Beau’s Story
Having moved from New York to Boston, Beau Ahluwalia, Class of ’25, initially joined Walnut Hill School for the Arts as a Visual Art major. It wasn't long before he discovered his true passion for filmmaking and how pursuing his passion for film could unfold at a boarding arts high school. Transitioning to the Writing, Film & Media Arts program (WFMA), Beau found his groove and flourished in an environment that nurtured his creativity, all while earning his high school diploma. Beau’s journey highlights the experience students find at a visual and performing arts high school like Walnut Hill.
At Walnut Hill, Beau found more than just a place to study film—he found a community that encouraged his creative growth and shaped his future as a filmmaker. His experience underscores why Walnut Hill is a solace and refuge for students seeking an education that combines the arts and academics into a unified curriculum.
“At Walnut Hill, you’re not just a film student; you’re an artist,” he says. “The school recognizes and nurtures that. You’ll find a community where the competitiveness of the film industry is replaced with support and encouragement, helping you succeed.”
Freedom to Explore Art in Many Forms
At Walnut Hill, Beau experienced the freedom to explore different artistic directions, which led him to discover his passion for filmmaking and choose to pursue a high school film program.
Starting as a Visual Art major but having always been drawn to film, Beau was encouraged to experiment with various mediums, which facilitated his transition to the Writing, Film & Media Arts (WFMA) program. One of the key aspects of his experience in the WFMA program has been the collaborative environment.
“Collaboration is such a central part of the WFMA experience,” he says. “You collaborate in almost every way possible.”
Beau found that working with peers and mentors significantly enhanced his creative process. In his second semester, Beau submitted a portfolio and applied to WFMA.
“I love Visual Art and it will always hold such a close place in my heart, and so will Walnut Hill,” he remarks. “But I love WFMA so much because it really feels like you can become any kind of storyteller that you want. Storytelling is the main element and you don't have to express it in just one way.”
Meet Elsie, a Visual Art student who honed her artistic talents at Walnut Hill.
In particular, it was the support from his teachers at Walnut Hill that solidified his decision to choose the WFMA program.
“The best part of it for me is that the teachers will support you in whichever way you want to go,” he says. “They can even support you in your work outside of class. I presented my WFMA teachers with some scripts that I wrote in and out of class, and they were a hundred percent on board with helping me with them.”
Hands-on Experience in Filmmaking
Students in the WFMA program have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, enabling them to bring their visions to life with professional-grade tools. Beau's experience underscores the program's commitment to providing students with real-world experience as one of the top high school film programs in the country.
With access to industry-standard equipment, teachers encourage students to experiment and push boundaries and try new things. It's not just about learning the technical aspects, but also about finding one’s unique voice as, in Beau’s case, a filmmaker. Beau learned how to use technical equipment in filmmaking, including boom mics, lights, and cameras, plus writing his own scripts and directing projects while working with a team of other students. One class in particular, a screenwriting class, provided prompts that pushed Beau outside of his creative comfort zone.
“Writing-through-experience class is one of my favorite classes,” he says. “The classes actually get your mind thinking and get into the zone of what it means to be a creative writer. From that class I created one of my best works, and it was through the support of my peers who really liked my piece and the support of my teacher.”
In fact, a writing assignment eventually turned into a script for his “Black on White” project. Beau wrote another script called "Sad Dog," and was encouraged to submit it in competitions by WFMA staff.
“I didn't win anything, but that doesn't mean I'm not proud of it,” he says. “It was one of the first scripts I've ever written, and the teachers gave me enough confidence to submit it to YoungArts.”
Inspirations and Future Plans After Walnut Hill
As a visual and performing arts high school, inspiration can be found throughout the halls of Walnut Hill. Beyond that, artists from around the world inspire students to create new pieces of art. Beau shared his admiration for the renowned director Hirokazu Kore-eda, a Japanese filmmaker whose style Beau found himself unconsciously inspired by.
"Hirokazu Kore-eda made my favorite film ever, Monster (2023),” says Beau. “Most of his films are about families going through their daily struggles or a few people living their life together. I love his way of talking about normal experiences and finding the beauty in them.”
This deep appreciation for Kore-eda's work has significantly influenced Beau's own creative projects. For his script-to-screen project, he focused on the theme of people's skin, complexion, and the unique markings on their faces.
"People told me, 'Beau, I love how you write about these small common ordinary things.' And I realized that's exactly what my favorite director talks about."
Looking ahead, Beau is determined to return to his hometown of New York, especially for college. He hopes to one day become a writer, cinematographer, or director.
"I definitely want to go back to New York, especially for college,” he says. “I want to go to NYU. Who knows if I may end up there or somewhere else, but I definitely want to return to New York."
With his clear vision and passion for storytelling, Beau is poised to continue his artistic journey, drawing inspiration from the ordinary moments that shape our lives.
Discover Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Start your application today.