Brockton High School hosted its 2026 Film Festival on May 2, featuring the premiere of five original short films created by 23 students participating in the ‘Reel Funny’ program. The event was organized by nonprofit SALT ED Inc. and focused on student voices and mental well-being.
The festival highlights how media production can serve as a tool for personal growth, not just technical instruction. Reel Funny guides students through workshops on social skills such as conflict resolution, recognizing internal biases, and setting healthy boundaries. Students then apply these lessons by independently writing, producing, and editing their own films.
A unique part of the Reel Funny process is professional mental health oversight. After the student film screenings, Eun Joo You—a licensed clinical social worker from Care Plus New Jersey—conducted a specialized review to assess student well-being and identify early signs of emotional distress. This included direct engagement with students about their creative themes and overall wellness.
“The opportunity for our students to participate in this type of work is paramount to their development as whole individuals,” said Kevin McCaskill, principal of Brockton High School. “When we talk about preparing the next generation of leaders, we are not just talking about academics; we are also talking about emotional intelligence and self-awareness that programs like ‘Reel Funny’ offer. These films are a powerful reflection of their growth.” The community event brought together friends, families, and local residents to recognize the leadership demonstrated by these young creators.
“This program allows students to turn self-reflection into a leadership tool,” said Joonho Lee, chief executive officer of Kbean—a main supporter of the initiative. “By giving students autonomy to produce these films according to their own beliefs, we see an authenticity that traditional education often misses.” According to the official website, PR Newswire operates in more than 170 countries using over 40 languages; it aims for global press release distribution through its network of newsrooms and influencers; features expert editors providing around-the-clock support; collaborates with over half a million media outlets worldwide; offers services including AI-enhanced content tools; and extends operations globally with multi-language support.
Looking ahead: The Brockton festival serves as a qualifying event for SALT 12 National Showcase scheduled later in 2026—a national platform bringing together impactful student films from across the country for public viewing and national recognition.
