SHPTV produced documentary to screen May 19 at Sacred Heart Preparatory

SHPTV, the student-run broadcast and film program at Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton, produced a feature-length documentary following the 2025–2026 boys basketball team during its journey to winning the California State Championship.

The documentary, which captures the highs and lows of the season as well as behind-the-scenes moments with players and coaches, will premiere on Tuesday, May 19, at 7:00 pm in the Sacred Heart Prep Performing Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the wider community.

This project continues a growing student-led production program at SHP. Last year, SHPTV’s student leaders produced a feature-length movie, The Promposal, as well as a feature-length documentary on the Sacred Heart Prep girls water polo team, which became the No. 1 team in the country according to MaxPreps rankings.

Forrest Jensen, the school’s Broadcast Studio Manager/Audio Engineer commented:

“The program gives students a way to practice their skills and learn the craft of filmmaking, from cinematography to storytelling to interviewing to editing. There is a lot to learn, and it takes a lot to master these skills and turn out a project that is worthy of highlighting to the community.

“It also gives them confidence. They have a dream or a goal for the future; these documentary projects are a stepping stone for any climb ahead. These projects require organization, planning, patience, and hours and hours of editing, refining, and feedback. Receiving feedback can be hard, but it is a skill that is valuable.

“My students realize that when you edit a project, you are often blind to parts of the video that don’t make sense or work when you watch it for the first time. Because they have spent so many hours watching it, it’s incredibly important to listen to first-time viewers’ input. Lastly, and possibly most importantly, it takes teamwork. They learn to work together and lead others to get this project done.

“They had over five cinematographers for the documentary, and four editors. There is one lead editor, Thomas Klemens (pictured), a senior at SHP, who is delegating what sections he needs help with and passing the baton so that the SHPTV team can edit simultaneously to cross the finish line.

“Lastly, they have developed a passion for something. In this day and age, it is so easy to just scroll your day away, or now, even ask AI to make a documentary for you! These students are impacted to keep moving forward when it gets tough. They are inspired to be creators, storytellers, problem solvers, innovators, and community builders, instead of just consumers.

“This documentary premiere is a fantastic way to build community for everyone at SHP and in the local area.”

Top photo is from the documentary