It’s a big weekend for Marblehead High School senior Aoife Sullivan, whose short film will be presented as part of the Salem Film Festival.
Sullivan’s movie, “Making Magic in Marblehead,” focuses on local architect Tom Saltsman and his famous Halloween installations that make news around the world each year.
Her 10-minute movie was selected as part of the festival’s “Keeping it Reel” student documentary showcase.
Sullivan’s family is friendly with the Saltsmans, and she has “grown up with these sculptures for the past 10 years.”
“It’s always been such a production,” she said. “They start in August, and then all of a sudden something will appear in their driveway. I wanted more people to know about it.”
The 17-year-old has taken TV production classes with MHS teacher Henry Christensen for four years. She described her reaction to being chosen for the festival.
“I was totally psyched. I had no idea that it would be as big of a deal as it has become. I’ve gotten a lot of congratulations,” Sullivan said. “By taking Mr. C’s classes, you can do this sort of thing. It’s been exciting!”
Sullivan will graduate this June and hopes to study media production and communications in college.
“Making Magic in Marblehead” can be seen on Saturday, March 29, 10:15 a.m., at the National Park Service Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty St., Salem. For more information, visit
You can also view Sullivan’s film at https://loom.ly/ARhTeyQ.
