Ojai Film Festival featuring ‘School Story’

The Ojai Film Festival takes place just outside of the Los Angeles area. Since 2002, they’ve showcased movies, upcoming projects from over 43 countries. Their festival for 2021 is a combination of in-person screenings and virtual events. I’m a part of one of their virtual events, a “table reading” of their Best Screenplay Award, School Story by Jit Fong Oon. You can get tickets to the screening here!

A little bit about School Story and Jit Fong Oon from the Ojai Film Festival website:

“After a close race in the final round judges selected “School Story” by Singaporean writer Jit Fong Oon to receive the Best Screenplay award at the 22nd Annual Ojai Film Festival.

The script revolves around teen rebel Kai who joins the school production of “Romeo and Juliet” in order to cozy up to his romantic target Ana. He gets embroiled in her attempt to launch a clandestine gay-themed version of the play despite opposition from the conservative school authorities. One tragic choice leads to disastrous consequences and Kai must decide whether to risk his education and his future on a chance at redemption.

Jit Fong Oon, born and raised in Singapore, writes factual and narrative content for Singapore television. Inspired by his son Ted, he created a kids detective drama series titled “June,” centering on a brilliant, courageous tween who doesn’t let her hearing impairment stand in her way. “School Story” is his first feature screenplay.

The Best Screenplay honor includes a recorded table read performed by professional actors and this year directed by Frieda De Lackner. Screenwriting fans are welcome to the table read screening on Sunday, November 7 at 4 PM in the Ojai Art Center Raymund Room.”