Senior Gonzalo Zarazaga has been excelling in filmmaking since his freshman year, when he first joined the New Media program at LFHS. One of his many standout moments came during his sophomore year, as Zarazaga directed a film called Petals, Pictures, and Paintings, which has been breaking new ground in the film world. 

The project started out as a straightforward love story. However, Zarazaga wanted this film to go beyond the typical cliché. 

“It was tricky, because the story is about two high schoolers dealing with graduation and the future, which is familiar territory. But we tried to approach it with a level of maturity and emotional honesty that felt real,” said Zarazaga. 

Zarazaga credits a lot of the fluidity and portrayal of his imagination towards the actors Nora Sharman and Declan Boyle, who portrayed the main characters Emma and Noah. 

“They understood the characters so deeply and brought a level of nuance and maturity that completely elevated the story,” said Zarazaga. 

Zarazaga worked through months of planning and writing in order to create the success that was the final film. 

“We spent weeks planning—starting with a story arc, then building out the characters. We talked through the conflict and pacing early, but honestly, we rewrote that script so many times to get it right,” said Zarazaga. 

There were some moments that reshaped the film, and it was these small details that ultimately brought the film to life. 

“During filming week, I called our producer, Grace Donovan, one night and told her that something was missing at the end. There was no real resolution,” said Zarazaga. “So, we stayed on the phone for an hour tossing out ideas–some were terrible, but others had potential–and eventually we landed on the lines that made it into the final scene. That ending, especially the fight in the kitchen, completely transformed the film.” 

Zarazaga’s favorite part of the film making process was directing, but writing the script, casting, and planning were all part of the job for Zarazaga. 

“It was my first time directing a big project, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. Seeing the script come to life—especially after working on it for so long—was such a surreal experience,” said Zarazaga. “The actors also suggested changes and improvised little moments that made the conversations feel more natural, which was exactly what we wanted. It ended up being really collaborative and honestly just so fun.”

After his junior year, Zarazaga sent his film to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), feeling inspired after his New Media trip to Los Angeles.  

“My New Media teacher, Mr. Douglass, mentioned and encouraged me to take the opportunity after we came back from our LA trip,” said Zarazaga. “I realized how valuable these chances can be—not just for college, but for growth as a filmmaker.” 

Zarazaga was awarded the Midwest Award, winning the Crystal Pillar, which was an incredible accomplishment. When Zarazaga found out he won the award, he described the experience as surreal. 

“I was honestly shocked. I couldn’t go to the ceremony because I was at State for Math Team, so I watched the livestream and immediately texted my parents. Even though we don’t make films for the awards, having professionals recognize something you create is incredibly validating,” said Zarazaga. “Since it was a directing award, it meant a lot to know that I had successfully brought this relationship to life. We all knew it was an ambitious project while we were making it, so hearing that it resonated with viewers was really special.” 

Not only did Zarazaga win the award, but he found out that the head of the Midwest chapter gave his film the highest rating they have ever given. 

“Hearing that gave me so much confidence and really influenced the projects I’ve made since,” said Zarazaga. 

However, Zarazaga’s success did not stop there. Later, he got nominated for the National Award from NATAS. 

“I found out over the summer during ideation week for this year’s Summer Stories. We were in the middle of brainstorming when Mr. Douglass just casually announced it. I was surprised, but mostly just incredibly grateful. It was one of those moments that I immediately knew I’d always remember,” said Zarazaga. 

This project has completely changed the way Zarazaga now thinks about filmmaking and storytelling. 

“Seeing how strongly people connected to the relationship and the emotional core of the film taught me a lot. It showed me how powerful, grounded human storytelling can be. Since then, I’ve been more intentional about focusing on emotional truth and character depth in everything I make,” said Zarazaga. 

Zarazaga is still keeping himself busy working on two new projects at the moment. 

“Right now I’m working on a Talent Show Comedy Project with Dr. Lenart, Mr. Goldstein, Mrs. Konz, Mr. Schuessler, and Mr. Ferges. It’s about an annual meeting where teachers discuss issues they’ve noticed around school, and it slowly devolves into petty arguments and hilarious tangents,” said Zarazaga. “Comedy is definitely a different challenge—it’s less about tone and cinematography and more about sharp writing and timing—but it’s been really fun.”

His second project is his Final Independent Project. As Zarazaga closes on his fourth year with New Media, he is working on some of his last pieces to wrap up his time with the program. 

“I’m brainstorming ideas for my Final Independent Project, which we create from April through June. It’s a ten-minute video on any topic, and I have a few concepts floating around right now that I’m excited to explore,” said Zarazaga. 

As Zarazaga reflects on these final moments, he has a lot of advice to give towards other students interested in starting the film making process.

“In New Media, we always say ‘reps matter,’ and it’s true. My biggest piece of advice is just to start. Make something—anything. Everyone’s first project is a little messy, and that’s the point. The process of coming up with an idea, learning how to use a camera, experimenting in Final Cut Pro—those are things you get better at simply by doing them,” said Zarazaga. “If someone wants to pursue this more seriously, I can’t recommend New Media enough. I’ve learned so much in that class, and I wouldn’t have had the chance to make any of these projects without it.”

Zarazaga’s work with Petals, Pictures, and Paintings started with a simple idea and turned into one of his most impressive pieces. Even with all the accolades, Zarazaga continues to be humble, always crediting those who worked with him and brought his idea to life. Zarazaga continues to take on more challenging projects while inspiring future directors to follow in his footsteps.