WILMINGTON -- Autism isn't keeping some coastal students from experiencing a life in the film industry.

Through a project with the Oasis N.C. Film Festival, they became actors and producers.

12-year-old Rowan Raddigan has autism, but on Thursday it didn’t stand in the way of showing off some newly discovered talents.

“I kind of like being a director,” he said.

The students at Oasis N.C.  walked the red carpet at the Pointe 14 Theaters for their first ever film festival. This time, they were the movie stars.

For the past nine weeks, kids at the nonprofit spent their afternoons creating films. The idea is to find a creative way to teach kids practical skills while also helping them come out of their shells.

Raddigan's mom, Cori Raddigan, said the opportunity is making a lasting impact.

“He’s changed completely. He’s really reaching his potential. He’s growing academically and we really couldn’t be prouder,” she said.

Just take a look. The kids from Oasis created all seven of these movies, all on their own and now they get to have the chance to see their film on the big screen.

“I’m excited to see all of our movies and stuff,” one student said.

Teachers who helped film their movies said students worked together, practiced problem solving and public speaking.

“These students worked from beginning to end. They chose their subjects based on their interests and we just let them go from there,” Erika Merrimam, executive director of the program, said.

They chose titles that could compete with Hollywood.

Even with all the excitement, a few of the students chose to keep the details of their movie magic a secret from their parents until opening day.

“I didn’t tell anything because I don’t want to be a spoiler when I grow up,” a student said.

For more information about the film festival, check here.