Bryan Boykins has made a name for himself in the Central Florida community since graduating from Full Sail’s Film and Entertainment Business programs – as an editor at local ABC affiliate WFTV, as well as an independent filmmaker responsible for a series of well-received documentaries and narrative features. This year alone has seen two of Bryan’s projects in the spotlight, being chosen for major film festivals, and even getting recognized by local government.

The first of these is H20: Supply and Demand, a short feature that was as an official selection of the 2011 Washington, DC Independent Film Festival. The story shows the psychological effects of a lack of water upon a small community, and was inspired by events like Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

“I like to keep things real with my projects because I feel people can be entertained and educated at the same time,” Bryan says. “So many people have embraced this film and its subject matter. Just to know that the public is seeing it, and reading their comments about it on Twitter and Facebook, I’m very proud.”

Bryan used that inspiration to complete his second project of the year, the feature-length documentary Black as AIDS. The film offers an in-depth look at the current state of the AIDS epidemic, using first hand testimonials from people who are directly affected by the disease. Its honesty has brought even more attention to his work as a writer and director, including an unexpected honor from Orlando mayor Buddy Dyer.

“I wanted to show the stories and coping methods of those with AIDS so I could help teach others,” he says. “The feedback has been amazing, and it got the attention of the mayor’s office. Buddy Dyer even read a proclamation declaring June 23 ‘Black as AIDS/HIV Awareness Day,’ which was such an honor.”

Bryan holds a singular passion for storytelling, and it’s probably no surprise that he already has another pair of projects lined up for the coming year. With only so many hours in a day, his dedication is a reminder of how much you can accomplish when your professional career is driven by what you love.

“I’m always looking forward to moving on to new things, and I just want to keep the projects moving along so that while one is shooting, I’m already lining up the next one,” he says. “It can be hard going from conception to completion, but when you show up to a theater and see 250 people there waiting to see it, or someone comes up and tells you that they really loved your film, it all makes it worth it.”