And the award goes to … Harlingen schools to honor best in student videos

HARLINGEN — Lights, camera … Scream!

This year’s Fifth Annual Student Film Awards promises to be a scream thanks to some new attractions.

The Harlingen school district is trying to arrange for actor Matthew McConaughey to read the names of the best actor awards April 18. Nothing has been finalized, says Shane Strubhart, spokesperson for the district.

However, McConaughey, known for his roles in “Dallas Buyers Club,” “Time to Kill,” “Amistad,” and “Lincoln Lawyer,” has expressed interest in the awards ceremony, Strubhart said.

And there’s more.

“We’re opening it up to schools throughout the Valley,” he said. “We thought by increasing the number of entities it would be good for competition.”

Students in the Harlingen district have spent the year preparing their film projects.

“There’s all kinds of categories,” Strubhart said.

Some students have a head start on the projects because they competed in the recent SkillsUSA event.

The district reaches out to those in the industry to participate in the event, specifically those who have won Academy Awards and Emmy Awards. They have caught the attention of figures lesser known in the field and away from the screen.

“They’re more accessible,” he said. “This one is different. We’ve sparked an interest.”

Negotiations are still underway for the star of such titles as “The Free State of Jones” and “Interstellar” to become a part of the festivities. If McConaughey does participate, it could be either in person or by remote viewing.