This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Portland Under the Stars film festival. I was there to see two short films submitted by Keefer Carteen, the son of Surfside resident Candace Carteen, who often spoke about her family’s Hollywood connections.
She once had a small role in a film, and even her parents appeared in films. Keefer was a child reporter for Hollywood. From his time as a KIDS FIRST! Reporter Keefer conducted interviews with notable figures like Mel Brooks, which was a memorable experience from his childhood. Yet from his early experience, he started his journey into mastering the craft of filmmaking. The kid who interviewed one of the greatest movie directors is on his way to becoming one.
Keefer lived in London for years, dedicating himself to learning the art of directing and storytelling. Though she missed him deeply, Candace never spoke with anything but pride about his work. She knew he was building something lasting. His efforts paid off—he earned a Best Director award in London, proving his vision was being recognized. Keefer recently returned to the States, moving home with his mother. Seeing them together again, it was clear how much joy it brought Candace to have her son close by.
That pride came into sharp focus at the Portland Under the Stars Film Festival. The Portland Festival celebrates independent filmmaking that combines a wide range of creative voices. Over the course of the event, around 40 films are showcased—spanning genres from music videos and animations to horror, comedy, and heartfelt dramas. Each block of screenings is followed by a Q&A session, giving directors and creative teams the chance to share their inspirations and process. What makes the festival special is not only the variety of styles and stories on display, but also the passion behind them—talented actors, screenwriters, and directors collaborating to create work that connects with audiences in fresh and imaginative ways.
In the first sessions of films, I saw Keefer’s 8mm short—a simple but moving story of two friends sharing milestones of life from a couch, until one of them passes away. It was imaginative and heartfelt, though I wondered if it would stand out as equally creative productions rolled on.
Then, in the second set of films, the first film shown in the session stunned me. Performed by talented actors and structured around poetry, it carried the cadence of Shakespeare. The acting was powerful, the camera work exceptional, and the artistry undeniable. I thought immediately, this was so well done, it could be the winner. At the time, I had no idea it was Keefer’s work.
Later that evening, I received a text. It was Candace, her voice bubbling with excitement. “Keefer won Best Director”. Surprised, I asked, “Was it the film with the Black actors?” She replied, “Yes, that was his.” Suddenly, it all clicked. The film I had singled out as his was the most impressive of the night.
Keefer is a humble young man—humble but confident, with the drive and ambition. You can sense it when you meet him: he has his act together and will accomplish great things. His artistry and storytelling are already speaking volumes, and his future as a filmmaker is bright.
Behind Keefer’s success stands a mother who has faced her own hardships, yet never stopped sharing meaningful life stories through her writing. Candace raised a son who now carries that same gift of storytelling—only through film, where his work moves and inspires audiences. For her, the pride is not just in an award, but in watching his talent take flight as a reflection of her own resilience, love, and creativity.
At the Portland Under the Stars Film Festival, when Keefer’s name was announced as Best Director, it wasn’t just his victory. It was also a testament to a mother’s strength, devotion, and the joy of seeing her child succeed against the odds.
For me, personally, it was moving to witness the joy of a mother so proud of her son. Candace’s journey has incredible life experiences and her own talent displayed in her many writings, but seeing Keefer triumph in the early stages of his career was a reminder of what parenthood is truly about—a lifetime of raising, guiding, and loving a child, and then watching them succeed. His accomplishment reflects his own talent and determination, and of hers as a mother.
The joy in her voice, the pride in her heart, and her son’s success together tell a story as powerful as any film shown that night.
Surfside Washington News 