An intriguing photo and a compelling narrative are the only ingredients senior Noah Villanueva needs to whip up a motion picture masterpiece. Recognized for the exceptional production value and captivating plotlines of his self-directed films, Villanueva, Northwood TV’s creative director, was named Orange County Register’s 2025 Artist of the Year in film and television on May 5.

After being nominated by video production teacher Steve Sellwood, Villanueva submitted two films and several short essays regarding his creative inspirations. He was then selected as one of six semifinalists who advanced to the interview stage for “Faces,” a haunting yet seamless nine-minute suspense film that follows a young girl who travels through time after surviving an accident that killed her sister.

“My goal with ‘Faces’ was to explore how people navigate guilt because it’s a feeling that’s difficult to explain,” Villanueva said. “Seeing a story unfold before your very eyes through film has this unique way of being able to touch emotions in your soul.”

Though his ability to encapsulate the trauma associated with survivor’s guilt through his spine-chilling, psychological thriller-style film won the hearts of the judging panel, recognition was never Villanueva’s goal.

“Noah does a project because he wants to do that project, not because he wants to win an award,” Sellwood said. “He will dive right in and do something just because it’s interesting to him, whereas a lot of filmmakers will do something they have already experienced.”

Villanueva’s courage didn’t emerge overnight. Inspired by his dad’s love for the 1940s and 1950s films that colored his childhood, Villanueva joined NTV during his sophomore year.

“During my first year in NTV, the upperclassmen taught me the ropes, and I gained a lot of confidence in myself because I was able to learn from my mistakes and develop knowledge through that process,” Villanueva said.

Now an upperclassman with three years of filmmaking experience, Villanueva isn’t shy to share the knowledge he’s gained from coordinating schedules, reserving facilities and devising solutions to unanticipated setbacks with his younger peers.

“A lot of times he’ll talk about aspects of film by relating it to easier concepts like sandwiches, which is really funny,” NTV member sophomore Allie Liu said. “His wisdom and personality are definitely going to be missed next year.”

From his compassion for others to his vast library of film expertise, Villanueva always ensures others’ voices take center stage.

“He’s always super encouraging to go with the idea you have and just have confidence in whatever you’re going to be doing,” NTV member junior Keon Rezazadeh said. “If you share that same passion for film, he’s going to share it with you.”

Although he’s leaving the Northwood screen behind, Villanueva hopes to further nourish his love for filmmaking beyond high school.

“The ultimate goal is to make a two hour long feature film and pursue my dream as a filmmaker,” Villanueva said. “There are certain feelings that are impossible to explain with words, and being able to evoke those feelings through film is what makes it so fulfilling.”

Check out “Faces” here.