Storytelling. For junior Bibiana Eichenberg that’s everything. Especially when it comes to movies. 

“I love films and cinema and realized that I really like telling stories and coming up with my own ideas instead of being part of someone else’s,” she said.

As an aspiring filmmaker, Eichenberg has already had some experience in the field. In fact, she recently just earned Best Screenplay at the ASFI Future in Films regional contest, for her short film Märchen. Having written, filmed, and produced it completely by herself, Eichenberg was pleased with the film’s reception.

“I felt surprised because I didn’t know others would think it was worthy of a prize. But I felt very happy that I was recognized for my hard work,” she said. 

Eichenberg discovered her passion for filmmaking in 9th grade when she wrote her first story. She enjoyed her drama classes, however, she realized that she preferred creating stories besides acting in them. Her favorite part about the creative process, she said,  was making the story come to life. 

For Eichenberg, writing a movie is not a structured process. It all starts with an idea, an inspiration as simple as a funny or weird experience.

“Once I have the basic idea of what the story will be about, then I can start writing around that idea, and create the actual plot,” Eichenberg said. 

In the case of her award winning movie Märchen, Eichenberg was on a deadline and had to write something. She created the story around what she was also going through at that time which allowed her to immerse herself into the character. 

Eichenberg has made five short films so far, including “A Última Cavalgada”,   filmed on location in Brazil and written in Portuguese, “Greens” which earned third place in a National Competition and “Drosophila.” She films and produces these movies on her own time, and has found an outlet by participating in a variety of local, state and national contests through the Broadcast program. Her Broadcast teacher Zach Garrett recognized her passion, encouraging her to go beyond news stories and features to explore her creative ideas.

“She loves the art of storytelling, the way she wants to tell a story is very unique and creative. She takes her role very seriously and   is very dedicated,”  Garret said.

Eichenberg  is already shooting her next film and plans on doing many more. 

“I want to be a filmmaker in the future because I love telling stories, and I feel as if it’s what I’m meant to do in my life,” Eichenberg said.