Rising stars, industry veterans light up red carpet at SCAD Savannah Film Festival

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Hollywood’s next generation of talent joined veteran industry icons on Broughton Street on Thursday as Day 6 of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival drew filmmakers and fans to the historic Trustees Theater.

The evening celebrated rising performers and veteran creatives, drawing enthusiastic crowds outside the theater as established stars like John Leguizamo and Skyler Gisondo mingled with this year’s “Breaking Big” honorees.

For many of the night’s honorees, the sudden rise into the spotlight remains surreal.

“It’s jarring, but in the best way possible,” said Jalen Thomas Brooks, a Breaking Big honoree recognized for his role in Off Campus. “Like two years ago, I was back home with my mom, working — flipping pizzas at the pizza shop, and I’m like, ‘I should stop acting.’ And fast-forward two years, I’m on two shows, and patience is key. It’s an honor to be here. Very humbling.”

Other honorees feted on the carpet included Tom Rhys Harries (Clayface), Anthony Ippolito (I Play Rocky), Adia, and India Amarteifio.

Summer H. Howell, recognized as a Breaking Big honoree for landing the title role in Mike Flanagan’s upcoming film Carrie, said taking on the iconic character offered a fresh creative canvas.

“Mike had clearly written her to be very different; she never left her house. She’s eager and excited to get out into the world,” Howell said. “So I was excited to not be like the past. I purposely avoided it all, and I’m glad I did.”

The night also spotlighted backstage champions, including casting director John Papsidera (The Odyssey), who received the festival’s Outstanding Achievement in Casting Award.

With dozens of Savannah College of Art and Design students gathered around the red carpet and inside the theater for signature screenings and panel discussions, honorees shared practical advice for breaking into entertainment.

“There’s something about persevering that’s really important about acting,” Papsidera said. “Don’t give up, just keep going.”

Harries echoed that encouragement, urging aspiring filmmakers to stay present and proactive.

“Enjoy your time here because it’ll pass quickly,” Harries said. “And then go out into the world with confidence and try to consume as much as you can.”