Former TWHS student-turned-filmmaker donates proceeds from film’s opening to Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Scholarship

THE WOODLANDS, TX – A former Woodlands High School student recently threw a fundraising gala and debut screening of an original short film that she created. Positive, a film inspired by the events of COVID, was shot in the Woodlands in May with an entirely Houston-based cast and crew.

The film was the brainchild of Abby Tozer, who – after graduating from TWHS – pursued her college studies in California. Coming home for the pandemic, she and her younger sister, Mady – herself still a student – decided to film their personal experiences. Abby wrote the screenplay and Mady starred in the film.

When it came time to present the film to the public, Abby and co-producer Connor Angus opted to host a pair of events that combined the typical first-time screening with a gala that raised funds for the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Scholarship, in honor of the Woodlands roots of the filmmaker. On September 15 there was an invitation-only screening at 4the1 Studios in north Houston, and two days later they held the gala-with-screening at The Butler House on Gosling Road. Guests at the event were greeted with hors d’oeuvres, a two course dinner, a red carpet with photo booth, and a raffle table with prize drawing.

“The gala was a huge success,” said Tozer afterwards. “We raised $2,500 for the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Scholarship, and had over 70 attendees. Fifteen local businesses donated more than $2,000 in raffle prizes. And we are planning on moving forward with our idea of pairing a non-profit with the narrative of whatever project we’re producing.”

Tozer and Angus are taking the film through the Texas film festival circuit, ultimately hoping to move forward with the goal of re-invigorating the Houston film market.

“Our screening with 4the1 and gala were both in service of helping complete this goal,” said Tozer. “We met with so many incredible creatives and felt like the gala and screening were both key steps in helping create an environment in which Texan creatives can thrive.”

To track the burgeoning filmmaking career of Abby Tozer, who is represented by talent agency Pastorini-Bosby, and to learn more about Positive, visit https://www.positiveshortfilm.com/.

Gala photos courtesy of Dave Mateer