By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A Hays High School senior is premiering his short documentary, "The Last Miles North," at 7:30 tonight at the Hays High School Performing Arts Center.
Connor Werth, 17, of Hays, documented the last trip to Canada with his grandfather, Evan Noll, before his graduation.
Werth wants to pursue a film career and completed the project independently of any high school coursework.
The 19-minute film focuses on the emotional trip as Werth grapples with growing up and decisions about his future, he said.
"The context for this is that our local theater shut down, and I wanted the community to celebrate local art," he said. "I do care about film, and I wanted to reach out through theater and celebrate the new Hays High Performing arts Center and share work from students."
Werth has not finalized his plans for after graduation. He is contemplating college and waiting on an acceptance letter, but is also considering moving to the West Coast to pursue freelance film work.
The event is free and open to the public. It will begin with a short presentation about he and his grandfather's trip. A Q&A with Werth and his grandfather, who will be seeing the film for the first time Friday, will follow the film.
Refreshments will be served in the lobby after the premiere.