SARASOTA, FL – February 10, 2025 – Suncoast Technical College (STC) is proud to announce Digital Video Technology (DVT) alumna Heaven Hamilton won the prestigious Best First Time Director award in the short film category at the Rome International Movie Awards for The Depths of Love. The film won awards in Best Romantic Short, Best Duo, Best Editing, and Best Costume Design.

Hamilton’s passion for filmmaking started in high school, where her interest in photography naturally evolved into storytelling after completing a short film project in high school. After high school graduation, and in pursuit of a film career, Heaven enrolled at STC. While attending STC, she also started directing professional music videos for established artists.

“Watching Heaven grow as an aspiring film student in my DVT class to directing her first professional short film is extraordinary. I look forward to seeing Heaven’s future directorial accomplishments,” said Ed Fagan, film producer and STC instructor.

The Depths of Love tells the poignant story of a struggling writer who travels to a tropical beach town to visit his aunt and uncle while searching for his life’s purpose. There, he encounters a magical mermaid who reveals to him the devastating environmental impact on the bay. Torn between his uncle's offer of a job and the mermaid's inspiration to write a story of love and redemption, the writer must make a life-changing decision. The film beautifully intertwines themes of environmental awareness, self-discovery, and the pursuit of purpose.

A Parallel Differences Productions film, The Depths of Love stars Fulvio Della Volta and Harris King as the main actors, writers, and producers. The supporting cast features Ann Morrison and Blake Walton, with Bob Gray contributing as a co-writer and producer. The film is also produced by David Jemison and Edward Fagan.

About Suncoast Technical College
Suncoast Technical College is dedicated to providing quality technical education to meet workforce development and community needs.  STC operates campuses in Sarasota (4748 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34233) and North Port (4445 Career Lane, North Port, FL 34289).

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Contact:
Dolly Hiller
dolly.hiler@sarasotacountyschools.net
(941) 924-1365 ext. 62247