Aidan Weaver

2014 Media Arts Scholarship Recipient

Aidan, an 11th-grade student at Asheville High School in North Carolina, discovered his passion for film at a young age. As he immersed himself in the world of movies, Aidan realized that he not only loved watching films but also wanted to create them. His journey as a filmmaker began in 8th grade when his social studies teacher initiated a film club, sparking his desire to delve into the art of filmmaking. After freshman year, Aidan took a significant step in his filmmaking journey by creating his first real short film, titled "The I in Everything." Though he considered it a learning experience rather than a masterpiece, Aidan was determined to improve and rectify his past mistakes.

With more extensive planning and dedicated actors, his sophomore-year film showcased stronger cinematography and acting, reinforcing his commitment to honing his skills and turning his creative ideas into realities. In 2013, Aidan participated in the Asheville 48 Hour Film Project, where his team's film, "Lullaby," earned recognition as a finalist and won the Best Sound Design award. This achievement fueled his passion even further, and Aidan started receiving requests to collaborate on various film projects, including fundraising films and a documentary about a local civil rights leader.

Filmmaking has become Aidan's true calling, and he aspires to become a director. Recognizing the importance of understanding every aspect of film production, he aims to enhance his skills in cinematography, lighting, audio, pre-production, editing, acting, directing, and producing. The UNCSA Filmmaking Summer Intensive presents a tremendous opportunity for Aidan to learn from industry experts and expand his knowledge in these areas, ultimately paving the way for his goal of attending a prestigious film school and pursuing filmmaking as a career. Aidan believes that being selected as an Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholar not only provides financial support but also is a significant honor.