Quitman High School junior Wesley Irwin didn’t wait for a filmmaking program to appear: he helped create one.

After discovering the UIL Film competition only after the deadline had passed last year, Irwin decided he wasn’t going to miss another opportunity. With encouragement from his family and support from school staff, Irwin helped introduce UIL Film to Quitman High School, and quickly turned his passion for filmmaking into statewide success.

This year, Irwin’s seven-minute film advanced to the UIL state semifinals after earning top scores from judges in both preliminary rounds. His film placed first in its second-round room, outperforming competitors — including past state winners — by a wide margin. Irwin’s film placed in the top six films at semi-finals, and will compete in the state finals in Austin on Feb. 25th.

“I really tried to do everything I could with this project,” Irwin said. “I wanted to throw the whole sink at it.”

Irwin began experimenting with filmmaking during the summer before his sophomore year, initially creating music video-style edits using songs he enjoyed. After watching YouTube tutorials, he took charge of the family camera and began producing small, independent projects on his own.

“I just went out and tried to make stuff,” Irwin said. “I’d show it to my family, and they were impressed. That made me want to keep going.” 

Irwin finds inspiration and support from his family. He spoke specifically of his older brother, singer Bobby Irwin, who he said was “always willing to just go in full pursuit of his dream.”

“So why can’t I?” he said.

His UIL competition film, a modern take on classic film noir, took months of preparation. Scriptwriting began at the start of summer and continued through multiple revisions. Production involved several cameras, including equipment borrowed from friends and mentors, and the entire editing process was completed by Irwin himself. Irwin studied classic noir films and created visual storyboards to create the film. He intentionally aimed for a modern noir feel, blending old-style aesthetics with contemporary humor and relatable characters.

By the time the film was submitted in January, Irwin admitted he had watched it hundreds of times.

“When I finished editing, I didn’t even want to look at it anymore,” he said. “But when it premiered, I realized how proud I really was.”

The film is about a bumbling detective trying to prove himself. The main character is played by Quitman High School film coach and English teacher Carter Mize. Principal Jeffrey Tittle also plays a central character in the short film.

The inspiration for the plot came from a conversation Irwin had one day with theatre teacher and UIL sponsor Terri Dievendorf. 

“She pointed out that Mr. Mize would make a great detective,” Irwin said. “Once I had that idea, everything kind of clicked.”

Cole Ochoa served as Irwin’s primary collaborator on the project, assisting with script development and directing actors on set.

“He was my right-hand man,” Irwin said. “Having someone there to bounce ideas off of made a huge difference.”

Although Irwin is self-taught in editing and filmmaking, he credits Mize with helping on set, particularly with camera settings and problem-solving during shoots.

Looking ahead, Irwin plans to enter additional film competitions, and already has concepts in development. He hopes to major in film production after high school and pursue a career as a director or actor while staying rooted in Texas’ growing film scene.

Ultimately, Irwin says his goal goes beyond competition. 

“I want to make films that people can really connect with,” he said. “I want to change how people think about Christianity and tell stories that feel real for everyone.” 

For Irwin, filmmaking isn’t just a hobby. It’s a calling — and one he’s already answering.