Italian 101 (2018)

Jen, a shy university student, falls for her cool and confident classmate, Riley. When partnered up for a class project, Jen must decide whether or not she can gather up the courage to ask Riley out on a date.

Director Biography - Emily Gutierrez

Emily Gutierrez is a Toronto-born filmmaker whose work showcases the diverse stories of queer women.

Growing up, Emily loved watching movies and television, but when she got older she realized that there was something missing. Being a young queer Asian woman, she rarely saw herself represented in the media. This inspired her to get into film and change that. She combined her talents, took several film courses, and created her first short film. Her production company, Tabby Cat Productions, centres around a whole host of films that shed light on queer and Asian women.

Emily works as a successful web designer at a well-respected university in Toronto. Her other interests include martial arts, cats, and the television show, Wynonna Earp.

Please tell us your motivation for making your film:

I wanted to create films in which I saw myself and others like me represented onscreen. I also wanted to see a wlw couple onscreen with a happy ending.

What is the theme of your submission?:

Coming of age, love

What was the message you wanted to convey with this project?:

That we deserve to go after our happiness, to have hope, that we belong.

Credits:

Emily Gutierrez

Director

Emily Gutierrez

Writer

Emily Gutierrez

Producer

Alex Vautour

Key Cast

"Jen"

Cassandra Williams

Key Cast

"Riley"

Jessica Danov

Key Cast

"Professoressa Natale"

Project Specifications:

Project Type:

Short

Runtime:

8 minutes 5 seconds

Completion Date:

September 18, 2018

Production Budget:

3,800 USD

Country of Origin:

Canada

Country of Filming:

Canada

Language:

English, Italian

Shooting Format:

Digital

Aspect Ratio:

16:9

Film Color:

Color

First-time Filmmaker:

Yes

Student Project:

No