During lunch on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the auditorium was packed with over 400 Mendham students and faculty members viewing the premiere of Mendham Film’s short film, Making Mendham. Inspired by popular mockumentary-style television shows, like “The Office,” as well as Mrs. Meagher’s overall enthusiasm for the 2025-2026 school year in her new position, the film follows Mrs. Meagher’s first day as Principal of Mendham High School while facing backlash toward the new cafeteria.

The idea for this film was first thought of at the start of the school year back in August, but production did not begin until September. In these four months, students and faculty, both inside and outside the film class, helped make this short film a success. Screenwriter Luca Millea explains, “There is so much time and work that goes into creating a polished film, whether that is writing and rewriting, shooting and re-shooting, and editing. We wanted to make sure it was quality before it went out to the rest of the school.” Mendham Film cast actors based on who they thought could play each role best. When these choices did not go according to plan, the production team did an incredible job at bouncing back from obstacles. “Initially,” Luca reveals, “we had someone different set to play the primary ‘Cafeteria Hater’ in the film, but due to a scheduling conflict they were unable to film with us. Because of this, Mr. Ward had to fill in for that role. In the end, I think having a teacher involved in the protests added a whole new layer to that storyline and I’m happy with how it ended up. Things go wrong all the time in the film industry, and you have to be able to know how and when to pivot.” Making Mendham was the first time the Film Class/Club publicly premiered a short film in Mendham High School History. The auditorium was almost filled, with each grade being heavily represented, in addition to the large number of faculty that was also present.

To get involved with Mendham Film, be sure to join the Film Club, which is open to all students, and take the Film Class if you can. As for the future of Mendham Film, they are in the planning stages of a few ambitious upcoming projects. Despite end-of-year testing and graduation on the horizon, another short film is in the process of being produced. Be on the lookout for news about an event Mendham Film is planning to host at the end of the school year!

Watch Making Mendham at this link: mendham.galleryplus.org/making-mendham-film