A Body In Motion
Senior Film by Sarah Kavarnos

My senior film is inspired by true events and follows the story of Amelia, a fifteen-year-old girl who is caught self-harming in school. In the aftermath, she is recruited to the cross country team by her teacher and coach of the team as a way to help her establish routine, gain the benefits of exercise, and begin building resilience. Through this unlikely mentorship, Amelia discovers that high school sports can provide not only structure but also a lifeline, offering her tools to confront pain and slowly reclaim agency over her life.

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This project is deeply personal to me because it engages with themes I care about: mental health, mentorship, and the quiet but powerful ways that adults can shape the trajectory of young people’s lives. I want to explore the intersection between vulnerability and discipline, showing how the repetition of practice, the act of showing up, and the support of a coach can foster growth and healing in ways that are often overlooked.

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Stylistically, my approach emphasizes realism and restraint, avoiding sensationalism in favor of authenticity. I want the camera to linger on small gestures and moments of effort—the pounding of shoes on the track, the heavy breaths after a run, the silences between words—to honor the subtleties of Amelia’s journey. Ultimately, this film is a statement on the value of high school athletics and the teachers who go beyond their roles, revealing how sports can become a conduit for hope and resilience in a young person’s life.

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Logline: When a troubled teenage girl is caught self-harming in school, her teacher-turned-coach pushes her onto the cross-country team. Together, on her first grueling practice, they discover that a one mile run can become a test of endurance, trust, and the possibility of healing.