A film created inside Sachse High School’s animation program is earning recognition well beyond the classroom.

Senior Sidney Mallari’s animated short film, VALUE, was officially selected for the regular short film competition at the Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF), making Garland ISD history as the first high school student film chosen to compete in the category during the festival’s 20-year history. The film screened alongside professional productions from around the world and later earned the Audience Award for the North Texas High School Student Showcase at DIFF 2026.

Watch VALUE.

“The film competed alongside professional Hollywood short productions, and after the screenings, fellow filmmakers were beyond impressed to learn that a high school student had created it,” said Bryant Varnell, Sachse High School animation teacher.

The recognition continued beyond Dallas. VALUE earned finalist honors at the UNT Media Arts Film Festival and was also officially selected for the Heatwave Media and Film Festival hosted by Sam Houston State University.

Mallari began production on the film in September 2024 and spent months working through weekends, summer break, and winter break to complete the project.

The semi-autobiographical animated short explores mental health and personal growth through rotoscope animation, a process where live-action footage is filmed first and then drawn over frame by frame. Mallari filmed every scene herself before transforming each frame into animation by hand.

“I wanted to create something that was very personal and important to me,” Mallari said. “I wanted to share the importance of nuance when it comes to mental illnesses. Progress, healing, and life look different for everyone.”

She hopes viewers leave the film with a stronger understanding of the value each person carries through every stage of life.

“No matter where you are in your process, you still have value,” Mallari said. “No matter if you’re in your darkest moment or finally feel the light in your life, it’s all different shades. Every shade has its own value.”

The film also features an original score composed by fellow animation senior Kaeden Newsome, who worked closely with Mallari to shape the tone of the story.

Mallari discovered her passion for animation after joining the program to explore different artistic pathways. Inspired by projects like The Prince of Egypt, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Kubo and the Two Strings, she became fascinated with the storytelling power behind animation.

“I had always adored the magic behind animation, and while watching a documentary in my animation class, I decided I wanted to be part of the magic that I felt growing up,” Mallari said.

That passion eventually became the foundation behind VALUE.

“Every background I illustrate, every character I design, every single frame I draw, I want it to mean something,” Mallari said. “I want to tell stories, spread messages, provide comfort, and inspire others by breathing human experiences into every piece of art I make.”

Outside of animation, Mallari is also an accomplished choir student who recently earned All-State recognition for her solos. After graduation, she plans to study animation at Dallas College. 

For Varnell, the moment marked a full-circle milestone as Sachse High’s animation program approaches its 20th anniversary this August.

“Twenty years ago, I volunteered at that same festival as a high school senior,” Varnell said. “Now I’m watching one of my students compete in an Oscar-qualifying category. I’m really proud of her.”

Mallari’s achievement highlights the level of creative talent developing across the district and reflects the continued growth of Sachse High’s animation program.