their own short films, applying the storytelling, cinematography, and editing techniques they had learned throughout the semester. 

Serving as the writer and director, MaryKate led the creative vision behind The Way Out. After completing the project, with the support and help of Mr. Kline she decided to submit the film to the festival, where it was selected to be shown during the High School Showcase at Flagship Cinemas, and was the only student from Delaware featured. 

“Serving as the writer and director was definitely challenging because it was my first time making a film, so I was learning as I went,” MaryKate said. “Seeing it on the big screen was surreal. It really gives you a different perspective on filmmaking, especially when you’re writing and trying to imagine how the audience will experience the story.”

Students from Delmarva Christian’s fall photography and cinematography class, along with current photography, cinematography, and film production classes, attended the screening to support their classmate and experience the festival together.

Hosted annually by the Art League of Ocean City through the Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts, the Ocean City Film Festival celebrates filmmakers from across the region and provides opportunities for young creatives to showcase their work on the big screen.

MaryKate’s achievement reflects the creativity and dedication of Delmarva Christian students as they explore visual storytelling and media production in the classroom.