Thomas Acuna, a 2017 graduate from Flabob Airport Preparatory Academy (FAPA) and a CTE photography student, took part in Off the Block, a documentary filmmaking project, this summer as part of UCR ArtsBlock
The 18-year-old Ontario resident is interested in attending the Los Angeles Film School and hopes to go into animation as a career. The documentary, Thomas explained, is about “the future of 2D animation now that the industry has shifted its focus to 3D animation.” Thomas was involved in planning, recording the interviews, editing footage and making the “final touches” on the film.
Thomas attended FAPA grades 7-12. He chose Springs, he said, because “I think it worked better than a public school would have worked for me.” Robin Luther, his CTE photography teacher, said, “Thomas is super creative, and thrives in coming up with abstract, unique ideas.” In one project she described, Thomas created a portfolio of close-up shots of musical instruments, as he enjoys writing and playing music.
Thomas’ documentary film, as well as other films by students, may be viewed on Saturday, September 16, at 5 p.m. at the Culver Center of the Arts in downtown Riverside.
