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UCLAxFilmFest 2025

Synopsis A young woman, Nikki, asks the guy she’s been dating if they’re exclusive, to which he responds with a yes, but a ‘polyamorous’ yes. Taken aback and confused, Nikki walks away to ponder the concept of polyamory and searches to identify her own feelings around the subject. She seeks counsel from friends who have varying sexual orientations and identities. Roaming the streets of New York, she struggles to come to terms with what to do next. The following morning Nikki is offered a new perspective from her polyamorous roommate, which opens her mind to explore. Director's Statement This film is an exploration of the topic of polyamory, through conversation with differing points of view. I, myself, find that I never know what my opinion of it is, yet that doesn't necessarily mean I'm opposed to it. This film was also an experiment in filming technique. Just myself and the cinematographer created this film over 13 hours one day in New York. I wrote the synopsis and scene breakdowns, plus the character relationships and their personal opinions on polyamory. With this, we then worked with the actors and let the dialogue carry naturally through improvisation. Once I had directed the scene to where it felt like it flowed in a wide shot, we then selected lines to shoot close-ups of. Through this reverse engineering of story, we ended up with dialogue that felt natural and real, because it was. I elected to have no musical score to avoid steering the audience. Everyone is going to have a different opinion when watching this film and we want to allow for that. I also didn't want any musical composition to take away from the raw nature of the conversations being had. Our boom was mounted on a c-stand, where we wrapped t-shirts around it to mitigate wind pick-up, whilst using our backpacks for sandbags. I know this is not typically what filmmakers would highlight when talking about their films, however I think it's a remarkable feat we achieved with literally no resources. A subtle, clear narrative with a through-line where the actors feel like real people and the ending conclusion is to just remain OPEN. It's important that people remain brave enough to outwardly have these conversations, not only for an understanding of social dynamics but also for self-discovery as well. Love is love.- Tanya Jade Crew Bios<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/ecdfb728ddf0084130a52a46fd7ce727.jpg" width="146" style="display: block; margin: auto;"> Tanya Jade: Writer/Director/Co-Producer/Co-Editor/Actor Tanya Jade is a Canadian-Australian writer, director, actor of Singaporean and Dutch descent.&nbsp;Her work centers around love, identity, cultural displacement and violence against women. Tanya is fascinated in the celebration of our differences, as well as our commonalities. She strives to tell stories that make people feel less alone. Her award-winning short film, WALLPAPER, has screened extensively around Canada and internationally. As a writer, Tanya's short script, WAH LAU, is on Coverfly’s Red List in the Top 4% of comedy shorts and has won a multitude of screenplay contests. In November 2024, she won the Feature Pitch Competition with WAH LAU, the feature, to become Chilliwack Independent Film Festival’s Official Nominee for Telefilm Canada’s Talent to Watch Program. This is a script she has been working on in UCLA’s Extension – Feature Film writing program. Before discovering film, Tanya worked as a Senior Communications Professional, managing multi-million dollar marketing campaigns for government agencies, private and non-profit companies. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) from Curtin University of Technology. As an actor you can catch her on Yellowjackets, The Good Doctor, Wild Cards and Schmicago! <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/f09841b972c5c85bf55bb330360fc955.png" width="215" style="display: block; margin: auto;"> Joel Crane: Cinematographer/Co-Producer/Co-Editor Joel Crane is a cinematographer and photographer. Originally from Texas, he now resides in Melbourne, Australia.&nbsp;Some of his previous work includes PALE BLUE EYES, CAGED IN, and the upcoming short film, IT WAITS IN THE DARK. Joel strives to pursue authentic and meaningful projects in his work, having spent his entire life creating images in one form or another. It's a passion that took hold of him from a very early age.&nbsp;A passion, Joel suspects, will continue for many more years to come.

Amorous

When a hetero-monogamous Nikki discovers the guy she's dating is polyamorous, she turns to her friends for perspective.

Synopsis A satire on the art of breaking in, poking fun at how we, the film school kinfolk, worship the land where stars take a dump (Los Angeles), while the city itself takes a dump on the stars (Walk of Fame). It’s about the never-ending struggle we’re willing to endure to make it here—and how much of the mess is too much before we get swallowed by it. Director's Statement The Serene Place (Where the Stars Poop) is a satire on the art of breaking into Hollywood. It’s a comedic take on the lengths immigrants and fresh grads will go to just to get their foot in the door. It’s about the hustle, the weird jobs, and the relentless desire to be seen in an industry that often feels like it’s designed to chew you up and spit you out. The story follows two characters: the dreamer and the gatekeeper. The dreamer is a fresh grad—an eager immigrant, ready to do anything to break into the studio world. The gatekeeper is a seasoned veteran who has been worn down by the system and thoroughly consumed by it, becoming one of its enforcers. For many newcomers, studios are like holy shrines—we arrive with stars in our eyes, believing that once we’re inside, we’ve made it. But the reality is often very different. This film satirizes that disillusionment, showing the absurdity of the Hollywood hustle. Written during the writer’s strike, this film came to me at a time when I felt stuck in my career, trapped in a loop, and uncertain of what the next step would be. When I read the script, I felt an immediate connection—it felt like it had been written for me. As an Indian, female director, the opportunity to direct a comedy that reflected my ownexperiences was a dream come true. We’re often stereotyped, pigeonholed into certain narratives or genres, but The Serene Place allowed me to break free. It gave me the chance to bring my own unique perspective to a story that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. My hope is that audiences will not only laugh but also reflect and recognize a part of themselves in these characters' journey. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/764bb646bc47bfa17f16057de2fc9df5.jpg" width="121" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Shriya Rana - Director Shriya Rana is an award-winning writer and director based in Los Angeles. She has earned multiple accolades, including six directing awards for Ayesha (2021), which also garnered over 40 selections at top festivals. Ayesha was featured in the Best of India Shorts 2022 and the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival 2022, and won the "Audience Choice Award" at UCLAxFF 2021. Her films, such as TSPWTSP (2023), challenge stereotypes and celebrate individuality. Hailing from a small town in Himachal Pradesh, India, Shriya began her career as an engineer before discovering her passion for filmmaking. She moved to Los Angeles in 2017, where she studied at the New York Film Academy and UCLA. Her work has earned international recognition, including broadcasts in the UK and Ireland for International Women’s Day 2021. Shriya holds the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts and is a proud member of the Alliance of Women Directors (AWD). She is committed to creating films that inspire, challenge norms, and amplify diverse voices in cinema. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/29690d806ba01a4821d202d39595b172.jpg" width="161" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Shreyas Ayaluri - Screenwriter Shreyas Ayaluri is an award-winning screenwriter and creative producer based in Los Angeles, with over 30 screenplay awards. His work has earned recognition in top competitions like Final Draft’s Big Break, The Austin Film Festival, Screencraft, Outstanding Screenplays, and WeScreenplay, consistently ranking in the top 3% of unproduced scripts on Coverfly. Originally from advertising, Shreyas moved to the U.S. in 2018 to pursue his passion for storytelling. He studied screenwriting at UCLA and the New York Film Academy. As a screenwriter for Pocket FM, he wrote 16 shows—five of which were produced and became blockbusters, amassing millions of views on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. Shreyas also serves as a judge and festival programmer at a prominent NYC-based film festival, holds the coveted O1 Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, and has previously written songs for a Broadway musical <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/ca02345f7b0384f63fc277c96bf94a9a.jpg" width="215" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Arsenio J. Alvarez III - Editor Arsenio J. Alvarez III is an award-winning writer, editor, and director. His inspirations come from directors spanning the '80s to the present day, including Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, Ron Howard, Guillermo Del Toro, and David F. Sandberg, to name a few. Working on this film was a great change of genre. He had a lot of fun collaborating with Shriya, crafting the laughs and pacing that best complemented not only the film but her overall vision. This is the first of many projects he will work on with Shriya. The job isn’t done yet. We’re keeping our eyes on the future and continuing to move forward!

The Serene Place

An exhausted film school grad from India finally lands an interview at the highly coveted Gardner Bros casting office—only to realize he’s not interviewing for a job, but for his last shred of sanity.

Synopsis Set during the 1990s Korean IMF economic crisis. Min, a 6-year-old girl who yearns to be loved for her good behavior, obediently listens to her mom, her teachers, and her pastor in her quest to be a good girl. One day, on her way to church, she encounters a stranger who asks for help in finding a restroom. Director's Statement Min is an autobiographical story. It is a haunting and important film about the vile people who get away with sexual assault in this world. It is a reminder of womanhood and the trauma that many of us have to carry with us for the rest of our lives. Writing this film was my first step to healing, and with the help I received from many people, I had the opportunity to bring this movie to life, 'heal' myself,and move on. During the festival circuit, I realized that people of all genders and backgrounds could connect with Min. After screenings, many people came up to share their thoughts and feelings. That’s when I understood this isn’t just my story—it’s for anyone who has ever questioned what it truly means to be "a good person" or who has been raised to believe they must always be one. Before making Min, I focused on my own healing. But meeting so many people and hearing their stories has shifted my perspective. I’ve learned that listening to others can be more powerful than sharing my own story. I’ve grown so much from this experience. The love and support I’ve received from people who watched Min mean everything to me. I’ll carry that with me as I begin the next chapter of this journey. Crew<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/9fde250f958bad9c4bcd43b959aaea6d.jpg" width="122" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Soo Jin Jeong - Writer/Director Soo Jin Jeong is a Korean filmmaker currently based in Seoul. After graduating from Dallas Baptist University, majoring in Marketing(BBS), she returned to South Korea to pursue her dream in film. She has worked as an assistant director on several major film sets in South Korea. Before starting her career in film, she worked as a writer at Arirang TV, a Korean broadcast system that provides English-language information on Korean current events, culture, and history to regions around South Korea. Min is her debut film as a director and writer. She developed the story during her certificate program at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles. The script, originally titled A Good Girl, reached the quarterfinals in the Los Angeles Screenplay Award 2022 summer competition, and the film production was completed in South Korea. The film was made possible by the support of many people through crowdfunding on SeedandSpark. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/16740f0a87b48cf74d21b5705b1536ea.jpg" width="132" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Thomas Percy Kim - Producer Before attending USC’s Film Production program, Thomas’ debut short, SI, starring Ki Hong Lee (MAZE RUNNER) premiered at the 2020 LAAPFF before being sold to and distributed by HBO/Max. Since then, Thomas directed other shorts, such as Busan, 1999, which won Best Narrative at the SFFilm Festival and BFI Future Film Festival, qualifying it for the 2023 Oscars. He is a Sundance, Blacklist, and TIFF fellow, and currently in post for Isle Child, set to be his debut feature. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/e2682201424b588695899777404decce.jpg" width="286" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Tae Gyun Kim - Composer Tae Gyun is a highly sought-after composer, producer, and mixing engineer with a diverse set of skills that have been widely recognized throughout his career. He received classical training as a pianist and earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Synthesis from Berklee College of Music.His journey in the music industry began at Manhattan Beach Recording Studio in New York City, where he worked with high-profile clients such as Charlie Watts from The Rolling Stones, Pat Metheny, Meryl Streep, and David Hyde Pierce from "Frasier." As a composer in New York City, Tae also contributed compositions to ABC's "One Life to Live" and Louis Vuitton &amp; Soundwalk's Asianaudio travel guide project, which won the 2009 SIA Creative Awards Bronze medal.After relocating to Los Angeles, Tae Gyun expanded his composition field into the gaming industry and worked on various projects for CBS, Universal Production Music, and major game developers such as Marvel, Disney Interactive, Nintendo, and Valve Corporation. Tae's collaboration with Crave Mob led to the development of a music game app called "Blow Up," which ranked 2nd on the US iTunes game top chart and 1st in many countries, including China and South Korea.With his musical background and technical expertise in audio engineering, Tae incorporates these elements strongly in his music production to achieve top-quality output.He is the main producer and composer for 'Where the Star Falls (Up All Night)' and 'In the Orbit We Meet Again,' both sung by Dazbee, which have recently achieved 10 million and 2 million worldwidestreams on Spotify, respectively. He is also known for actively collaborating with singer-songwritersfrom around the world. He co-wrote and produced "Supercharged" (Kwanza Jones), which ranked on the Billboard Top 20 Dance chart. Tae's versatility and proficiency as a composer, producer, and mixing engineer have made him a highly respected figure in the music industry.

Min, a 6-year-old girl, on the way to church, meets a stranger who asks for desperate help.

Synopsis In a piano bar, Noah has a chance encounter with Claire, the woman who, ten years earlier, broke his heart. Director's Statement The film The Velvet Kiss was inspired by noticing how timing plays a pivotal role in relationships, how easy it is to romanticize past relationships until we remember the reasons that they ended and recognize how we grow in different ways after relationships. The Velvet Kiss is about saying goodbye. I wrote the screenplay for The Velvet Kiss over 14 years ago then chose to direct it for my thesis film because I love dialogue-driven movies and the six-page, single-location, script enabled us to film it in eight hours with a small but mighty cast and crew. We filmed it in a restaurant/jazz bar owned by an old friend who I reconnected with after three decades while scouting locations for the film. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/f412274677d9c2fdd6d98a3d58fe15d8.jpg" width="322" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Michael Yudcovitch - Writer/Director/Producer Michael Yudcovitch is an independent filmmaker and registered psychologist who identifies as a bi-racial, cis-gender, heterosexual male of Polish-Jamaican ancestry, born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He channels his passions for psychology and film into writing, directing, and producing films about mental health and the power of connection. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/4cae4bdf487810d797980b3fe7d05110.jpg" width="145" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Ralph Merant - Noah Ralph Merant is an actor with a diverse range of experience in both commercial and narrative work. He has appeared in national campaigns for General Mills, Peloton, Delta, and Xfinity, as well as independent films and theater productions. Raised in Connecticut by Haitian parents, he draws inspiration from his heritage and upbringing, fueling his passion for storytelling. His recent work includes The Velvet Kiss. Committed to bringing authentic and dynamic characters to life, he continues to explore new roles that challenge and inspire&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/98b3195c2de21b1b44ff4044b2b7bca5.jpg" width="143" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Madeline Blue - Claire In more than 25 years of work on stage and screen, Madeline has held her own with some of the biggest names in both arenas. She is best known for her cult classic portrayals, including Cure Girl, Young Janice Soprano, and as a child killer on Law &amp; Order. As an adult, she’s been a regular for 3 seasons of Theo Von’s Deal with It, recurred as a prostitute on Justified, and led an ABC Primetime miniseries. She has frequently served as an improv and reenactment artist across TV and internet for major networks and brands.

The Velvet Kiss

A chance encounter between old lovers is bittersweet.

Synopsis Jodie, a lonely overeducated professional on the brink of turning 45, wakes up from a cat nap and decides to take hold of her love life. Tired of living indignantly in spite of herself, she falls into the trap of Mari, a dating coach who preys off women of a certain age, showing them “the right kind of relationship:” she gets women to become cat ladies, just like herself, so that strong independent women can remain as such. Slowly, she gets Jodie to get Guy, her willing and unabashedly earnest date, to grow a mustache and whiskers, and put Rogaine on his arms – Mari’s “special sauce,” until finally, he grows so hairy, that he eventually turns into a cat. The result is a wedding of Jodie to an actual cat wearing a cat tuxedo: she has found her soulmate - one that enables her to have the freedom she always wanted. Director's Statement I wrote “cat.” during the pandemic when I had too much time to think. I hope you enjoy! CREW <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/252a79338dc09ed6d4d3735b3d633211.jpg" width="323" style="display: block; margin: auto;">JESSICA REDISH - Writer/Director Jessica Redish is an award-winning director, writer &amp; choreographer and a recent graduate of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts’ MFA Film &amp; Television Production Program. She has been referred to as a “rising star” by Medium.com because of her accomplishments with her award-winning short films and music videos. Her body of work ranges from contributing choreography to The Smashing Pumpkins' International Tour to her short films “The Last Croissant” and “AIRWAY” winning Best Director and Best Comedy awards. She also has worked as a comedy writer for Emmy &amp; Golden Globe Winner Joey Soloway, as well as Michael Bay &amp; Adam Goodman’s Invisible Narratives.Her most recent success is her newest film, “Exit, Pursued by a Bear,” a short movie musical which she wrote, directed, choreographed, and co-wrote lyrics with composer Michael Mahler. The film received placement in the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts and Raindance Film Festivals as one of six winners in the 2022 Stage 32 Short Film Contest.Jessica attributes her ability to work with actors and capture great performances because of her theatre work for which The Chicago Tribune named her production of “Merrily We Roll Along” as one of the top ten Sondheim productions in Chicago, putting her on a shortlist with Hal Prince. She is also the winner of the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Choreography for “Silence! The Musical!” a musical parody of “The Silence of the Lambs.” Jessica currently resides in Los Angeles where she tends to her “Golden Girls” Chia Pet. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/bdc2003d7af52cdcfeb68db09bcf3d91.jpg" width="143" style="display: block; margin: auto;">ALPHA FAYE - Producer Alpha Faye is a NYC-bred actor and indie-film producer and writer based in Los Angeles. She learned the ropes of producing through community organizing, and specializes in bridging the creative aspects of filmmaking with the business side of production, fostering communication and collaboration. Alpha loves to work with directors whose stories lift up underrepresented communities. Some of her first productions include the feature “This Side of Summer” (2019), the Instagram micro series “Hella Bae” (2019) and shorts “Suzie Wrong” (2019), and “Pickpocket” (2021). Alpha’s 2024 projects, “Captain Jack,” “cat.” (award winning), and “Revolt x Kismet” are currently on their respective festival runs. She also has 2 features and a television series in development. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/9b4fe9410860bf2fb57b2917e0f7609d.png" width="216" style="display: block; margin: auto;">DAEIL KIM - Cinematographer Born in Seoul, South Korea, Daeil Kim moved to the United States at 20 to pursue filmmaking. He co-founded Xylograph Films, producing acclaimed short films, commercials for brands like Red Bull, and music videos for artists like Two Friends and Bryce Vine. Kim’s cinematography work, “The Things We Keep,” screened at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. At 24, he co-wrote, directed, and shot his debut feature, “White Demise” (2021) on a micro budget. Distributed by Gravitas Ventures, it premiered on VOD platforms. His latest short film, “Loving Day," starring Sydney Flanigan and Raphael Sbarge, is currently touring the festival circuit. A graduate of the USC MFA Film &amp; TV Production Program, Kim was an Annenberg Fellow and recipient of the James Bridges and Jack Larson scholarships. He directed the final episode of the USC series SKETCH and served as cinematographer on several thesis films. Kim has earned the Sony Future of Cinematography award, Panavision New Filmmaker Grant, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Production Grant (2024) <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/4231760a317e3bd70533a538f927e4da.png" width="214" style="display: block; margin: auto;">LEA VRABELOVA - Editor Lea Vrabelova is an award-winning film editor living in Los Angeles. She was born in Bratislava, Slovakia and graduated from the American Film Institute with a Master’s Degree in Film Editing. Lea most recently edited for BRON studios, and her work screened at festivals all over the world and released on various platforms. She is best known for her work on ‘What is Buried Must Remain’ (1st place Foreign Horror Feature at 2022 HHIFF &amp; Best Feature Film at CSHFF) ‘Ran Mi Lowo!,’"The Passenger," "Blood and Glory" (Tribeca 2020, Women in Media 2019 CAMERAderie Initiative), and “Tiger Within." She worked with writer/director Jessica Redish on the award-winning short films “AIRWAY,” “Exit, Pursued by a Bear,” and “The Last Croissant,” featured on Funny or Die. CAST <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/3cc925edca9b94b5487b1dea88a68851.jpg" width="144" style="display: block; margin: auto;">JODIE BENTLEY - Jodie Jodie Bentley is an LA-based actor, producer, and narrator. She can be seen in “Never Have I Ever” (Netflix), “Modern Family” (ABC), “All My Children” (Hulu) and “The Baxters” (Amazon) with Roma Downey. She appeared in “The Obituary of Tunde Johnson” directed by Ali LeRoi which premiered at TIFF. Jodie played the lead role in “Non-Disclosure” which was an official selection in the Cannes Short Film Corner and “Miracorp” which had 5 festival wins. She recurred in the series “Disgraced” which received 22 Nominations and 10 Festival Wins. A long-time career coach for actors, Jodie was named one of the Top 20 Coaches in Los Angeles in Influence Digest for 2022. She’s also a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Acting and has a slate of two feature films she’s currently developing. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/95040db6fbb976b85ef2825e265b72f7.png" width="143" style="display: block; margin: auto;">CLAYTON FARRIS - Guy Clayton Farris is an actor, writer, social media influencer and teacher currently living in Los Angeles, California. His television work includes smash hit shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “American Horror Story,” and “Jane the Virgin,” among others. His comedic videos across multiple platforms have racked up over 100,000,000 views. @claytonfarris <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/21f3263f3736a2722d02ade282182cab.jpg" width="183" style="display: block; margin: auto;">BARBARA BROWNELL - Mari Barbara Brownell began her performing career at five as Goldilocks. Eighteen years later she made it to Broadway in “Play it Again, Sam” with Woody Allen and Diane Keaton. She also appeared off-Broadway in “The Ballad of Johnny Pot” and at the Actor’s Studio in “King Lear.” Films include: “Going Home,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Behind the Candelabra” and “The Master.” Barbara starred in Group Repertory Theatre’s mainstage production “A Dull Pain Turned Sharp” where she was nominated in Broadway World for Performer of the Decade in 2020. Other favorite TV credits include: “Malcolm in the Middle,” “LA Law,” “Mary Tyler Moore,” “Night Court,” “Mad Men” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” She has also had recurring roles on “Webster” and “M*A*S*H.” In the end, however, the role that made her a star with her grandkids was as a featured player in the award winning music video “Old Town Road” with Lil Nas X in 2019.

cat.

A woman signs up for a dating coaching service in search of her soulmate and ends up marrying a cat.

Synopsis Jason, a stubborn ex-special forces operative arrives in the crumbling Suba District, determined to find his missing sister, Dayana. His search leads him to a rundown bar called Oasis, where he reunites with his estranged brother, John. John reveals that Dayana is trapped under the control of a ruthless gangster who rules the district. The only way to confront the ruthless gangster and save his sister is through the brutal gauntlet of a high-stakes street fighting tournament. Director's Statement Fighter was born during a transformative period in my life. I had been living in Colombia for about six months when the story began to take shape. At that time, the country was grappling with significant immigration issues, a situation I had only associated with the United States. This parallel hit close to home, as my own family migrated to the U.S. years ago. It made me reflect on themes of displacement, loyalty, and the sacrifices families make for one another. I imagined Jason, a man who returns to his homeland after a prolonged absence, having fought in a massive war. But this isn't a triumphant homecoming—it's driven by urgency and love. His family is in grave danger, and his return is both a reckoning with his past and a fight for his future. Setting the story in a futuristic Bogotá allowed me to explore these themes through a speculative lens. I envisioned a post-apocalyptic world shaped by an imaginary war between China and the United States. Industrial locations became the backdrop, with a gritty mise-en-scène that conveyed the tension and decay of a world in turmoil. Symbolism played a vital role in shaping this world. The secondary characters all wore masks, reflecting a society controlled by strict rules and anonymity. This decision underscores the oppressive environment Jason must navigate to save his family. At the heart of the film, however, is the relationship between Jason and his sister. Their bond drives the emotional core of the story. It is imperative to me that their familial connection feels authentic and deeply rooted in love. This is not just a tale of survival—it is a family love story set against the backdrop of chaos and conflict. Through Fighter, I am aiming to blend an intimate narrative with a broader exploration of societal challenges, creating a world that feels both otherworldly and achingly real. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/c60ce923cac5826184524066e9fbb7c4.png" width="186" style="display: block; margin: auto;">David Higinio - Writer/Director/Producer David Higinio is a Colombian-American film director, producer, and writer, as well as the founder of Origins Films. With over 15 short films under his belt, his work has garnered accolades at international film festivals, reflecting his talent for crafting narratives that delve into personal and societal conflicts while drawing inspiration from his rich Latin heritage. David is a graduate of NYU’s Film Production program, the UCLA Extension Directors Program, and EICTV’s prestigious film production program in Cuba. He has also honed his craft through the Directors Workshop and at the Congo Film School, further enriching his creative vision with diverse perspectives and approaches to storytelling. Known for his ability to connect with actors and his meticulous attention to visual detail, David creates films that are both emotionally resonant and visually captivating. Rooted in values of passion, respect, integrity, and collaboration, David believes in the transformative power of storytelling to inspire change. Through his leadership and dedication, he continues to produce stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/f71963a3e86d9ca9876bb5fef3b9f000.jpg" width="193" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Gilberto Sends - Cinematographer With 25 years of experience in the audiovisual industry, Gilberto Sends is a Director of Photography with a solid career in television, cinema, and dramaturgy. Throughout his journey, he has worked for renowned networks such as CNN, Cultura, Gazeta, Record, MTV, and TV Globo, excelling in talk shows, soap operas, and journalism while consistently delivering technical and artistic excellence. Additionally, he has contributed to advertising and film productions, collaborating with national and international production companies.Graduated in Photography from SENAC, Gilberto also specialized in Cinematography in Colombia and Mexico. His diverse education, combined with extensive experience, makes him a reference in the field, capable of blending artistic sensitivity with technical expertise across projects of various genres and formats. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/6b40cdb1f2ccd339445e975e880c25b3.jpg" width="216" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Sebastian Celis - Composer A composer with a decade as a multi-instrumentalist and over six years of experience in film scoring, his work reflects a deep passion for music and visual storytelling. Trained in Composition for Film and Media, he has collaborated on diverse projects, crafting scores that evoke profound emotions while seamlessly blending with the cinematic experience.Beyond composition, his background includes live performances and in-studio productions, where he developed a meticulous ear for detail. His artistic sensibilities are informed by an ongoing exploration of how music transforms the audience's connection to visual narratives. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/924e097cd7e222e02972e06da200fdc5.jpg" width="174" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Fausto Diaz - Editor &amp; VFX Artist Fausto Diaz is a visual artist specializing in the creation of audiovisual content, with expertise in motion graphics animation, VFX, and CGI. He has contributed to projects across various sectors,including entertainment, art, social initiatives, and commercial advertising. His experience encompasses post-production for commercials and films, where he merges creativity with technical precision.As a cinematographer with a strong foundation in VFX, CGI, and digital compositing, Fausto brings a unique perspective to his craft, blending artistic vision with technical expertise. He excels under pressure and is adept at problem-solving, ensuring efficiency in challenging situations.Driven by a passion for cinema and art, Fausto is committed to innovation and strives to deliver standout creations in collaboration with his team. His goal is to produce work that leaves a lasting impression on audiences. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/5c55481089974a37922c29838d64e1cf.jpg" width="161" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Andrés Felipe Sereno Ruiz - Sound Designer Andrés Felipe Sereno Ruiz, a musician with an emphasis in Audio Production from the Universidad de los Andes. Founder and director of MAM Creative Agency, a production company and agency dedicated to providing creative sound solutions for Film, TV, and Advertising. He has worked as a Sound Designer for Film, a Mastering Engineer, and a Mixing Engineer in Dolby Atmos. He is also a professor of Composition and Sound Design at Explayarte Mexico. In parallel, he has worked as a Local Tour Manager for various artists such as Tame Impala, Lil Nas X, Halloween, Rufus Du Sol, Gojira, and C+C Music Factory. Winner of the 2020 Acupuntura Musical recognition for his contributions to the country's music ecosystem. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/94c018cac4cbe3db963687aa5ea960a7.jpg" width="158" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Brigitte Álvarez - Assistant Director &amp; Consultant Brigitte Álvarez (Bri), a graduate in film and television, has made her mark in the film industry through short and feature-length fiction films, documentaries, and branded content. Passionate about sci-fi and thrillers, Bri adds a Colombian touch to her creations, with a special focus on cinematography.Her most notable works include Frecuencia 4-32 (selected for the Short Film Corner atCannes), the documentary "Persona Normal," which has been showcased at more than 30international festivals, and "Frenesí" (winner of the 2023 MINCULTURA National StimulusProgram). Additionally, she has infused her creativity as a director and editor for brands such asSamsung, Bavaria, Toyota, and Adidas.

Fighter

A stubborn ex-special forces operative must infiltrate an underground street- fighting ring to rescue his sister from a ruthless promoter's deadly human trafficking scheme.

Synopsis When Anna, a true-crime obsessed young woman, matches with her next hookup on Lovebug, she is shocked to discover that her date is actually the infamous Hitchfield Killer. Positively starstruck, she reacts as any hardcore fangirl would - with screaming and fawning. He reacts as any serial killer would - with stabbing and killing.] Director's Statement Obsession is a goofy parody of true crime at the surface, but, at its core, it is a story about how I felt within an abusive relationship. When I was consumed by this person, I lost myself. Everyone on the outside could see that I was in a bad situation, but I was blind to it because I wanted to be loved so badly. Anna, to me, is just a girl that wants to be loved. And somehow, that can be even scarier than a (sexy) serial killer. I was also inspired by my fascination with true crime superfans. You know, those people who write love letters to Ted Bundy and have their "favorite" serial killers on a t-shirt like they're Mickey Mouse. I began exploring this connection between women's attraction to toxic (and sometimes killer) men and the frustration with the modern dating scene. So many women complain that men are emotionally unavailable or commitment-phobes (sound familiar?), and I felt the same way for a long time. I always found myself asking myself the same question after flings would end badly: "Why is this such a battle? What is so scary about dating me?" Well, maybe, nothing is scarier than a woman who desires something really, really badly. Maybe, that's where our story is. And, so, Obsession was born. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/28bd936b4fa595fda039801bac30a156.jpg" width="161" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Devon Kane - Writer/Director Devon Kane is an LA-based comedian and writer from the Bay Area. Devon is a recent alumnus of the Groundlings Advanced Writer's Lab and currently works as at Cold Iron Pictures and The Film Arcade supporting the CEO, Miranda Bailey. Her directorial debut, Woman Seeking Something, a short documentary profiling her journey with online dating, premiered at New Filmmakers NY in 2018. Devon specializes in comedic genre pieces and is currently developing Obsession into a feature-length script. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/81b9f7c0ac1efb0bbeb769e2ccd4b65a.jpg" width="144" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Madelaine Melcher - Producer Madelaine (Maddie) Melcher&nbsp;is an assistant to acclaimed producer John Wells at John Wells Productions (HBO's THE PITT and Fox's RESCUE HI-SURF). Previously, she started as an assistant in TV Lit at United Talent Agency, a leader in representation for television writers. She graduated from San Diego State with a degree in Television, Film, and New Media. Prior to UTA she has worked at Nickelodeon in unscripted development, ideating original concepts for new reality shows for Nickelodeon linear and Awesomeness TV’s Youtube Channel. Her earlier experience at SEO start-up Twiz and Fullscreen/Warner Media’s Youtube Channel management team has given her a foundation for what it takes to create and distribute meaningful content in an ever-changing marketplace. Maddie hopes to be a role model for future women in the industry by continuing to work with unique writers to develop/produce film &amp; TV as an executive. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/1199d9310ffb8e0199b67a2390228a4c.png" width="215" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Ariana Hoshino - Cinematographer Ariana Hoshino is a Romanian-Japanese cinematographer based in Los Angeles whose work spans narrative, documentary, music videos, and commercial projects. Her passion for storytelling started in the cutting room, where she worked as an editor and colorist before becoming a director of photography. She studied cinematography through programs at AFI and the ASC, where she became acquainted with innovative approaches to visual storytelling and technical expertise.

Obsession

When a true-crime fangirl hooks up with her favorite serial killer, she becomes violently obsessed with him.

Synopsis We meet Meena in the throes of early recovery as she tries to complete a simple task to quiet her addict brain: a guided meditation called Clarity. However, as her invasive thoughts grow louder, she is faced with a big decision: Do you compose yourself and try again? Or do you give in to temptation and go down the dark rabbit hole of relapse?Unfortunately, Meena chooses the latter, or so we think, and allows her inner demons to take the reins. Eventually, Meena will hit bottom in her nightmarish fever dream, and she will be faced with the same decision from the beginning: Do you compose yourself and try again? Or do you give in to temptation and go down the dark rabbit hole of relapse? Director's Statement We hope that our film resonates with you and that it speaks to you on an intimate level. This film was inspired by my own experiences in sobriety as well as the loss of my cousin. It is for anyone who has struggled with, or cares for someone who has struggled with, addiction and mental health issues. Nowadays, these issues affect more people than ever, and we'd like to dedicate this film to those out there who are still suffering today. Our hope is that you find our film to be equal parts meaningful and entertaining, and that it impacts you in a deeply personal and emotional way. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/d96ae5f4f503e84f6d6c4b8ba0f1cd66.jpg" width="322" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Joseph Hooten - Writer/Director Joseph Hooten is an award-winning writer-director and film &amp; television executive based in Los Angeles. He graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2015 as a first-generation college student. He is passionate about telling emotional, provocative stories, often following unseen heroes or underdogs. Joe grew up in the Southern US. He's also dyslexic. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/2170beec8d8d7c2e408e790fa8b698de.png" width="149" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Don Ohmer - Producer Don Ohmer is an LA based Producer and filmmaker. A Southern California Native, Don attended theprestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts before beginning full time work in the film industry. Sincestarting work as a filmmaker, he has been a part of over four dozen productions, ranging from indie short films to major studio television projects. Now an experienced producer, production manager, and production coordinator in independent Film and TV and skilled in team management, budgeting,communication, and organization. As a Producer, Don prides himself on his ability to support his team in order to maximize the space for creativity, honesty, and joy in storytelling. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/e634b70356cc17708123cb6a90fd2658.jpg" width="161" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Kyle Smithers - Producer Kyle Smithers is a graduate of the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. Kyle is most at home on the road with a camera in hand. Kyle served as a Volunteer and Media Expert for the Peace Corps in Suriname for three years and is now a freelance director and producer of film and photography. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/1be0fa7af97465eaf8fc317f4c675b00.png" width="327" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Adriana Serrato - Cinematographer Adriana Serrato is a Director of Photography based in Los Angeles, California. Being an American with dual citizenship, she is well travelled and has experience working across the United States and overseas. Adriana has worked on feature films, documentaries, music videos and commercials ranging across several genres, including documentary, comedy, drama, and horror. Her work has received recognition and excellence awards at the California Film Award, Ouchy Film Awards, Roma Cinema DOC and European Cinematography Award. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/3db8ae9acf59ad40a9590279a866dfca.jpg" width="143" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Erik Vogt-Nilsen - Editor Erik Vogt-Nilsen is a Los Angeles-based film editor whose work spans features, shorts, music videos,and commercials. His feature credits include the screenlife thriller Don’t Log Off (2021), directed byBrandon &amp; Garrett Baer, and the religious horror Inhabitants (2023), directed by Matt McClung, which won the Dark Matters Feature award at the 2023 Austin Film Festival. He also edited the coming-of-age comedy Big Boys (2023), directed by Corey Sherman, which won the 2023 Outfest Grand Jury Prize for Outstanding Performance and Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature, and also received two 2025 Independent Spirit Award nominations: Best Breakthrough Performance and the John Cassavetes Award. His latest feature, Plainclothes, directed by Carmen Emmi, was selected to premiere in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Erik's music video portfolio includes work for renowned artists like FINNEAS, Harry Styles, and PVRIS, while his commercial clients include Chase, Impossible Foods, and Hoka. Driven by a passion for amplifying marginalized voices, Erik collaborates with filmmakers to tell authentic and impactful stories. He believes in filmmaking as a powerful tool for social change and actively seeks projects that challenge perspectives, promote inclusivity, and foster greater understanding and empathy within audiences. Erik earned a bachelor’s degree in dramatic arts from the University of Southern California, where his background in theater and dance shaped his approach to storytelling. His keen understanding of character, movement, and their dynamic interplay translates into a meticulous editing style that supports narratives with emotional depth and sensitivity. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Erik draws inspiration from his Cuban-Norwegian heritage. He is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and joined the Motion Picture Editors Guild LGBTQIA+ Committee in 2025. When not in the edit suite, Erik can be found practicing his handstand, expanding his reggaeton library, or indulging in the occasional gluten-free treat. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/c548615404cc299c891764e0cd91f92f.jpg" width="144" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Keegan Duncan - Sound Designer Keegan Duncan is a proud graduate of USC's School of Cinematic Arts and a seasoned sound designer with a decade of experience bringing stories to life through sound. With hundreds of projects under his belt -- spanning feature films, shorts, documentaries, TV, commercials, and social ad -- Keegan’s work has earned both accolades and awards. Known for his dedicated work ethic and ability to stay calm and playful under pressure, Keegan combines a finely tuned ear with storytelling expertise. His goal is to approach every project with relentless passion, meticulous technical precision, and an unwavering dedication to bringing the director’s vision to life. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/d3fafa83e8055da800f09f835d4d04fe.jpg" width="287" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Daniele Trucchio - Composer Daniele Truocchio is a Los Angeles-based composer from the suburbs of Rome, Italy, and one of thefew film composers featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Entertainment list. His recent work includes scoring the feature film BREAK, distributed by Gravitas Ventures in U.S. and Canadian theaters, and the upcoming The Martial Artist starring Faran Tahir (Iron Man), Shaz Khan, and Sanam Saeed, whose trailer has reached millions online. Truocchio’s credits include award-winning projects like The Relentless One, hit TV series such as Legacies (The CW) and CBS's comedy God Friended Me, as well as films like Netflix's Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile starring Zach Efron. A Berklee College of Music graduate, he is a voting member of the TV Academy and Recording Academy.

Clarity

A young addict in early recovery, must delve into the darkest corners of her psyche in order to battle her inner demons and prevent a relapse.

Synopsis Nervous newlyweds Rachel and Eddie hope that they can show that their marriage is real under the scrutiny of the US government during their green card interview, only to find that their relationship is far from perfect.&nbsp; Director's Statement Marriage Interview is born out of my wish to tell an immigrant story that can make an audience laugh. When I moved to Los Angeles in 2016, I encountered limitations and restrictions to study, work, and live in the United States as an international student. Many of my foreign classmates who qualified for job positions did not end up getting work sponsorships. Those who ended up staying in the US were the ones who married an American. Even then, they expressed worry over the green card process. My immigrant friends were concerned about gathering evidence of their relationship and providing proof that their marriage is legitimate. Their immigration status hung in the balance while they tried prove to the government that their love was real. This inspired me to write Marriage Interview.&nbsp;I wanted to write a love story that encapsulates how silly it is to prove to a stranger that you love your spouse and captures the emotional burden one carries when the immigration status of the person they love is at stake.&nbsp;As luck would have it, around the time I began writing, I started dating an American. As I sipped a cocktail on our date, I imagined what would it be like if I actually fell in love with this guy that I met off the internet. A lot of that experience went into my script. I hoped that by making this film personal, the audience could relate, empathize and root for the immigrant character, and as a result, people would see that the only thing foreign about her is her passport. In March 2020, we were one week away from shooting the film, when the pandemic shut down California. It took two years before the film was put back into production. In the wildest turn of events, I ended up marrying the American who inspired the script and we went for my official Green Card Interview three days after we wrapped the film. It was a full circle moment where life imitated art. And life was thankfully, a lot less dramatic. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/2975ceb1702e706f7d7bbdd435841ec9.jpg" width="144" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Shirley Yip – Writer/Director/Producer/Editor&nbsp;Shirley Yip is a trilingual Chinese-Canadian writer/director based in Los Angeles and Toronto. Born in China, raised in Canada, she found humor and beauty in the struggle of being caught between cultures. Shirley enjoys exploring themes of familial tension, romance and perseverance in her storytelling. As a part of the Canadian Film Centre’s Bell Media Prime Time TV Program, she wrote and directed a TV teaser for her original series 88 Diner. She is an alumna of the Netflix-Banff DOV Initiative, Reelworld E20 program and BIPOC TV &amp; Film Episodic Lab. She was shortlisted for the Sundance Episodic Lab, a semi-finalist for Disney Writing Program and a finalist in the ATX Television Festival. She holds an H.B.A in Drama from the University of Toronto and Professional Certificates in Screenwriting and Directing from UCLA. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/d63cbfb15d43ddf064a6ffd0a60c3e5c.jpg" width="260" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Cinematographer&nbsp;– Celab Tou&nbsp;Caleb is a cinematographer based in Los Angeles. Growing up, he moved around from New Jersey to Northern California and then North Carolina, before ending up in LA. Having lived in different parts of this country while meeting people from all walks of life has shaped his worldview. Caleb looks to explore the many intricacies of the human condition through his camerawork. He went to a little arts college in the south before coming to LA for grad school. But for him, travel can sometimes be the best schooling, learning new things about himself while strengthening the bonds to his ancestral roots. He’s had the opportunity to photograph for a diverse group of filmmakers.&nbsp;Cast <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/074495f85ccb32fcf74fe93838e29fb4.jpg" width="172" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Cecilia Jing Cecilia Jing (Gege). A 2024 graduate of the Beijing Film Academy and an expat in China. She earned Best Cast Ensemble and Best Stunt awards for the film "Five Alive" at the 2023 International Shanghai 48 Hour Film Project and appeared in works like "Marriage Interview" (Reelworld Film Festival Toronto 2024) and her most notable experience to date is her 2024 one woman play of "Fleabag," at Beijing's Spotlight venue. A classically trained ballet dancer and violinist to her experiences as a beauty pageant contestant, content creator, actor, and now writer. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/f2563e0d6619c8330c450d5a9fa6d6ba.jpg" width="144" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Danielle Johnson Danielle&nbsp;Marie has been performing in community and school theatre productions since she was a child. As an adult she always wanted to pursue her dream again and at the age of 37 decided to quit her full-time job and go for it!&nbsp;Since then, she has been fortunate enough to be cast in several short films, four feature films, including UnFix; which can be seen on Amazon Prime, and a few commercials. (Olly, Target, Thinx…) She continues to audition and hopes to make a career out of this craft she finds beautiful and engaging.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marriage Interview

Newlyweds Rachel and Eddie must prove their love is real to a U.S. immigration officer during their green card interview.

Synopsis A large corporation sets up an industrial plant in a remote area. Experts say that the plant is toxic. The corporation denies this. A local resident starts an experiment to test their claims. Director's Statement - Maxim Akbarov The Experiment is a dark dramedy. It is a modern story, and we utilized modern techniques, including drones, to film it, but visually, the film influenced by the German Expressionist movies of the 1910s-1930s. This influence can be seen in its black and white color scheme, the use of expressionistic acting techniques, and the claustrophobic black vignettes that enclose its every frame, standing in special dissonance with the wide natural landscapes. Screenwriter's Statement - Timur Akbarov This is a story of ecological activism shown in a broader societal context. The story is deeply personal, local and global at the same time. It is told in reverse order. The dark ending is shown first. Then the backward chain of events goes through its main points, leading to its point of departure. There, the final frozen shot demonstrates the emotions of the lead character looking into future and perfectly understanding everything that will happen. Crew<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/2e17d41ad9d024d9294c8cb205f2f9ac.jpg" width="160" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Maxim Akbarov -Director/Producer Maxim Akbarov is a Kazakhstani actor, producer, director and screenwriter. A part of the Akbarov film-making brothers duo, he started as an actor before becoming a producer and screenwriter. In 2023, Maxim was named the best director of a low budget film at 8th Calella Film Festival in Spain for his feature directing debut Steppe. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/daf92f04e6ea0370d87509b9585005ea.jpg" width="160" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Timur Akbarov - Screenwriter Timur Akbarov is a Kazakhstani moviemaker, who is a part of the Akbarov film-making brothers duo. A screenwriter who had learned the craft at UCLA Extension, he also produces both movies and series. In 2023, Timur created his first animation short film and plans to make the second in 2025.

English

The Experiment

After a large corporation denies toxicity of its industrial plant, a local resident starts an experiment to test their claims.

Synopsis As Arman and Emily sip champagne and settle into their first business class flight to visit Arman’s family in Iran, they have no idea of the disastrous journey they are about to embark upon.&nbsp; When Arman finds a bag of white powder in the bathroom, he decides not to report it to Carole, the bizarrely terrifying flight attendant. Upon discovery the couple are interrogated ferociously by Carole, and as they near their destination with Iranian police and a possible death sentence waiting for them, Emily tries to convince her Fiancee to confess the truth but he decides to try and ride out the lie…&nbsp; They turn against each other, tearing at each other’s throats in front of the entire plane, trying to squirm their way out of the situation while revealing their intimate secrets. When the truth is finally revealed and everything looks like it should be OK, we realise that the downward journey the couple have made during the flight means that there’s no going back for them. A tongue in cheek thriller with a dark and sadistic edge,&nbsp;In Plane Sight&nbsp;will make you laugh, cringe and dread your next flight with your loved one. Director's Statement My intention for In Plane Sight was that at the beginning, the audience doesn't know if they are watching a drama or a comedy, and then as the narrative continues, the audience starts to realize it’s funny, before things become darker and darker. As can be typical of short films, the shoot was extremely tough, with a plethora of things going wrong that luckily, with our wonderful crew, we managed to get through. That being said, having directed many professional productions, including TV shows for major studios, this was definitely on the more extreme end - perhaps you can feel it in the tension on screen. Creatively, I am always drawn towards the dark, funny and bizarre end of the spectrum and this definitely fits in with my other short films - and the feature that I'm planning to direct next… Crew<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/36ce7ed99717bd1dcebd20fa2683e16c.jpg" width="150" style="display: block; margin: auto;"> Ben Gutteridge - Director, Composer and Co-Writer Ben tells suspenseful tales with twisted smiles He has worked worldwide as a bilingual Director (English/Spanish) on TV Drama for the BBC, Netflix and Channel 4, Commercials for brands from Prada to Volvo and had several shorts in renowned festivals.He won a Spanish TV Academy Award for the Netflix show Intimacy, has been a BAFTA LA Newcomer (Now BAFTA Member), a Shore Scripts Fund winner and received several other awards and accolades.&nbsp;Ben is British and lives in LA. He moonlights as a composer (Ben Barber), including on&nbsp;In Plane Sight&nbsp;with&nbsp;which he was nominated for Best Original Score at the&nbsp;International Sound and Film Music Festival. Behind-the-Scenes <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/fa66866f6fd6a44724080375d69cd0d9.jpg">

In Plane Sight

When they discover a bag of white powder on a plane, the cracks in a newly engaged couple’s relationship are forced wide open, in this tense and darkly bizarre story.

Synopsis Above the Desert with No Name is a short film that begins with the real-world issue of women fleeing into the United States to escape domestic violence in their own country. The story is seen through the eyes of twelve-year old, Silvia, who has already witnessed how sexual violence can shape the world around her.&nbsp;She is joined by her eight-year-old brother, Hector, and her young mother, Maria. After illegally crossing the border the trio end up at a cousin's apartment for safety and hopefully a new start. But soon old patterns begin to emerge around them.&nbsp;&nbsp;Silvia finds solace sitting alone on the balcony of their apartment building.&nbsp;One day Silvia secretly spies on a neighbor doing strange, poetic movements synchronized with breath-work.&nbsp;Silvia has an incandescent experience watching this Medicine Woman in what she and the audience learn to be a spiritual yoga practice.&nbsp;After mimicking along with the Medicine Woman on several occasions something awakens within Silvia that connects her beyond the limitations of her reality and syncs her with the magic realism of the natural world.&nbsp;The awakening of her divine femininity resonates on full display in the film's dramatic climax.&nbsp;This story at its core is about the intersection of trauma, yoga and mysticism and the profound effect on young girls who find self-realization and have the ability to break familial patterns for their future.&nbsp;It is story of hope. Director's Statement Finding a good script that evokes emotion is like finding gold.&nbsp;After my first reading of Above the Desert with No Name, I felt deeply moved. I was stuck by its sense of inspiration and hope.&nbsp;The story is rooted in the brutal reality that so many illegally immigrated Latina women experience.&nbsp;From within this reality, the story shows the experience of enlightenment through the eyes of a 12 year old girl.&nbsp;I knew immediately I had to direct this important story and share it with the world. Above the Desert With No Name is primarily a movie about a truth seeker, a child in no man's land who finds radiance - or does it find her?&nbsp;Young Silvia is thrust from a troubled past into a troubling future.&nbsp;At the center is a completely apolitical and disoriented antihero searching for love, stability, and self-empowerment. I want to work as much as possible in the recesses of the plot to observe the characters carefully.&nbsp;The life experiences of the people surrounding our protagonist have caused them to exist in survival mode.&nbsp;They are removed from their divine nature and their connection to their inherent animal spirit in the natural world.&nbsp;But Silvia is still pure and curious and is able to observe divinity and use it as a superpower to avoid repeating a life of misery. She is able to awaken the power of her femininity and break the pattern of abuse for her life going forward.&nbsp; During the violent, dramatic scenes of the film, I chose to avoid an invasive camera that would focus on the pain of each situation, allowing it to become a story unto itself. Instead, I had the the camera serve as a compassionate, personal gaze, focusing tightly on Silvia and her emotional journey of awakening; from darkness to light. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/0fd88804940f7f90d66828e4ef2ced71.jpg" width="202" style="display: block; margin: auto;"> Sonia Sebastian – Director Based in Los Angeles, award-winning Spanish director Sonia Sebastian has a vast experience spanning theater, television, and film. Her passion for telling stories involving diverse and dynamic characters is a common through-line while bringing a personal cultural perspective to her work. Before settling in the United States, she earned a Bachelor of Arts from the Royal Academy of Drama in Spain and then studied film and television at the prestigious International School of Film &amp; Television in Cuba, where she met many students from across Latin America.&nbsp;Sonia has co-directed more than fifteen multi-cam episodes for Spain’s TV networks Mediaset and TeleMadrid. She was the showrunner, writer, and director of the first online web series in Spain, GIRL SEEKS GIRL, produced by Movistar (Telefonica).&nbsp; Her feature film THE KISS LIST for Marvista Entertainment has been released on HBO MAX. Her third film, THE VIRGIN OF HIGHLAND PARK, an inspirational coming-of-age story, recently premiered on Pluto TV. Her feature film FREELANCERS ANONYMOUS, produced by Full Spectrum Features in Chicago, was recognized by ReFrame and IMDbPro with the gender-parity stamp. Sonia’s first feature film DE CHICA EN CHICA, is available on Amazon Prime Video. Her commercial work includes Netflix, Google Pixel, Google Home, Disney, Tinder, Roomba, Walmart, Nature Made, and PayPal.&nbsp;Sonia has served as a juror for the International Emmy® Awards competition to recognize excellence in international television programming, among other Film and TV contests worldwide. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/78601d88b975c46d2c3957a300528f59.png" width="169" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Heather Older– Writer Heather is an Oregon based screenwriter and producer who currently serves as the Executive Director of the McMinnville Short Film Festival in McMinnville, Oregon. Her credits include ABOVE THE DESERT WITH NO NAME and the award winning short, AC. Prior to this, she wore many hats and headsets on various film productions and served as Production Coordinator for Jon Favreau's DINNER AT FIVE, as well as the Project Manager in the Entertainment and Media Division at Korn Ferry International in Los Angeles.&nbsp;She holds a BFA in Communications Design from Syracuse University and attended Central St. Martins in London where her concentration was storytelling through fine art photography. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/f08a6582b6263ddc728ded7535099ba9.jpg" width="180" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Maarten Cornelis – Producer Maarten Cornelis&nbsp;is an entrepreneur and an entertainment veteran with over two decades of experience in the industry.&nbsp;He is an award winning producer, director, light designer, actor and film festival manager.&nbsp;Maarten is the CEO of Gatehouse Entertainment (<a href="http://www.gatehouse-entertainment.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.gatehouse-entertainment.com/</a>), a company focused on film and theatre productions.&nbsp;Past credits of the company include DINNER FOR TWO, MUSIC GARDEN, and DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. Broadway productions include&nbsp;“The Importance of Being Earnest(ly) LGBT+”&nbsp;&nbsp;and all FunikiJam shows. He is the co-owner of&nbsp;Tin Mirror Studios&nbsp;<a href="https://tinmirrorstudios.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(https://tinmirrorstudios.com/)</a>. Tin Mirror Studios is a creative studio on a 10,000 sq. ft. movie and TV oriented campus. Located in Kings Park, NY. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/dc89416f5364d9c684174f6ddfdf0a3a.png" width="215" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Mauricio Arrioja - ProducerBorn in Mexico, Mauricio's passion for film began with making homemade films. His early studies at Sorø Academy in Denmark, alma mater of famous writer Hans Christian Andersen, sparked his interest in storytelling that spans cross-cultural divides. While living in Europe, he studied diverse film movements including Dogme 95, style and lighting techniques of film noir and German Expressionism. Mauricio brings over 10 years of television, commercial, music video, and motion picture production experience. He has worked with Viacom, Univision, NBC, ABC, CBS, The Emmy's, The TV Academy, AFI Fest, Hola Mexico Film Festival and several award-winning directors and filmmakers. Arrioja specializes in increasing office efficiency, event planning, stakeholder/vendor outreach, safety, acquiring new projects and overseeing them from development to exhibition. He holds a B.A. in Film and Television Arts from California State University, Northridge, an A.A. in Cinema from Los Angeles City College and is actively involved with Film Independent Los Angeles and the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP). <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/f1d92bbeb3727650b630083f4ef8c338.png" width="157" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Tamara Santos – CinematographerTamara&nbsp;Santos&nbsp;is a cinematographer from Brazil, based in Los Angeles. An UCLA Alumini, her passion to translate storytelling into cinematic visuals led&nbsp;Tamara&nbsp;to collaborate with artists such as Mark Ronson, Ana de Armas, Gisele Bündchen, Steve Aoki among others. Most recently she worked on the Second Unit crew of Academy Award winning film NOMADLAND, directed by Chloé Zhao.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/ae3a12e6d5525320c9be5fccefed2c8a.jpg" width="214" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Florencia Marano– EditorFlorencia P. Marano is an Argentinian-Spanish director and editor based in Los Angeles with a 20-year career working in the film and television industry. After receiving a dual degree in Fine Arts and Film Direction in Argentina, Florencia went on to receive a master's degree in screenwriting in Spain. After finishing school, she worked as a director of TV documentaries and short films in Barcelona at both the local and international level. In 2008, she received the Generations Award from Caja Madrid- one of the most prestigious visual art grants in the country-to fund her experimental documentary LE CORPS DE MOUHMADOU, which documented the migratory route from Senegal to Spain and screened at the International Art Fair Arco '08. Her documentaries have received selection and awards at festivals internationally. Her work has also screened at museums and art galleries internationally, namely the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Reina Sofia in Madrid and the HKW in Berlin.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/018e900bec63fbe4e9c4d3b99f0497ce.png" width="165" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Nico Borromeo – ComposerNico Borromeo is an Argentinian composer, producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. His work in film has been showcased at Sundance, Tribecca, and Slamdance festivals. His first feature film, SOLEDAD, won best picture at the Barcelona Film Festival. Contributing to the two-time Oscar winner Gustavo Santaolalla and Juan Luqui's work, he participated in the Sundance-awarded documentary THE FIGHT, and the Hulu series MONSTERLAND. His relationship with Tree Adams (CALIFORNICATION, THE 100) led to co-compose for GOD &amp; COUNTRY and to work as his assistant in NCIS: HAWAI'I, among other shows. His previous music projects have been played on major radio stations in South and Latin America, along with millions of online streams. He also won the Soundclash Competition and was awarded Best Producer/DJ in Argentina and 2nd in the world at the Las Vegas global finale

Above the Dessert with No Name

After arriving illegally in the United States, a young Mexican girl is inspired to address her troubled life after spying on an incandescent neighbor.

Synopsis Just as a dad and his teenage daughter arrive at the park to play basketball, Dad’s work lures him away via an endless text conversation, forcing his daughter to shoot hoops by herself. Thankfully, the mystical powers of the universe step in to create an impossible scenario: no matter where the daughter shoots the ball on the court, it always goes in. Intrigued, Dad finally places his phone down and joins his daughter on the court, discovering that the magic works for him too. Unfortunately, Dad’s phone isn’t quite done with him - setting up an epic choice: tending to that important text conversation - or connecting with his kid. Director's Statement BUCKETS is my opportunity to do something I've never done: realize my own personal vision of astory and direct it! I've been lucky enough to work in entertainment for all of my career, being an advocate on behalf of the many incredible stories created by others. But I've always been there to elevate the visions of others, never my own.BUCKETS is a comedy-fantasy film. It happens from time to time. Just as I've committed to spending time with my kids focused on something they are excited about, my phone notifies me - with its dreaded "Bloop" - that an urgent text requires my immediate attention. Bloop. Bloop. Bloop. It's incessant. One text becomes two, then three, then four, and before you know it, instead of spending time with my kids and connecting with them, I'm distracted by an epic, digital back-and-forth. And while I've been focused on that text debate, my kids have been waiting. Waiting for my attention. Waiting to connect and bond with me. Waiting for me to be present.BUCKETS is a story of hopeful wish fulfillment: that the universe will step in and lure a workaholicdad away from his phone long enough to authentically connect with his basketball-obsessed daughter. It highlights the cinematic magic of an impossible basketball court: where, no matter whereyou shoot, the ball always goes in. And the only thing that can break that magic is an annoying Bloop and an infinite work text conversation. What's at stake? The relationship between a Dad and his Daughter.BUCKETS is personal to me. Magic has never lured me away from my kids to spend less time onmy phone and more time with them. But like all of us, I'm trying. I've sat on that bench in BUCKETS (quite literally) and regretted not leaving it to connect with my kids. I went to film school and entered the entertainment business specifically to write and direct, but life happens, and I ignored my own dreams out of fear of not being able to create something meaningful. After the encouragement of others, I decided to do it and attempt to make my vision a reality. This is my short film, BUCKETS. I hope you enjoy it! And thank you for your consideration! Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/ecc20321ac16cdd490b5fa4c4ece8343.jpg" width="161" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Dan Lubetkin - Writer/Director Dan Lubetkin has been a non-writing executive producer, TV development executive and TV production executive for over 15 years. At Avalon Entertainment, he was a co-executive producer on Comedy Central’s WORKAHOLICS and helped launch HBO’s LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER. At Blue Ant Media, he executive produced Netflix’s THE HEALING POWERS OF DUDE and Youtube Premium’s THE SIDEMEN SHOW. He is also a married dad with three kids that love to play basketball. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/13c99a70f90d9f9ea3c62359f887fe26.jpg" width="172" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Jenica Bergere - Producer Jenica Bergere is a visionary producer known for her ability to bring compelling, character-driven stories to life in both TV and Film. Her impressive body of work includes FOR WORSE (premiering SXSW 2025), UNSUPERVISED (SCAD), SPARE ROOM, COME SIMI (Hulu &amp; Paramount+) and the recently finished production, MERMAID. Among her many successes as an actress and director, BUCKETS stands out as a career-defining collaboration with director Dan Lubetkin and resonates with her own dedication to authenticity and a passion for storytelling as a producer. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/a946d26277aa830e7b4ab05a9f6bd80a.jpg" width="325" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Grant Smith - Cinematographer Grant Smith is a Cinematographer based in Los Angeles. After shooting his first television show,WORKAHOLICS, Grant has gone on to shoot numerous TV shows, movies, commercials andother projects. Some of his latest works include ABC’s charming series NOT DEAD YET, andthe acclaimed, bilingual comedy ACAPULCO for Apple TV+. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/1ff6a2f6cb4ce0762545943751208edd.jpg" width="147" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Gerrad A. Holtz - Editor Gerrad A. Holtz is an accomplished editor and colorist with over 25 years of industry experience. His resume includes a wide variety of work including reality television, music videos, multicam award shows and stand-up comedy. He is also co-owner of Geiger Post, a full-service post-production facility in Hollywood. Originally from Illinois, he has a degree in Radio/Television/Film from Northwestern University.

Buckets

A workaholic dad joins his basketball-obsessed daughter at the park. They discover the court is a physical impossibility when every shot - no matter how ridiculous - goes in.

Synopsis Two siblings from an abusive home learn to trust each other as they face a difficult journeyto heal their mother and their relationship.

Delphinium

Two siblings from an abusive home learn to trust each other as they face a difficult journey to heal their mother and their relationship.

Synopsis Cass, 18, lives a typical suburban life with her seemingly perfect parents, Sharon and Richard. After dodging a kiss from her classmate Josh, she retreats to her room and opens her favorite dating app, TindHER. To her absolute horror, she stumbles upon her mom’s profile and in a tizzy, accidentally swipes right. Desperate to undo the accidental match, she sneaks into her parents’ room to delete the notification, but her plans quickly go awry. As Cass navigates surreal daydreams and the chaos of surviving her first date, Match Dot Mom culminates in a heartfelt mother-daughter reconnection—and one final challenge: coming out to her dad. Director's Statement I’m so excited to share my film, Match Dot Mom, with you all. I grew up in small-town New Hampshire and came of age in the ’90s—a time when being queer was more often the punchline of a joke than an accepted identity. It wasn’t until I was 26 that I fully discovered my true, queer self, and a slow but powerful wave of freedom began to ripple through my life. Although society was shifting toward acceptance at that time, there was—and still is—so much progress to be made.For me, that progress starts with the films we create. Growing up with little to no positive sapphic representation, it’s no wonder it took me so long to truly find myself. As queer people, we don’t just need but crave positive, comedic stories. I believe comedy can be just as healing and hopeful as any other genre.The idea for Match Dot Mom came to me in a blur—one of those moments lying in bed, unsure if I was thinking, dreaming, awake, or asleep. Reflecting on my own experiences with dating apps, I wondered: Who would be the last person I’d want to run into on there? When my mom popped into my mind, I couldn’t help but roll over, turn on the light, and write it down. Now, five years later, I still can’t believe that one silly thought has turned into a film I’m so proud to share with the world.My greatest hope is that this story helps others find love and acceptance in who they are. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/c04df89f3b391f382fadc4d47e658dee.png" width="143" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Tara Parian - Writer/Director Tara is a queer, Los Angeles-based writer and director who spent a decade creating content at BuzzFeed. She has directed numerous comedy sketch videos, is a Webby Award Honoree, and a fellow of Ryan Murphy's prestigious HALF Directing Initiative. Growing up closeted and queer in small-town New Hampshire, Tara is dedicated to producing work that fosters compassion for the sapphic experience through a comedic lens. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/cc0a2d9357f2b306b4bec93dc8c15d18.png" width="217" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Eve Symington - Producer Eve has been making films since discovering a camera in her basement at age eleven. She is the Director and Chief Executive of Fulu Films, a production company specializing in short-form branded content. Before producing Match Dot Mom, she wrote, directed, and produced the feature film Brut Fruce, which was distributed by XYZ Films. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/6bb2d4084353770c6ab7c49f1c296e94.png" width="171" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Stacey Haid - Producer Stacey is an Emmy-nominated producer with over 13 years of experience in video production. Most recently, she served as Director of Production at Healthline Media, where her work has reached millions of viewers worldwide. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/ff5c2d25db2b4912283ee4fffc436adf.png" width="154" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Rachel Bickert - Cinematographer Rachel is an Alabama native and Los Angeles-based cinematographer. She holds an MFA in Cinematography from Chapman University and has since worked on hundreds of projects, including music videos for fellow queer artists like Hayley Kiyoko and Fletcher. Rachel is a proud Alexa Mini owner and an avid cat lover. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/afbe98f936fdc8ab5c84118fda51cec3.png" width="215" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Freya Berkhout - Composer Freya is a multi-award winning composer, vocalist, writer and creative technologist based in Los Angeles. Her passion is to manifest profound, emotional, thought-provoking experiences, creating sonic worlds that span the dark and enigmatic to the delicate, exquisite and transcendental. She revels in bold, celebratory intersectional feminist and queer narratives and perspectives

Match Dot Mom

A queer teen not yet out to her parents, stumbles on her very-married-mother’s secret TindHER profile late one night. When she accidentally swipes right, she not only outs herself, but must grapple with the uncertainty of who her mom really is.

Synopsis Emma used to be an outgoing and adventurous grandma. But ever since her husband died nine years ago Emma has increasingly isolated herself from others. When Landon, her outspoken and often times raunchy gay grandson stops by for a visit, he challenges her to start online dating. Stubbornly Emma resists, as a secret from her past still haunts her. Will Emma be able to confront and overcome a painful truth, or be doomed to a life of self imposed seclusion. Director's Statement&nbsp;I've always been inspired by films that connect with viewers emotionally. So while writing Sexy Grandma, I wanted to explore the character's relationships in a comedic yet dramatic way. We also often times see an older mentor showing a younger person how to grow and overcome a blind spot in their life. For this story I thought it would be interesting to flip that dynamic around, especially since there's an intergenerational gap between characters. Regarding themes I wanted to explore a number of ideas including grief, regret, mortality, resiliency, and forgiveness. The film was shot last year and the schedule moved at a brisk pace. Juggling all the preproduction, schedules, and other challenges with a limited budget is an all too common dilemma. This project was no exception, but with a small cast and crew everyone came together to pitch in, often times wearing multiple hats. I'm so appreciative of their many contributions, and I hope audiences enjoy the film. Crew&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/0de523731fe220e0d35bad8ab40c52d0.jpg" width="276" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Jonathan Wolfe - Director/Writer/Producer&nbsp;Jonathan Wolfe is a Los Angeles based filmmaker who has a background in various post production disciplines. As a motion graphic artist he has contributed to films such as The Time Traveler’s Wife, Easy A, Love and Monsters, Muppets Most Wanted, Fast Five, as well as numerous other film and television projects big and small. He is currently focused on writing and directing and has a passion for stories that move, surprise, and entertain audiences.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/a0e849a3950dfec7e06801508535927d.jpg" width="215" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Dimitri Luedemann - Cinematographer&nbsp;Dimitri Luedemann was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and lived in a mix of exotic places including the Amazon. He migrated with his family to California, and shortly after graduating from art school, he moved to New York. Dimitri spent over a decade as a motion designer, including contributing to the Apple TV+ show Calls which won an Emmy for Outstanding Motion Design, and working with notable clients such as Nike, Google, HBO, and others. He then decided to pursue cinematography and directing and has had short films screened at festivals across the country including winning Best Short at the Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival.

Sexy Grandma

When a widowed grandmother is challenged by her gay grandson to start online dating, she must reignite her passion for life and overcome a painful secret if she hopes to find love once again.

Synopsis Echoes in the Dark follows Sarah, a woman who is struggling to come to terms with the recent loss of her fiancé, Josh. As she battles with grief, her mind becomes plagued by twisted and distorted memories from her past, causing her mental health to deteriorate rapidly. Feeling as though the darkness of her mind has taken control of her, Sarah must confront the demons within and find a way to survive before the darkness consumesher completely. Director's Statement As a first-time screenwriter and director for Echoes in the Dark, I was excited to delve into the complexities of depression through this film. My personal experience growing up with a father who struggled with manic depression has given me a glimpse into the daily struggles of managing mental illness, but it has also left me with a deep understanding of the inner turmoil and confusion that often goes unseen. Echoes in the Dark aims to shed light on the struggles that those with depression face, as it affects not only their ability to feel and think, but also their ability to navigate the world around them. It is my hope that this film will bring attention to the importance of mental health and the impact it has on individuals and their loved ones. Crew<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/8daea49f3719b921676d4a43db2745f2.jpg" width="144" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Connie Jo Sechrist - Writer/Director/Producer Connie Jo Sechrist is an accomplished American Actress and Emmy® Nominated Producer from San Jose, CA, whose work has been recognized at prestigious festivals such as SXSW, Tribeca, Hollyshorts and other Academy Qualifying Festivals around the world. She is well-known for her dynamic and complex roles in drama, action, and scifi genre films. As a passionate advocate for mental health, Connie Jo has produced and starred in over 20 films that explore mental health and personal stories, with the goal of destigmatizing mental health issues and breaking down barriers. Her commitment to raising awareness about the prevalence of mental health problems and encouraging greater understanding and acceptance is evident in the impactful nature of her work. In addition to her acting and producing career, Connie Jo is also a respected leader and mentor in various independent film groups around the world, where she strives to inspire and support the growth of other aspiring filmmakers. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/fde29e520335af6bdf47a265c6427734.png" width="144" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Kristen Brancaccio&nbsp;- Producer Kristen Brancaccio is the founder of Exit Twelve Productions, a full-service production company specializing in music videos.&nbsp;She&nbsp;is a writer, director and VMA-nominated producer with an extensive background in the digital space. She began her career at&nbsp;The Key of Awesome, a hit comedy series with 3 billion views on YouTube, and she was a top 10 directing finalist on HBO's&nbsp;Project Greenlight.&nbsp;Her producing credits include the web series&nbsp;Terminator Genisys: The YouTube Chronicles&nbsp;starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lilly Singh and videos/digital content for top music artists including Usher, Kesha and Sebu from Capital Cities. Her writing credits include a teen spy action screenplay for Legendary Digital and&nbsp;Grindstone Workshop,&nbsp;a digital series for Skybound Entertainment. She has produced for Defy Media (RIP), Quibi (also RIP), Riot Games and many digital creators including Whitney Avalon (of&nbsp;Princess Rap Battles&nbsp;fame) and Joey Graceffa.&nbsp; <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/101405e3063d503ac439395cc69837db.jpg" width="145" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Darren Joe -&nbsp;Director of Photography&nbsp; A San Francisco area native, Darren's Emmy award winning cinematography work is informed from his background as a trained&nbsp;classical dancer, his degree in video art and photography, and his prior career as a Information Technology manager. Concentrating in narrative&nbsp;and documentary, but also working in the television and commercial space, Darren has lensed films across the world; including the UK, France, and India.&nbsp;Films that he's shot have been shown in festivals around the globe; including Sundance and Cannes Film Festival.&nbsp; <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/b0b8cfe479083c17fba1e4a5f0ad0ded.jpg" width="382" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Matthew James&nbsp;-&nbsp;Composer Born into a working-class family in Chicago, IL, Matthew’s musical journey began with a $1 toy keyboard at age 7, sparking a lifelong passion. Early lessons with&nbsp;his father on a Casio keyboard led to awards as a clarinetist and his first compositions by age 11. By 18, he was a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, band leader, producer,&nbsp;and songwriter active in Chicago's music scene. In 2016, inspired by a friend in Hollywood, Matthew transitioned to scoring for film and TV. His first project, Life After Hate,&nbsp;earned an Emmy, paving the way for further success. By 2017, he was working on shows like Black Lightning and Being Mary Jane. In 2018, Matthew built a studio at&nbsp;Burbank’s Aura Sound &amp; Color facility. He continues to thrive, with multiple feature films and projects on the horizon.&nbsp; <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/071037c24ecbeec577d7ba06c87076a4.jpg" width="212" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Danny Shepherd&nbsp;-&nbsp;VFX Artist&nbsp; Danny is a visual effects artist with over a decade of industry experience, known for crafting high-quality, immersive visuals that elevate narrative storytelling.&nbsp;With a background in directing, producing, and acting, Danny brings a multifaceted understanding of filmmaking to his VFX work, making him a dynamic&nbsp;force in the world of visual effects.&nbsp; <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/2dd2c2b0dfd7d96ce5f638d196443a16.png" width="144" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Austin Smagalski&nbsp;- Editor&nbsp; Austin Smagalski was raised in Sonoma County and has been passionate about filmmaking since childhood. His work often explores internal struggles, with frequent use of themes like trauma, family and isolation. While he has since made a career in TV editing, his passion is writing and directing independent films. Austin's latest feature film, To Die Alone, premiered at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival in 2024 to critical acclaim. His upcoming work includes a documentary focusing on dog rescues and a crime thriller currently in development. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/e5d4cb314dd20968c20442bb9deb3ad6.jpg" width="147" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Scott Seagren - Actor (Josh) Scott is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, writer, and actor with a passion for crafting entertaining and thought-provoking stories.&nbsp;Inspired by Star Wars, sci-fi, westerns, and thrillers, his love for film began at a young age, fueled by drawing comics, acting out scenes,&nbsp;and studying behind-the-scenes featurettes. A graduate of the New York Film Academy’s intensive program, Scott has spent over a decade&nbsp;honing his craft on sets and sharing his knowledge by teaching film production to kids through PlanetBravo.&nbsp;

Echoes in the Dark

A woman struggling to to come to terms with the loss of her fiancé, must confront her distorted memories and inner demons in order to survive.

Synopsis Johnny, a devoted single father, battles to make ends meet while raising his young daughter. Fate intervenes when he crosses paths with Ron, his former agent, who tempts Johnny with an offer to return to the adult film industry and reclaim the fame and fortune of his past. Torn between his paternal responsibilities and the allure of a second chance at glory, Johnny must navigate thecomplexities of his identity and his aspirations for a better future. Director's Statement We are honored to have Johnny Malibu included in this year's UCLAxFilmFest 2025. The film follows Johnny, a devoted single father who is struggling financially and striving to provide for his daughter. He is unexpectedly confronted with an offer from his former agent, Ron, to return to the porn industry and relive his glory days. Through Johnny’s journey and his relationship with his daughter, the film delves into themes of vanity, body image issues, bullying, and ageism, shedding light on their connection to the porn industry and their broader relevance in today’s society. We are excited to share Johnny Malibu with the UCLAxFilmFest audience and hope it sparks meaningful conversations about these universal and timely topics. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/185b7a64b1e152c4dafe05d6d8f2b42e.png" width="322" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Will Mazzola - Director Will Mazzola is a seasoned film director and cinematographer originally from São Paulo, Brazil, currently based in Los Angeles. With a robust background in advertising films and entertainment projects, Will brings extensive experience and proficiency to his work. He excels in collaborating with diverse clients and has a particular focus on directing projects within the realms of comedy, drama,and true stories. His commitment to delivering high-quality visual narratives is evident in his body of work, making him a reliable and skilled professional in the industry. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/c8bedb0d8332cb6298dceef804c5f39d.jpg" width="226" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Carol Saraiva - Screenwriter Carolina is a Creative Director at The Walt Disney Company Los Angeles, leading global marketing campaigns for Disney Parks and driving brand innovations. With 20 years of experience, she has earned top industry honors, including Cannes Lions, D&amp;AD, and One Show awards, and was ranked the #3 most awarded copywriter globally in 2014. Passionate about mentorship, Carolina founded Elas Na Gringa to support Brazilian women in advertising and co-leads Women@Disney to empower employees. She also co-created a content incubator with director William Mazzola, writing and producing short films around the world.

Johnny Malibu

A dedicated single father struggling to provide for his daughter is invited to return to his glory days as a porn star.

Synopsis In ancient times, there was only Sema and Kara in the world. And their love was the beginning of everything we know as the world today. Director's Statement At the heart of this film lies a simple, yet profound belief: love is the foundation of our world. The story of Sema and Kara is a reflection of how everything—life, creation, light, and darkness— springs from the transformative power of love. In this world, love is not merely an emotion, but the very force that shapes our existence and guides us through all trials. By drawing upon the rich tapestry of Turkish culture, we seek to show how love's eternal influence transcends time and space. The epic love between Sema and Kara is a testament to the way love molds the universe, creating balance and harmony where there was once chaos. I hope that their journey inspires you, as it has deeply inspired me, in understanding the boundless capacity of love to shape our world. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/72d2eb3f8228dc66a5f4fcec268cae77.jpg" width="142" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Lal Okyar - Writer/Director Lal Okyar was born in Fethiye, Turkey. From a young age, she developed a deep passion for both visual arts and cinema, which led her to pursue a career in fine arts. She excelled in the entrance exams at Anadolu University, where she ranked first in both the Graphic Arts and Cartoon &amp; Animation departments. In 2024, she graduated from the Cartoon &amp; Animation program. Currently, she is continuing her studies in the Directing Certificate Program at UCLA Extension. Lal has directed two award-winning short animated films, including Sema and Kara. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/cef62085158130ced77680c5a304016d.jpg" width="150" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Zeynep Çalka - Producer Zeynep Çalka is an animation artist and educator. After studying at Anadolu University, she developed a passion for both creating and teaching animation. Currently, Zeynep works as an animation teacher, inspiring the next generation of artists. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/0d85e151aacd14319c20241a8e7c95f1.jpg" width="172" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Arda Şahinbaş - Animator Arda is an animation artist with a focus on FX design. After graduating from Anadolu University with a degree in Cartoon and Animation, she has dedicated herself to creating visually dynamic and engaging works. Currently, Arda continues to explore the endless possibilities of animation and FX design, bringing imaginative ideas to life. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/c7fac6fd5b95938a972ab8f49c1637c2.jpg" width="161" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Enes Can Erbaş - Concept Artist Enescan Erbaş was born in Bursa, Turkey. He graduated from the Department of Cartoon and Animation at Anadolu University. Currently, Enescan works as a concept designer in the mobile game industry. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/65f0515362020904b162a7d8e3d08d4f.jpg" width="172" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Mervegül Eroğlu - Concept Artist Mervegül Eroğlu was born in Bursa, Turkey. In 2024, she graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Anadolu University, with a degree in Cartoon and Animation. After completing her education, Mervegül's interest in both 2D and 3D art deepened. Although her primary focus is on illustration and concept design, she is also dedicated to further developing her skills in 3D modeling. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/4951943ccfc3d9003c6261f023353449.jpg" width="158" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Bengisu Cengiz - Animator Bengisu Cengiz is a 3D artist. She graduated from the Department of Cartoon and Animation at Anadolu University. She has a strong passion for creating 3D character designs. Currently, she works as a 3D artist at a mobile game company. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/17ff38567715c1bd06203c8809eabd1c.jpg" width="163" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Deniz Karadağ - Animator Deniz Karadag is a 3D artist. He graduated from the Department of Cartoon and Animation at Anadolu University. After his studies, he developed a passion for creating 3D objects and environment design. Currently, he works as a freelance 3D artist

Sema and Kara

Synopsis Ronnie's daily work life as a physical therapist on house calls can be a bit of a struggle. Today is no different as he visits Leonard, his young patient with cerebral palsy. Ronnie gets permission from Leonard's mom to do the physical therapy exercises at a nearby park. At the park, Leonard has a minor accident, paramedics are called, and Ronnie gets in trouble with his employer. Ronnie is placed on unpaid leave.&nbsp;The following day, Ronnie interviews for a job at an exclusive rehabilitation center for children of the mega-rich. Ronnie loves the facilities but is disturbed by the wealthy bad parents. Ronnie is offered and accepts the job, but his start day is the same day as Leonard's career day at school. The film ends with Ronnie having to face the tough ultimatum: choosing between starting the new job or showing up to career day at Leonard's school. Director's Statement Physical Therapy is a comedy about a gay Latino doctor that must decide between keeping his low-income clients or taking a job at a private practice for kids of the mega-rich. Physical Therapy is inspired by my best friend who's a physical therapist as well as my advocacy work to make healthcare affordable and culturally appropriate for working-class communities. Our hope with Physical Therapy is to inspire future generations of Latino and LGBTQ people to become doctors. Today, only 7 percent of doctors in the U.S. are Latino, 6 percent of physiotherapists are Latino, and only 5 percent of actors with speaking roles in Hollywood films are Latino. I want to change that. Crew <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/e9740215ed14b16d9bdd5f7937c391bd.jpg" width="143" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Ahuatl Amaro - Writer/Director&nbsp;Ahuatl is an award-winning queer, Latinx-Indigenous director and writer born and raised in Los Angeles. His LGBTQ comedy films have received critical acclaim and reached audiences worldwide. Warehouse (a workplace comedy about four LGBTQ warehouse workers) received the Festival Favorite Award at the 2024 Cinema Diverse film festival in Palm Springs and was also selected by the 2023 San Diego Latino Film Festival, Boston’s Wicked Queer, OUTShine Fort Lauderdale, Queer Voices New York City, New Filmmakers Los Angeles, New Orleans Queer Film Night, and TransFest Stockholm (Sweden). The film garnered stellar reviews on <a href="https://www.moviemaker.com/nfmla-in-focus-indigenous-cinema-program/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Movie Maker</a> and <a href="https://asieslanota.com/ahuatl-amaro-dirige-su-primer-corto-warehouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Así es la nota</a>.&nbsp;His latest short film Physical Therapy starring Jason Genao (Netflix's On My Block) was awarded the Immaculate Heart Community Filmmaker Award at the 2024 Los Angeles Shorts International Film Festival, was the Audience Award runner up at the Hola Mexico Film Festival, and a finalist at the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival, Philadelphia Latino Arts and Film Festival, and the International Festival of Independent LGBTQ+ Cinema in Mexico City. The short has been selected by over 20 festivals worldwide and was also a semi-finalist of the Flicker’s Rhode Island International Film Festival, a quarter finalist for the 2023 ScreenCraft Film Film, and received an honorable mention at the 2024 Seville International Film Festival.&nbsp; His upcoming film Mean Goals, about a mean-spirited team of LGBTQ soccer players, is currently in post production. A project of <a href="https://www.filmindependent.org/sponsored-projects/mean-goals/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Film Independent</a>, the gay sports comedy has already received raving reviews on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;rct=j&amp;q=&amp;esrc=s&amp;source=web&amp;cd=&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiti_Xww_-EAxWHHUQIHaM-AtMQFnoECBAQAQ&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.queerty.com%2Fjoe-lockes-big-tease-courtney-acts-birthday-cakes-all-the-cant-miss-lgbtq-releases-of-the-week-20240221&amp;usg=AOvVaw38GSvz3zmyQiXj-f7I-Cw-&amp;opi=89978449" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Queerty</a> and <a href="https://adelantemagazine.com/mean-goals-is-the-gay-sports-comedy-we-need/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Adelante Magazine</a>.&nbsp;For over 17 years, he’s worked as a public relations professional at social justice nonprofits. His editorials have been published in the Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union Tribune, Fresno Bee, Dallas Morning News, Miami Herald, Huffington Post, La Opinion, El Diario (New York) and others. He’s been interviewed on several social issues by CNN, PBS, NPR, Univision, and more. He’s a 2024 Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today fellow, 2022 Point Foundation grant scholar, 2021 NALIP Emerging Content Creators Initiative scholarship recipient, and 2021 MACEF filmmaker scholarship awardee. He graduated with an MFA in Screenwriting from the AFI Conservatory, earned a Certificate in Television Writing at UCLA, and studied English and Theater at Georgetown University.&nbsp; <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/a29a643347f8398b2f214c72855b3cae.jpg" width="382" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Brian Bonilla - Producer Brian is a producer who grew up in a working-class immigrant community in South Los Angeles. He studied film and television at the California State University in Los Angeles. Brian is also a caseworker at a health and human services provider. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/3e00ac758124133bdd5c07d4efea0cf3.jpg" width="216" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Joe Murphy - Editor Joe Murphy is a film editor originally from the Pacific Northwest. He's worked on a number of films that have been shown at festivals like Slamdance, SXSW, and LALIFF. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/9d5b686205487cf11f863e1ee529cc31.jpg" width="182" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Vidhisha Mahesh - Production Designer Vidhisha is a writer, filmmaker, and production designer based in Los Angeles. She is currently an MFA candidate in the Programs in Writing at UC Irvine, where she also teaches creative writing.

Physical Therapy

A gay Latino doctor must decide between keeping his low-income clients or taking a job at a private practice for the kids of the mega-rich.

Synopsis Arrowhead follows the story of a corrupt rural Sheriff’s deputy named JACK. He is indebted to the local mob, something he hates, but does nothing to change. He is called by the mob to handle unearthed indigenous bones. The mob boss wants them to disappear to avoid a construction slowdown. Jack sees an Arrowhead necklace with the bones and knows that the remains belonged to a Modoc warrior, a tribe that fought a failed battle with the Army in the 1800s, one that eventually led to a heroic Spartan-like last stand. The necklace calls out to him: the sounds of cannons, rifles and the whoops and cries of native warriors. As this happens, his eyes flash a green that doesn’t belong to him.Jack asks for a few days to dispose of the remains discreetly. That evening, his colleague calls and suggests that they bribe the mob boss to keep the remains a secret. Jack rejects the idea. That night, Jack dreams about a battle he fought as a soldier in Afghanistan, and he sees a Modoc warrior in the dream who looks like him. The mob boss calls, saying they need to meet. Jack meets the mob boss and learns that his colleague already tried to bribe the mob boss and was killed. Jack realizes that his life is in danger, and the Modoc warrior spirit that is now inside him rises to the challenge.&nbsp;&nbsp; Director's Statement: Arrowhead is a character driven modern western with a soft spoken underdog character inspired by the likes of spaghetti westerns of a different era. I grew up with these characters, watching these stories and their hero's journeys that took me out of my life and into the movies. For Arrowhead, our lead is an anti-hero, but one constantly questioning who he is and why he’s different from everyone else, a fact reinforced by the community around him. He’s also carrying trauma, a result of his service in the war in Afghanistan. And the combination of these things has led him on a path to self-destruction, but as life would have it, his direct connection to a powerful moment in history will change him forever. Mixed in with both physical and internal antagonists, Arrowhead is meant to be an original and potent thriller that examines trauma told in a modern west setting. I wanted to tell a story about fighting our own inner turmoil, something we’ve all dealt with personally. The story is also very much about what it’s like to be different in America. You’ll see within the film that even our lead’s friends chastise and joke with him over his culture and ethnicity, something I’ve experienced first hand growing up, but also during my career including while deployed in Afghanistan. It’s a shared American experience that I wanted to capture on screen within this genre.For most of us that face these issues, maybe there's a voice in our heads that challenges us at best, or puts us down at worst. Maybe it's more cerebral in dreams or feelings. For our lead in Arrowhead, he's faced with something else that wants to take control within him. Our hero’s inner demon is personified in this film, forcing him to face it head on and fight it not only mentally, but also physically, in order to survive. The film is in a lot of ways a blend of genres. First and foremost, it's a modern western, drawing on the iconic anti-hero archetype we see in Once Upon a Time in the West or The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. However, I wanted to create a character with a grounded backstory that is relevant to the struggles they face today, namely, a character forged by the past twenty plus years of American conflict in the Middle East. And I believe what further sets Arrowhead apart is its twist: taking a typical western story but then telling it through a psychological horror sci-fi lens. Our lead is gifted and cursed with the powers of a legendary warrior who used these same abilities to fight against overwhelming odds. The catch is that once that warrior is let out of their box, we don't know how far they will go and how long our hero will be in control. In this film, I hope you experience the dark origin of an unlikely superhero that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Crew: <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/5001ffc3b79688502ec7b36fb2fd232d.jpg" width="154" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Reinhard Cate - Writer/Director Reinhard Cate is an Austrian-Filipino-American writer, director, and former journalist. His video and written work have appeared in the BBC World News, Frontline World, the Wall Street Journal, Alpinist Magazine and Ripple Labs. He has also directed several documentaries covering subjects such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, cash aid in development, and crypto. He has had a diverse career as an immigration law coordinator and assistant for Catholic Charities, a development economist, and as an analyst for the Department of Defense. In Afghanistan, Reinhard researched the factors impacting local police recruitment while attached to a U.S. Special Forces team from 2011-2012. He leans into his unique background and upbringing to shape his storytelling. This has included stories inspired by his work across the Middle East, experiences rock climbing in Yosemite, his relationship with his Austrian grandmother and his experiences growing up as a bi-racial son of a Filipino immigrant. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/df769a3d9e47e9b5a1a642938d4b7747.jpg" width="215" style="display: block; margin: auto;"> Nate McLean - Cinematographer Nate’s passion for shooting started as a hobby cutting together action sports videos and quickly turned into a career that has taken him around the globe. Whether it’s a low or high-budget project, Nate puts in 100% of his effort, making sure it’s a project everyone on the team is proud of. When he’s not tinkering with the latest camera builds in the studio, you might find him 60 feet underwater swimming through caves, or lost in the Sierra's mountain biking. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/b2f53b5ed1cda5a96c9a2de1dd000204.jpg" width="215" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Austin Simmons - Producer Austin Simmons is a filmmaker and creative professional currently residing in Los Angeles, California. A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Austin has written, directed, edited, and produced numerous award-winning short films, including Bravo (2016), Last Meal (2017), How to Plan a Heist (2020), Never Getting Rid of Me, Bitch (2023) and Arrowhead (2024). His senior thesis film, Last Meal, has been viewed over half a million times on YouTube and was nominated for “Best Dramatic Short” at the Napa Valley Film Festival, as well as winning “Best Short - Honorable Mention” at Dances with Films as well as “Best Young Filmmaker” at the Big Water Film Festival. <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/a9af1e1c7729cccd3b498d78275acd92.jpg" width="143" style="display: block; margin: auto;">Alexander Arntzen - Composer Alexander Arntzen is a prolific Film Composer &amp; Singer/Songwriter of multiple genres, styles, and mediums. Some career highlights include original music for Last Man Down (Netflix Top 10Movies), Follow Her (Showtime/Paramount+), HERD (Shudder/AMC+), Initiation (SXSW), Unmothered (Max), &amp; Stalled (Slamdance/Fantasia).

Arrowhead

When a corrupt local sheriff’s deputy is called to take care of a body found on his patron’s land development, he instead finds the remains of a legendary warrior and a dark power that will change him forever.

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