Blake High School

Betances, currently in his third year in Blake High School’s Digital Cinema program, earned the honor following the public screening of his latest film, “The Book,” at the festival. The film is a story of a young man who is able to accept a breakup through the reading of a book to start a new chapter in his life.

Audience members selected his project as their favorite among submissions from high school filmmakers across the region. The Audience Choice Award is one of the festival’s most sought-after recognitions, highlighting not only technical excellence but also a filmmaker’s ability to connect meaningfully with viewers.

“Cisco’s work demonstrates a level of creativity, technical skill, and emotional depth well beyond his years,” said Joe Papadopoulos, instructor in the Howard W. Blake High School Digital Cinema program.

Throughout his time at Blake, Betances has built an impressive presence on the student film circuit. Multiple projects have been selected for screening at the Gasparilla International Film Festival, and his work has also been accepted into the Young Directors Festival at the Tampa Museum of Art, along with other youth film competitions.

The Digital Cinema program at Howard W. Blake High School is recognized for cultivating emerging filmmakers through hands-on instruction in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, and production. Betances’ continued success reflects both his dedication and the strength of Hillsborough County Public Schools’ arts education programs.

With the Audience Choice Award now added to his growing list of accomplishments, Betances continues to establish himself as one of the Tampa Bay area’s promising young storytellers.

For more information about HCPS Fine Arts Programs, visit hillsboroughschools.org.