Greenville High School graduate Kenobi Corrales, class of 2024, is already making a name for himself in the world of film. Currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communications, Corrales served as the director of photography for a short film that was recently showcased at the Golden State Film Festival at the legendary Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, the same theater where the first Star Wars premiere was held.
The three-minute film, created as part of an introductory production class, tells the story of two children who leave their iPads behind and embark on an imaginative outdoor adventure. While the script and story were developed by a fellow student, Corrales was responsible for the film’s visual storytelling. He made the creative decisions that determined how the story looked on screen, from camera angles to lighting, and the result captivated audiences at one of the world’s most famous theaters.
“Being the director of photography meant the look of the film was entirely up to me,” Corrales said. “Seeing it on the big screen in Los Angeles and hearing the audience react to our work was incredible. It made me proud of what we created and motivated me to keep pushing myself in film.”
The short film was shown at the Chinese Theater in front of a packed audience, complete with a red carpet event and festival celebration. Corrales and his team also submitted the film to other prestigious festivals, including the Cannes Film Festival in France, where it has already advanced past the first round of applications. The film can be viewed online here for those who want to see Corrales’ work.
Corrales credits his success to the opportunities he had at Greenville High School. He also served as Greenville ISD’s Communications Intern while in high school, gaining firsthand experience in media and storytelling. “My love for videography started in yearbook class,” he said. “That was the first time I picked up a camera and created something on my own. From there, I got to make videos for student council and the robotics team. Those experiences taught me how to tell a story and gave me the confidence to keep creating.”
“The hardest part of doing anything is just getting started,” Corrales added. “Instead of planning for something to be perfect, just go out and do it. Taking action is what matters most.”
Corrales’ achievement is just one example of Greenville ISD students turning their passions into real opportunities. From the classroom to the big screen and beyond, students in our district are exploring their talents, chasing their dreams, and making an impact in ways that continue to surprise and inspire. Kenobi’s story is just one of the many that remind us that the possibilities are endless for Greenville ISD students.
Know a former Greenville ISD student or staff member doing amazing things? Share their story with us at communications@greenvilleisd.com.