Albuquerque Public Schools
Grads’ Animated Short Selected for National Film Festival
Created through CEC’s Film, Animation, and Ethnic Studies programs, Quédate (Stay) celebrates 19th-century New Mexican heritage and native dialectical Spanish.
Albuquerque Public Schools is proud to celebrate 2026 Albuquerque High School graduates Alissa Vigil and Anabela Vigil, whose animated short film, Quédate (Stay), has been selected for screening at the prestigious All-American High School Film Festival—the world’s largest high school film festival.
The twin sisters developed the short film while participating in the Film, Animation and Ethnic Studies programs at the Career Enrichment Center. Their selection places them among an elite group of young filmmakers whose work will be featured before industry professionals, educators and fellow student artists.
Set in 19th-century New Mexico, Quédate (Stay) explores the deeply moving lives of three generations of women navigating grief, family and acceptance. What makes the project especially distinct is its use of the dialectical Spanish native to northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, honoring a rich linguistic and cultural tradition that has endured for centuries.
The selection highlights the impact of CEC’s Film, Animation, and Ethnic Studies programs, which empower students to combine technical skills with meaningful storytelling rooted in their own heritage and communities.
Watch & Learn More
- Watch the Short Film: View Quédate (Stay) on YouTube.
- Local Feature Story: Read and watch KRQE's local news feature on Alissa and Anabela.
- About the Festival: Learn more about the event at the All-American High School Film Festival Official Site.