Commack Alum Wins National Award for Documentary

A Commack native's filmmaking efforts are earning national acclaim.

Lauren Ferris, 21, earned third place in the documentary category at the College Television Awards for her short film, Bound By Hope: One Family's Story.

The documentary explores the life of Joshua Scoble, a 4-year-old from Emmaus, Penn. who lives with a rare genetic disease called Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva. Josh was diagnosed with the disease, which gradually turns muscle tissue and tendons into bone, when he was only 3 months old.

Ferris said she was compelled to make a film of Josh's life to raise awareness for the disease and Josh's foundation, Joshua's Future of Promises.

"I hope this documentary will help the Scobles raise funds to find a cure for Josh," she said.

Ferris, who is currently studying Television and Radio at Ithaca College, first discovered her passion for documentary filmmaking while taking classes at Commack High School.

Since then, she's made several documentaries, but Josh's story touched her the most.

"I formed more of a connection [with the Scobles] than in any other documenatry I've made," she said. "Doing the last interview was difficult. It was hard to hear what they have to say and not choke up."

Ferris attended the College Television Awards in LA in April and received $500 along with her award.

Watch Bound By Hope here.

To learn more about Josh and the Scoble family, visit Joshua's Future of Promises.