Official Selections: 1st-7th LA Student Film Festivals
Congratulations to our accepted filmmakers!
Films are listed in alphabetical order, index to the left.
Scroll Down to learn more about each film
Call the Shot
California Premiere
A suicidal man forces his bartender to carry out his death wish through a life-defining conversation.
Director - Dean Parker
Producers - Mackenzie Keaton, Josh Lehrfeld, Dean Parker
Writer - Raan Shalom
Cast - LeJon Woods, Chanse McDuffie, Yang Miller
Cinematographer - Christian Goode
Editor - Dean Parker
Third Place: 2020 Maumee Film Festival, 2020 Official Selection: Picture's Up! Film Festival, 2020 Official Selection: The Roxbury International Film Festival, 2020 Official Selection: Columbus International Film & Animation Festival, 2020 Official Selection: LA Student Film Festival
Facebook: .fb.com/calltheshotmovie
Casa del Alma
West Coast Premiere
A girl and her grandmother bond through the exploration of the grandmother’s Cuban house.
Director: Siobhan Gannon
3D Art/VFX: Jessica McDonald
Casa del Alma is inspired by an RIT study abroad trip to Cuba where Siobhan was able to meet her Cuban family members for the first time. She learned more about her passed grandmother, Ligia Salazar, and was able to connect with her through this experience. Additionally, Jessica fell in love with the colors and shapes of the Cuban cities visited on the trip, incorporating them into the set design. This 3D animation is their first short film, dedicated to Siobhan's grandmother while exploring themes of Cuban culture and the power of family. In addition to the LA Student Film Festival, "Casa del Alma" has also been selected for the Ithaca Film Festival and Mosaic World Film Festival.
Instagram: @siobhanimator
Cmd-Del: Technology's Damaging Effect on Democracy in 2020
A documentary short discussing a crisis in social media, a lack of government action, and steps forward for tech regulation. Directed, written, and produced by three high-school juniors.
Director: Jason Lin
Producer: Jason Lin, Sara Yen, Amar Karoshi
Writer: Sara Yen, Jason Lin
Cast: Andrew Yang, David Greene, Hank Barry, Alastair Mactaggart
Cinematographer: Amar Karoshi, Jason Lin
Editor: Amar Karoshi
Cowboy, Bitch!
World Premiere
Set in the wild, gay, American West, Belle must decide how hard she's willing to fight for true love.
Director: Anna Rose Carter
Producers: Victor M. Rocha, Asha Irani, Anna Rose Carter
Writer: Anna Rose Carter
Cast: Riley Scott, Talia Gloster, Carson Wolff, Nicholas Rodriguez
Cinematographer: Christian Cuevas Caro
Editor: Casey Partridge
Website: imdb.com/title/tt13474232
Instagram: @arcswestern
Cue Card Girl Category: Short Documentary
Short Documentary
Aiden Nelson and Violet Dempsy (AV) are student filmmakers who love collaborating together. Violet brings her director and cinematography skills, while Aiden contributes his post productions talents, forming a unique and creative team. Our latest project, Cue Card Girl, is a short documentary that delves into the fascinating world of Saturday Night Live during the 1980s. We capture the unique experiences of Eileen O'Brien, the sole female cue card girl at the time, offering an entertaining behind-the-scenes glimpse into a rarely-seen aspect of television production. Through Eileen's story, we aim to celebrate her trailblazing spirit and highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry.
Director: Aiden Nelson, Violet Dempsey Producer: Aiden Nelson, Violet Dempsey Writer: Aiden Nelson, Violet Dempsey Cast: Eileen O'Brien (interviewee) Cinematographer: Violet Dempsey Editor: Aiden Nelson
"Cue Card Girl" is a featured film with Denver Film and has received fiscal sponsorship,
Website: avclubfilmproductions.com
Instagram: @avclubfilmproductions, @oldscoutproductions, @qweeneileen
desiderium.
Los Angeles Premiere
Short Documentary
Desiderium: the feeling of loss or grief for something lost. On a long-awaited trip to their mother's childhood home in North Dakota, the filmmaker and their mom explore feelings of loss, guilt, and joy on returning home.
Director: Emma Albrecht
Writer: Emma Albrecht
Cast: Bergit Albrecht
Cinematographer: Emma Albrecht
Editor: Emma Albrecht
Premiered at the CineYouth Film Festival in Chicago in April 2022. The film was made entirely by the director with a very limited budget. Dedicated to Betty and Gene Melby and the Melby Family Farm.
Instagram: emma_albrecht_
Twitter: emmalbrecht
Dinolords
In this film, three unlikely soldiers go up against the fearsome strength from the leader of the Dinolords, Dinolord Rex
Director: Jarred Lee
Writer: Jarred Lee
Animator: Jarred Lee
Dog Days
Los Angeles Premiere
Short
When a young boy named Max wishes for a puppy on his 8th birthday, a magical puff of smoke brings a balloon dog to life instead. Though at first hesitant, Max soon learns to love and accept his new pet, endearingly naming him Squeaky. With his new companion, Max experiences the ups and downs of pet ownership and the unique circumstances of having a balloon dog for a pet.
Director: Hailey Bair
Producer: Ringling College of Art and Design
Writer: Hailey Bair
Cast: Andrew Wagner
Cinematographer (if applicable):
Editor: Hailey Bair
"Dog Days" has been awarded Best Animation at Oniros Film Festival, Gothamite Film Festival, received an honorable mention for Best Animation at Red Movie Awards, and has been accepted to numerous other festivals worldwide.
Website: haileybair.portfoliobox.net
Instagram: @artofhaileybair
Envisioning Space
Short
"Envisioning Space is a personal narrative short film about the ways I think about the built environment. The piece shows my creative process of turning ideas into tangible objects."
Director: Rowan Freeman
Producer: Rowan Freeman
Writer: Rowan Freeman
Cast: Rowan Freeman
Cinematographer (if applicable): Rowan Freeman
Editor: Rowan Freeman
Website: rowanjackfreeman.com
Instagram: @rowanjackfreeman
Extinct
West Coast Premiere
Woolly, a hopeless romantic, searches for his true love in a world void of 'traditional romance'.
Director: Lucas Jackman
Producer: Chris Girard
Writer: Lucas Jackman
Cast: Braeden Saucy, Madison Isolina, Julian Nelson, Boris Bilic, Adamina Carden, Daine Sanson
Cinematographer: Kyle Murdoch
Editor: Philip Seo
Canada Shorts Award of Distinction
Instagram/Facebook: @extinctshortfilm
Twitter: @extinctfilm
Canary in a Mine
Los Angeles Premiere
About a year ago, I set out to tell a story that confronts the negative stigma in the Black community that surrounds Black men and mental health. I also wanted to provide a positive alternative to self destructive coping mechanisms. The short film Canary in a Mine is a proof of concept film about an emotionally charged young man, Q, who is led to discover his own happiness after encountering a warm hearted woman, Tumani. Written and directed by myself, I think this story holds power and truth in how we need to heal from past and current trauma as humans. With this story, I hope to display the mental toll racism bares on Black people, while also providing a solution to struggles we all face. I hope you enjoy. With love - Takai
Director: takaitheartist
Producer: LaJonel Brown, Robyn Corruth
Writer: Takai Ginwright, Demetris Roberts-Taylor
Cast: Xavier Beloved, Alliance Megala, Fletcher Jones
Cinematographer: Benjamin Jordan Lee
Editor: Takai Ginwright
Celsius
Celsius is the first film I have ever directed and produced. For my undergraduate thesis film, I chose a futuristic theme that centers around love. A dedication to my family, Celsius showcases how to use Sci-Fi and VFX to demonstrate a deeply humane topic. All crew members from pre to post production are film students, with whom I co-created this immature yet fresh film.
Director: Lu Zheng
Producer: Lu Zheng
Writer: Lu Zheng
Cast: Yuanyuan Ning, Spenser Hu
Cinematographer: Xiaomeng Lu
Editor: Lu Zheng
Selected in: New York Shorts International Film Festival, Independent Short Awards (Gold Award for Best Production Design, Silver Award for Best Visual FX, Silver Award for Best Sci-Fi Short)
Convertible
West Coast Premiere
Short
Two young hijabi adults, Rida and Jamila attend a party. After the party, Rida discusses her decision to not wear a hijab all the time. Rida then makes a decision about whether to tell her parents that she no longer wears her hijab.
Director: Amirah Adem
Producer: Nathaniel Ronning
Writer: Amirah Adem
Cast: Khadijah Abdullah and Neamah Hussein
Cinematographer: Johnna Lambert
Editor: Nathaniel Ronning
Instagram: @amirahadem
Cutout
World Premiere
Leena’s cut-paper critter creations woo thousands of Instagram followers, but feeding her commercial posts has starved her children’s book aspirations. When an old friend interrupts her regularly scheduled posting, what begins as a small battle of attention soon inflames into a war for the soul of an artist.
Director, Editor, & Animator: Cristoforo Magliozzi
Producer: Heather Halstead
Writers: Cristoforo Magliozzi & Davey Morrison
Cast: Leah Cogan, Susan Myburgh
Cinematographer: Zach Morrison
Website: cmagliozzi.com/cutoutfilm
Twitter: @cutoutfilm
Instagram: @cutoutfilm
Facebook: @cutoutfilm
Dandelions
Los Angeles Premiere
A college student navigates what it means to be alive after a sexual abuse experience realizing that answers and peace are found in the least expected of places and people.
Director: Taylor Leigh Aguilar
Producer: Rio Johnson
Writer: Taylor Leigh Aguilar
Cast: Laura Siskoff, Madeleine Chalk, Lucille Petty, Stanisha Parker, Jazmin Ourens, Chioma Agbara, Ali Grace Aungst
Cinematographer: Fiori Van Rijswijk
Editor: Judy Xie
2020 North Hollywood Cinefest Official Selection
DACAmented
Los Angeles Premiere
Three young female filmmakers follow Kiara Lopez-Cabanillas for an intimate look into the life of a young DACA recipient. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was created by President Obama in 2012 to give legal status to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, allowing its recipients to work and live in the USA without fear of deportation. Over the past couple of years, DACA has faced significant opposition from the Trump administration with the possibility of the program being terminated, leaving Kiara and over 700,000 DACA recipients in fear of their status being revoked. For Kiara, the end of DACA would mean deportation to a place she hasn’t called home in over 18 years. DACAmented highlights Kiara’s experience as she navigates the challenges that come with being an immigrant in the United States and calls attention to the significant role that those under DACA play in American society.
Directors: Samantha Campbell, Emma Greally, and Kate Parker
Producers: Samantha Campbell, Emma Greally, and Kate Parker
Writers: Samantha Campbell, Emma Greally, and Kate Parker
Cast: Kiara Lopez-Cabanillas, Mark Naugle
Cinematographer: Samantha Campbell
Editor: Samantha Campbell and Emma Greally
DACAmented was awarded the “Best Student Short Documentary” at the London Independent Film Awards, the “Best Student Documentary Film” at the Boston International Kids Film Festival, and the “Student Documentary Film Short Runner-Up” at the Williamsburg International Film & Music Competition. It was also a “Selected Film” at the Los Angeles LatinX Film Festival, the Fayetteville Film Fest, and the Waterford, Ireland Film Festival. Most recently, DACAmented was awarded the “Student Voice Award” by Voices for Utah Children, a multi-issue children’s advocacy organization, for their role in providing a voice for the voiceless and telling their stories to the broader local, national, and international communities.
Instagram: @dacamented_film
Disowned
West Coast Premiere
The relationship between a son, his father, and his cello comes to a head one treacherous night as the son’s choice to abandon his father leads him on a stirring journey into the unexpected through grief and guilt before ending in redemption.
Director: Andrew Stevens
Producer: Jonas Du
Writer: Andrew Stevens
Cast: David Hur, Kevin Qian, Kaelan Kelly
Cinematographer: Jonas Du
Editor: Andrew Stevens and Jonas Du
"Disowned" was selected for the "Best of Fest" screening at the 2020 All American High School Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best Drama and Best Direction. The film was also selected for the high school categories of the DC Independent Film Festival and Red Rock Film Festival.
Instagram: @studiowatl
DOPPEL-4U
U.S. Premiere
Short
When Greg is invited to his 10 year high school reunion he decides to download a new app called DOPPEL4U and hire a doppelgänger of himself to go instead
Director: Malka Martz-Oberlander
Producer: Mackenzie Brandon
Writer: Malka Martz-Oberlander Cast: Matthias Falvai, Carrie Hunter, Beth Cantor, Gavin Marck
Cinematographer: Felix Soong
Editor: Megan Hingson
- Nominated best student film Toronto International Women's Film Festival
- Official Selection Whistler Film Festival, B.C. Canada
- Semi Finalist at DUMBO Film Festival NYC.
Instagram: @maalky
Ever-flowing
Los Angeles Premiere
Short
When 17- year-old Kate is required to complete community service, she hesitantly commits to painting a Noah’s Ark mural for the local church. After befriending the unlikely companions of a child and a youth pastor, the hard truth of reality is unveiled. Through unexpected divine intervention, she finds a sense of restoration.
Director: Lauren Good
Producer: Benjamin Dilsisian, Aaron Margosian, Dean Yamada, Nolan Goff
Writer: Lauren Good
Cast: Natalie Wilson, J.J. Carroll, Alexes Lee, Jamie Uhtof, Melinda Simon
Cinematographer: Adam Crampsey
Editor: Josh Glass
- Ever-flowing won Best Picture and Best VFX/Animation at Biola Film Festival 2023,
- "Dear Lauren, " the Ever-flowing BTS Documentary, won Best Documentary at Biola Film Festival 2023.
- Ever-flowing was a semi-finalist at Berlin Shorts Award, and the West Coast premiere will take place at Newport Beach Film Festival in the Biola Collegiate Showcase.
Instagram: @everflowing_film
Calla Lilies
Los Angeles Premiere
An Irishman in New Hampshire hires a young vagabond to build his flower garden. During the week they spend together, the pair develop an unexpected bond as they learn of each other's pasts.
Director/Producer/Writer/Editor: Aidan Hamell
Cast: Jasper Wolf, Derry Woodhouse
Director of Photography: Ryan Beard
Website: www.aidanhamell.com
Charlie Brontoson in: Bus Stop
Los Angeles Premiere
Charlie Brontoson in: Bus Stop is about a middle-aged long neck dinosaur named Charlie Brontoson that missed his bus ride to work, resulting in him waiting for the next one at the Bus Stop. As the day passes and the bus still hasn’t arrived, Charlie’s frustration gets to a boiling point.
Director and Animator: Christian E. Rosado
Music: Anthony Colon
Charlie Brontoson in: Bus Stop has appeared at 18 film festivals from all over the world ranging from Australia, India, the Americas, Europe and my hometown of Puerto Rico. It has won awards on the following festivals: DigiFest 2020 (People's Choice for Best Animation), NATAS Student Production Awards (Best Animation), ENFOQUE Puertorican Festival (Honorable Mention), Peak City International Film Festival (Gaddy Gold Award 2020 for Best Animation), Festival de Cine Latino Americano (Corazon Latino Award), and LUSCA Fantastic Film Festival (Local Animation Audience Award). This short was my very first animated film and it took me 3 months of nonstop work and planning.
Instagram: @3v_rosado
Courage
World Premiere
A middle eastern girl who moves abroad to the USA on her own to study but faces challenges of racism against Muslims , islamophobia , fear of wearing a hijab( head scarf) , paranoia however she finds her way through to overcome it.
Director: Nourah Al Hasawi
Producer: Shoplan Murabuldayeva
Writer: Nourah Al Hasawi
Cast: Tanya Flynn
Cinematographer: Anatoly Ivanov
Editor: Aline Lino
So far, my film "Courage" has won a few awards and were also award nominated i have recently gotten shortlisted and officially selected from other festivals that I'm waiting for the results you can find some of the festivals listed on my IMDB page.
Instagram:@courage_film/
IMDb: pro.imdb.com/title/tt12670472
Cutting
Short
Cutting is a University of Westminster Graduation Film, exploring body dysmorphia, the fragility of male self-image, and the pressures of competitive sport. The story centres on Christian, an MMA fighter recovering from an eating disorder, who must go through the dangerous process of 'weight cutting' and cut six kilos before the weigh-in of his big fight. Supported by his trainer, Lee, Christian thinks he’s ready for the physical suffering of weight cutting, but is he ready for the emotional toll? This is the central question propelling our film forward. As a group of students, we wanted to tell a character driven, emotionally focused story, whilst delving into issues of mental health and body image which are rarely seen from the male perspective. We are proud of our finished film, as well as it’s considerable festival success. Cutting was not only a nominee at the Learning on Screen Awards and various other festivals across the UK, but also received a prize at the Royal Television Society Student Awards for Best Sound Design, as well as a nomination for Best Drama. We are excited to be a part of the LA Student Film Festival, and are grateful for the opportunity to have our work screened outside of the UK.
Director: Micah Hinchliffe
Producer: Olivia Parkinson
Writer: Olivia Parkinson
Cast: Sam Baker-Jones, Lee Armstrong
Cinematographer: Zeynep Oğuz
Editor: Rhodri Martin
Facebook: fb.com/cuttingshortfilm
Dead Dogs Still Bark
Los Angeles Premiere
Short
In a desperate attempt to take control of his life, a private school geek decides to resurrect his dead dog with the help of another outcast classmate, who's rumored to be a witch.
Director: Aidan Hayek
Producer: Lexi Bautista-Maxion
Writer: Aidan Hayek
Cast: Noah Wallace-LaGue, Avery Dubenko, Malijah Hopkins, Randy Arnold, Max Gulden, Emma Thomas
Cinematographer: Oscar Jimenez
Editor: Ryan Zdravecky
- Best Production Design at SDSU Emerging Filmmakers Festival
- Best Producer at SDSU Emerging Filmmakers Festival
Instagram: @ddsb.film
Devil's in the Details
A witch gets less than she bargains for when she tries to summon Satan on her ex-boyfriend. An occult comedy.
Director: Anna Owenson
Cast: Nola Klop, Matthew Moore, Skyler Brigmann
Composer: Robert Mai
Sound Design: Austin Olivia Kendrick
Any awards, accolades or additional details about the process you would like to mention: Devil's has so far been honored with Best First-Time Filmmaker & Best Film Semi-Finalist at Virginia Emerging Filmmakers Festival, Best Student Film at Alternating Currents, Critics' Choice at Iowa Independent, Best Student Film at Animation Block, 2nd Place Animation at 15 Minutes of Fame, an Iowa Executive Directors' Film Festival Pick, Best Film at Grave Plot 2022
This film was made as my senior thesis project at Chapman University, and is the culmination of a year and a half of dedicated production. I loved working on this film and what it turned out to be. I've been so excited to share it at festivals and gratified by the response I've received. I'll always thank my professors and peers who supported the work, and my crew that made "Devil's" the fully formed piece it is.
Website: aowensart.com
Instagram: aowensart
Twitter: aowensart
DOLDRUMS
West Coast Premiere
Short
"DOLDRUMS” is an urgent film that reminds us about kindness in the brutality of war in the world today. The film digs into emotional burdens, often personal and complicated, and inspires healing by facing the painful memories with understanding and acceptance."
Director: Le Chau
Producer: Le Chau
Writer: Le Chau
Cast: Seth Allyn Austin, Robert Fleet, Diem Truong, Anthony Crehan, Allen Perada
Cinematographer: Marshall Victory
Editor: Le Chau, Luqi Zhao
- Award Winner, Best Student Film - Ponza Film Award Italy 2024
- Award Winner, Award of Excellent - Best Shorts Competition 2023
- Winner, Panavision New Film Maker Program 2022
- The Short List - Pilots /Short, - Barnstorm Fest 2022
- Quarterfinalist Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards Fall 2022
- Second Rounder, ScreenCraft Film Fund Fall 2022
Instagram: @doldrumsthefilm
Facebook: @doldrumsthefilm
Eye of the Terrier
West Coast Premiere
In this film the underdog Doug, boxes the fearsome champion Bubbo, a big fat terrifying cat! Who will come out on top? Who knows in this high stakes fight of the century!
Director, Writer, Animation: Geoff Roberts
Cast: Jack Gatto, Geoff Roberts
Eye of the Terrier is the senior animated film of Geoff Roberts for Daemen College's Animation BFA program. This is Geoff's first ever film festival submission, and first short film.
Instagram: @ houndkidz
Twitter: twitter.com/houndkidz