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The Future of Film with Tom Oliva

The Future of Film with Tom Oliva

By Tom Oliva

The future of film is now and a new generation of talent is emerging with an unprecedented understanding of the medium, unparalleled opportunities for exposure, and an unrelenting passion to share their stories. Join Crave Arts Executive Director, Tom Oliva, for intimate and engaging interviews that peel back the curtain of the best emerging filmmakers from around the world. If you love film and want a behind the scenes glimpse at how future legends of cinema hone their craft, you've got to hear this!
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The Future of Film - EP. 11 | Grace Gallagher ("The Missing Piece," "Jonah and Julie," 2019 Female Rising Star)

The Future of Film with Tom OlivaMay 28, 2020

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The Future of Film S4:EP9 | Hadley Hillel (Muffins, Directing Music Videos, Ernie)

The Future of Film S4:EP9 | Hadley Hillel (Muffins, Directing Music Videos, Ernie)

Get ready for the season 4 finale of the Future of Film podcast as we dive into the world of cinematic storytelling with the brilliant Hadley Hillel. An alumnus from as far back as 2014, Hadley's captivating dark comedies, "Muffins" and "The Talk," have been a consistent highlight in our Roadshow Presentations across the country. These films are more than just movies; they're journeys into curious, offbeat, and uproariously funny worlds, where flawed characters come to life amidst unexpected laughter.

Join us as we sit down with Hadley Hillel, a visionary storyteller who has held my attention for a decade with his imaginative narratives. From an awkward hitman serving muffins at a bed and breakfast to a selfish couple contemplating divorce through absurd arguments, Hadley's films take us on extraordinary journeys, often with lines like "nobody trims a cactus with lawn clippers." He masterfully weaves surreal characters and conflicts into stories that defy convention, blending stylized presentation with profound humanity.

Explore Hadley's journey as he navigates fantastical realms, challenging the boundaries of what filmmaking can achieve. His films, from a sad tea cozy factory worker befriending a boy through notes in the floor to a son suspecting his mother is a robot in a futuristic 1950s setting, showcase his unparalleled creativity. With an impressive list of awards and accolades too lengthy to enumerate, Hadley's talent speaks for itself, proving that he's a creative force with limitless potential.

Subscribe Now: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/futureoffilm 

Website: www.hadleyhillel.com

"Muffins" by Hadley Hillel - 2014 AAHSFF Best Screenplay Winner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2NDs7iS_Rg 


Sep 25, 202301:26:17
The Future of Film S4:EP8 | Kai Tomizawa (No Fan of Andy, Winning Best Comedy in 2020, Balancing Emotion & Humor)

The Future of Film S4:EP8 | Kai Tomizawa (No Fan of Andy, Winning Best Comedy in 2020, Balancing Emotion & Humor)

In this episode of The Future of Film, we have the pleasure of speaking with Kai Tomizawa, a talented filmmaker and alumni from 2020. Kai's submission, the hilarious and heartfelt comedy "No Fan of Andy," won Best Comedy in one of the most competitive years for the category. From the moment we watched her film, we were captivated by Kai's remarkable talent and her ability to weave together a compelling story with a perfect balance of humor and emotional depth.


Through her film, Kai showcases her eye for style, her skill in storytelling, and an overall sophistication that is rare to find in a first-time filmmaker. Not only did she write, direct, and edit the film, but she also stars in it, leaving us in awe of her multifaceted abilities. "No Fan of Andy" has had a profound impact on the future of film, becoming a staple in our Roadshow presentations worldwide and an invaluable addition to our lesson plans.


Kai's gift for details and dialogue shines through in every moment of the film, with clever timing and wit that bring the story and characters to life. The plot navigates the complexities of friendship, fear of change, and the necessary adaptations in successful relationships. With its universal themes and relatable characters, "No Fan of Andy" not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level, inviting viewers to reflect on their own connections and personal growth.


Join us as we dive into a delightful conversation with Kai Tomizawa, exploring her creative process, her unique comedic voice, and the impact of her authentic storytelling. This episode is a celebration of Kai's extraordinary talent and a testament to the power of comedy in conveying universal truths. Get ready for an engaging and insightful discussion that will leave you inspired by the limitless potential of this remarkable filmmaker.


Subscribe Now: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/futureoffilm 

Website: Kai Tomizawa - YouTube 


No Fan of Andy by Kai Tomizawa - 2020 AAHSFF Best Comedy Winner: https://youtu.be/tTCLs8BSTaU 

Sep 18, 202301:07:46
The Future of Film S4:EP7 | Theo Shakes (Bygones, TikTok Virality, New Zealand Filmmaking Scene)

The Future of Film S4:EP7 | Theo Shakes (Bygones, TikTok Virality, New Zealand Filmmaking Scene)

In this episode of The Future of Film, we are honored to have Theo Shakes as our guest. As an alumni from 2019, Theo made a significant impact with his narrative short film "Bygones," receiving multiple nominations for Best Overall Film, Best Direction, Best International Film, and Best Drama. At just 16 years old, Theo displayed a remarkable ability to craft a poignant and heartrending story that delved into themes of fathers and sons, love and loss, and the weight of our past.


"Bygones" takes viewers on a journey of emotional intensity, with meticulous cinematography, gripping performances, and a gentle score that heightens the rising dramatic tension. Theo's film masterfully captures a fragment of life teeming with raw emotions, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.


Since his time at All American, Theo has continued to shine with his unwavering talent and passion. His achievements extend beyond filmmaking, encompassing acting, stand-up comedy, and a thriving presence on TikTok with millions of views and hundreds of thousands of followers. It is clear that Theo is a young artist determined to explore various forms of storytelling and share his art with the world.


Join us in this inspiring episode as we delve into Theo Shakes' journey, discussing his creative process, his dedication to his craft, and the boundless potential that lies ahead for this extraordinary young filmmaker.


Subscribe Now: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/futureoffilm 


Website: https://www.theoshakes.com


"Bygones" by Theo Shakes - 2019 AAHSFF Best Overall Nominee: https://youtu.be/oCEKo9r-Xfo 


Sep 11, 202301:18:07
The Future of Film S4:EP6 | Eli Berliner (Award-Winning Filmmaker Behind "Swimming in Light", "Think Like a Filmmaker", and "The Audition")

The Future of Film S4:EP6 | Eli Berliner (Award-Winning Filmmaker Behind "Swimming in Light", "Think Like a Filmmaker", and "The Audition")

Mar 20, 202301:13:27
The Future of Film S4:EP5 | Jasper and Lukas Fletcher (Twin Filmmaking Duo, "Rabbit", Winning 2022 Best Overall Film)
Mar 13, 202301:23:32
The Future of Film S4:EP4 | Christian Arnsparger (Animating for Thursday Night Football, Moving from Alabama to LA, “Bunker”)
Mar 06, 202301:18:06
The Future of Film S4:EP3 | Braden Swope & Ethan Hammock (Producing a Feature Film out of HS, Working at a Hollywood Trailer House, “The World Within Vincent”)

The Future of Film S4:EP3 | Braden Swope & Ethan Hammock (Producing a Feature Film out of HS, Working at a Hollywood Trailer House, “The World Within Vincent”)

Feb 27, 202301:10:44
The Future of Film S4:EP2 | Brendan Egan and Haley Pine (Pandemic Storytelling, Running a Film Festival, Acting Careers)
Feb 20, 202301:01:34
The Future of Film S4:EP1 | Sachin Dharwadker (Sundance Ignite, Working in LA as a Writer/Director, "In A Special Place")
Feb 13, 202301:21:41
The Future of Film S3:EP11 - Kelly Yu
Jun 27, 202201:14:25
The Future of Film S3:EP10 - Tiffany Lin
Jun 20, 202255:44
The Future of Film S3:EP9 - Miles Dixon
Jun 14, 202201:12:18
The Future of Film S3:EP8 - Jackson Coates
May 23, 202201:33:54
The Future of Film S3:EP7 - Jane Noury
Apr 25, 202201:16:34
The Future of Film S3:EP6 - Ethan Chu
Apr 18, 202255:52
The Future of Film S3:EP5 - Natalie Giselle Brooks
Apr 11, 202258:32
The Future of Film S3:EP4 - Nick Milczarczyk
Apr 04, 202201:09:14
The Future of Film S3:EP3 - Max Shoham
Mar 28, 202201:02:12
The Future of Film S3:EP2 - Hudson Flynn

The Future of Film S3:EP2 - Hudson Flynn

Hudson’s gifts as storyteller humbled us. His three films, “Fork, Knife and Chainsaw” (a half horror/half dark comedy), “Death By Handshake” (an introspective pandemic comedy epitomizing and embracing his NYC roots) and “Friday” (a hyper-relevant, teen tour-de-force rich in depth of character, conflict, an immersive range of emotion, attention to delivery, and the elusive x-factor… the ability to marry message and merit and the artistic bridge that helps us all travel to a place of profound growth)... appeared out of nowhere - he had never submitted before. 

Discovering Hudson suddenly through this initial body of work prompted an overwhelming revelation of limitless potential.From the moment we first reviewed “Friday” we could not shake the story - the hyper-relevant topic delivered from a fresh and potent perspective, the nimble adaptation of the non-linear structure, the nuanced realism and depth of the script, the scope of distinct perspectives, the manipulative mastery of foreshadowing, the waves of dynamic emotions, the gravity of the tone, and of course, the undeniable impact of the message.

Friday: https://youtu.be/tk8uvhHcr0A

Death By Handshake: https://youtu.be/Kl10NdqBa7E

Fork, Knife & Chainsaw: https://youtu.be/pRmzt5rOmjk

Mar 21, 202201:23:48
The Future of Film S3:EP1 - Stephen Boyer

The Future of Film S3:EP1 - Stephen Boyer

Paradigm: https://youtu.be/Rsj1rJ_fEJc

The Boy Behind the Door Clips/Website: https://stephensboyer.com/tbbtd

Messages, an extremely minimalist short film Stephen made in college that he is really quite proud of: https://vimeo.com/218898566

Some Notable Commercial Work: https://stephensboyer.com/commercial-editing

Mar 14, 202201:17:22
The Future of Film S2:EP11 - Morgana McKenzie

The Future of Film S2:EP11 - Morgana McKenzie

There is no end to the praise I have for Morgana’s talents, except to say that what I have witnessed is surely just the beginning, and I should use my words sparingly because no doubt there will be many more opportunities to commend her considerable gifts as she continues to pursue her passion.

And what passion it is! Morgana made the most of her All American eligibility, submitting exemplary productions over four consecutive years from 2014 to 2017 while earning consistent award nominations as well as wins for her 2015 music video “We All Go the Same” and her 2017 horror short “Atlas World.” Morgana’s early work highlighted her visionary style - overwhelmingly prolific, utterly unique, and always loaded with a haunting atmosphere. Year after year as a young filmmaker, she delighted us with her brave technique and storytelling savvy, stretching and sprawling meticulously developed story concepts across the screen that included a level of production rarely seen, and even more rarely mastered, by our community.

Watching a Morgana McKenzie film is like visiting a darker, twisted dimension just out of sight - a nightmarish fantasy realm where the realities of the human condition are ruthlessly exposed and preyed upon by our deepest fears and anxieties. Her visions are unsettling, brutal, and penetrating - grounded by an unwavering attention to detail and authenticity, and elevated by a highly artistic instinct for evoking the sheer power of tension through tone. Her films swell with suspense at every turn, the sense of things unseen overwhelms the viewer even as the cinematography offers a constant palette of incredibly inspiring, soaring imagery. Even when you are completely immersed in her worlds, you cannot help but wonder… how did she get that shot, let alone envision the idea in the first place. She really is that tuned in and talented, her work that stunning to witness as it reverberates up and down your spine...

For more info: morganamckenzie.com

Apr 22, 202159:52
The Future of Film S2:EP10 - Lance Oppenheim

The Future of Film S2:EP10 - Lance Oppenheim

We knew that Lance Oppenheim was a gifted storyteller from the moment his first submissions arrived in 2014. His two documentaries that year, “The Dogmatic” and “Quicksand” illuminated a remarkably grounded and resonant cinematic voice - a voice capable of harnessing the inherent emotional weight of his subjects regardless of their topical diversity. Both docs leave considerable scars on the viewer, at times delicately intimate, at others, exposed and invading, but regardless of their tone, consistent in leaving their mark in ways not easily shaken.

His ability to create a coercive atmosphere through imagery and score elevated his early work to a level unmatched by his peers. The dichotomy of his thematic presentation provided a treasure chest of depth, seamlessly pivoting from tenderness to brutality, from personal to universal, from subtle to profound, often without any overt insinuation of subtext. Lance welcomes the abstract, a brave choice for such a young storyteller, and his willingness to employ elements of experimentation steals the show in welcome ways. This fearlessness also pervades his subject matter - Lance will go there, unafraid, wide-eyed and open minded, no matter how dangerous or personal a story may be. He is brave in his quest to capture and share… his stories live and breathe, and they are terrifying and comforting in their ability to accurately and honestly communicate experience.

In Lance’s films, action and intimacy coexist in harmony - with tension and tenderness colliding in compelling ways. This is documentary filmmaking at its most engaging in every aspect: the invigorating edit, the dynamic moods, the visionary approach to direction… You watch his films with a lump in your throat and a wild, beating heart but always with something overwhelming and unraveling within. Indeed his films leave scars, marks that will linger like a part of you for a long time…

Watching Lance’s talents mature is inspiring, but certainly not unexpected. His impressive resume now includes several New York Times Op-Docs and most recently a Sundance Film Festival Official Selection produced by Darren Aronovsky and the New York Times. Oh yes, our alumni have arrived and the world is taking notice!

For more info: www.lanceoppenheim.com

Apr 15, 202101:15:08
The Future of Film S2:EP9 - Monica Matute

The Future of Film S2:EP9 - Monica Matute

I’ve gotten to know Monica pretty well over the years, in large part, due to what I now recognize as her incredible passion for all things filmmaking and an unrelenting hustle to make her dreams a reality. During her years of eligibility with All American, I seemed to run into Monica everywhere - conventions in various states around the country, during traveling roadshow presentations that were hours away from her home, and in the plethora of projects she submitted (although behind the camera, she was undeniably in those too) - her bubbling enthusiasm and humble eagerness, ever-present reminders of her willingness, her need, to pursue her passion with every ounce of her being. But even more importantly, her presence left its mark - Monica is one of the most amiable, sincere and genuine young artists I have encountered - she possesses a gravity that draws others into her warm and welcoming orbit and these same qualities permeate her films.

Monica’s admirable work ethic was illuminated by the sheer volume of quality films she created. Each film, regardless of genre, offered a glimpse into her insatiable curiosity of the teen experience, the inevitable rollercoaster of transformative milestones, and the abundant emotions such experiences produce. Her film “Carhop” winner of Best Comedy in 2017, cemented her status as a filmmaker on the rise for its ability to portray an authentic, delightfully flawed female protagonist brimming with the kind of gravitational pull we’ve come to expect from Monica’s characters. If you don’t watch this film with a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart… you best check your pulse!

In Monica’s work, female characters are front and center but not without raw, honest, and often heartbreaking flaws. This purposeful imbalance is perhaps Monica’s greatest strength as a writer and director - young women so real, so openly exposed in strength and weakness, that they are able to communicate the kind of soaring realism viewers can’t help but be pulled into - again, a sense of unmistakable gravity. Her nominated films from 2018 “Eden” and “The Ultimate Survival Of Richman Highs Local Losers” both simmer with common themes in Monica’s work - the weight of familial responsibility, young women coming of age, the darker side of the high school experience, and of course, the awkwardness and virtue of young love. Watching Monica’s unique but universal stories is a lot like being around her in person - regardless of where the journey takes you along the way, you get swept up in the power of positivity, and are left better for the opportunity.

For more info: https://www.instagram.com/matutemonica/

Apr 08, 202150:14
The Future of Film S2:EP8 - William Higbie

The Future of Film S2:EP8 - William Higbie

When William submitted his documentary “Painting the Town: The Street Art of Detroit” in 2018, it was an immediate contender. To quote an interview from the film... “Opportunity exists when you’ve hit the bottom… And optimism brews when there is no other option but to be optimistic.” The first images offered in the Doc confront the viewer with the harsh reality of a fallen American city. A series of stark, snow-covered and vacant homes, businesses and factories set the stage for a story about neglect and decay, a story about faded glory, a story about a broken American Dream.
But what helped the film earn our 2018 Best Documentary award was that the story isn’t really about these things at all - instead, it is a story of hope, renewal, creativity and a collective artistic spirit determined to thrive and build something new.

What emerges from the immaculately produced and comprehensive interviews and imagery, is a portrait of a city and its citizens, a love letter to a brighter future in the shadow of a “Post-industrial, post-capitalist urban landscape.” It’s a film that illuminates a true “cultural melting pot” where art and artist are equally praised as they work together to redefine and glorify not just one city, but the very foundation of the American dream. The film maturely justifies the unique transition of perspective of the entire community as they grow to embrace and elevate street art from vandalism to legitimate beautification - and throughout, the scope and scale of the artwork are matched by the scope and scale of William’s production.

The documentary epitomizes the power of the genre as a vehicle for capturing our physical and emotional history, revealing a new chapter of the homegrown, visual stimulus taking place in Detroit, and William found a way to share this rebirth with all of us… No doubt, this emerging filmmaker is destined for big things...

For more info: www.williamhigbie.com

Apr 01, 202159:34
The Future of Film S2:EP7 - Clio Givertz

The Future of Film S2:EP7 - Clio Givertz

Clio burst onto the All American scene with her outstanding 2015 and 2016 Official Selections, “Stranded” and “Congratulations Abigail”- the former a riveting drama about a young dancer traumatized by failure and insecurity as she travels to a competition that consumes and overwhelms her entire physical and psychological universe. The film earned her our Best Cinematography Award for its striking imagery of a desolate setting that aptly reflects and supports the protagonist’s character and conflict through a manifestation of realistic, symbolic obstacles. The film is a powerful testament to the show don’t tell principle - almost completely devoid of dialogue, the narrative evolves as a meditation, fueled by growing sense of desperation that invites the viewer into the character’s agonizing and stubborn internal nightmare - all framed, both literally and metaphorically, by the dual nemesis of dance and the stranded bus - both vehicles for her path to redemption. The maturity and patience of the entire journey is a profoundly tragic and beautiful example of the weight of what the cinematic experience can be - something quite rare considering that Clio was just finding her wings as a visual storyteller. Needless-to-say, we were impressed by Clio’s gifts and excited to follow her burgeoning future…

Clio’s talents ultimately led her to New York’s Columbia University, making it easy for us to chart her trajectory and stay in touch. Her skills and proximity prompted us to invite her to capture the festival experience for several years as our official videographer - no doubt many of you crossed paths with her at the event and viewed her work in our annual highlight reels. It has been our pleasure to know, work and admire Clio’s craft and work ethic and…

For more info: www.cliogevirtz.com/

Mar 25, 202155:33
The Future of Film S2:EP6 - Gabe Gaurano

The Future of Film S2:EP6 - Gabe Gaurano

Gabe’s talents earned him several category nominations and our Best Drama award in 2018. His restrained and heartwarming film, “DV-130” conquered our most competitive category with its mature sensibility and perspective, character-driven emotional core, and subtle, but purposeful, layers of conflict. A “DV-130” is the official legal document representing a domestic violence protection order - a protection that typically ends when the individual turns 18 years old. In the film, we meet the protagonist, Josiah as he wakes up on his 18th birthday to an email from his dad, signifying the end of a restraining order that has protected him from domestic violence. But this pivotal moment is just the beginning of a story concept ripe with vulnerability, unlikely bonds, and powerful transformation.

As a young filmmaker, Gabe innately understood the delicate process of portraying the weight of internal emotional conflict. His ability to elevate the ordinary through deftly paced layers of subtext creates a constant sense of momentum accented by essential dramatic beats that consistently propel the narrative forward. These beats are developed by short scenes packed with meaning and aided by careful cinematic technique. And they offer a refreshing, compelling ride for the viewer - tension rises and shifts - multiple conflicts emerge, fall back, linger and explode - secondary characters seamlessly drift through the lives of the dual protagonists increasing our understanding of their depth and connection - imagery and score create worlds within worlds with ample room for reflection - and everything comes full circle without spoiling and spelling out the story’s most inviting questions and themes. It’s a wonderful film that speaks, both in script and delivery, in a whisper more powerful than any scream and it certainly put Gabe’s unique gifts on our radar...

For more info: https://www.gabrielgaurano.com

Mar 18, 202156:36
The Future of Film S2:EP5 - Roxy Sorkin

The Future of Film S2:EP5 - Roxy Sorkin

Dig deep in the credits of some of our best submissions from the last few years, and you will find the name Roxy Sorkin again and again. A constant collaborator with her peers, Roxy seems poised for anything: fueled by her limitless potential and an insatiable desire to create. As a writer and director, Roxy is equally impressive. Her 2019 submission “We Don’t Talk” won our Best Music Video award recognizing her ability to illuminate patient imagery reflecting glamorous settings somehow full of an unsettling despair, all at once simple and sophisticated. Further revealing her depth of talent and diversity as a storyteller, her drama, “5.2 Miles Between Whittier and Amalfi” was nominated for our Maverick Award. The film oozes with an eerie, stunning visual style, but remains grounded by subtle but deep roots of familial bonds and strength, as if her pen were a compass always finding a path home...

Roxy’s latest film “Breast Milk”, which she wrote and directed, shares a story that is overtly personal and yet full of such grace and tenderness that within minutes the viewer is blanketed in warmth, forgetting all traces of the origin as we are immersed in a marriage of intimacy, lush shot construction and self-aware humor. The bonds between the characters are incredibly tight and her ability to let the big moments breathe provides welcome weight to powerful moments of silence. Roxy crafts fearless female characters - not merely in bravery and ambition, but in their willingness to be open and exposed - a clear indication of her ability to transport her writing to the screen as a director. Add to this, the film’s superb cinematography, which propels app triumphant climax that emerges in a seemingly endless swell of beauty mined from tragedy. Yea, she’s that good!

For more info: https://vimeo.com/roxysorkin

Mar 11, 202157:41
The Future of Film S2:EP4 - Lukas Dong

The Future of Film S2:EP4 - Lukas Dong

I stared at my computer screen for a long time thinking about what to say about Lukas Dong… thinking about how to craft an appropriate narrative for a filmmaker so integral to our organization’s belief in the future of film, a filmmaker so immensely… innately talented, so destined to make a profound impact, and yet so humble, gracious and giving... so incredibly respectful and professional even as the young man we first met back in 2013… How could I possibly articulate this All American OG so that others would understand his seemingly immeasurable gifts? I mean, when we were invited to the WHITE HOUSE to film, we asked Lukas to join us - and he definitely didn’t disappoint!

It’s a challenging paradox, that the more you get to know someone, the harder it can be to properly describe them. And although knowing Lukas has been an absolute pleasure, I felt stifled - my ability to expound muted by time.

So, I decided to just let his work speak for itself, and happily revisited his earliest documentaries, “Rokt Lax” from 2013 and “Sophia” from 2014. Both films were nominated for all of our top award categories and Lukas won Best Cinematography two years in a row. I’ve seen these films dozens of times and their appeal hasn’t diminished one bit. Lukas’ ability to communicate emotion and meaning with his camera is unparalleled - he possesses a seemingly endless capacity for captivating and dynamic shots and angles, an abundance that informs his pacing, delighting the viewer with an inspiring array of stunning beauty made even more satisfying by its mindful association with the subject matter in every frame. He consistently delivers the voice of the physical world as if he’s tapped in to its cinematic DNA.

And it all appears completely effortless - as if this is simply the way the world welcomes his lens. Of course, I’ve known enough remarkable artists to know this isn’t the case - transformational creativity doesn’t just happen. But Lukas’ stories, their perspectives, illusive simplicity, their visual poetry… they make it seem so effortless. And so, years ago, I flat out asked him - You make it look so easy. Is all of this easy for you?

His answer said more about his craft and passion than anything I can write. “No Tom,” he replied earnestly. “I work really hard.”

For more info: lukasdong.com

Mar 04, 202101:15:46
The Future of Film S2:EP3 - Ciara Boniface

The Future of Film S2:EP3 - Ciara Boniface

Feb 25, 202147:48
The Future of Film S2:EP2 - Leo Pfeifer

The Future of Film S2:EP2 - Leo Pfeifer

Throughout high school, Leo was a prolific submitter of top tier content, consistently producing a diverse array of stories focused on subjects and characters entrenched in highly personal, but instantly universal conflicts. His films always earned high scores from our judges, regardless of genre, because he possessed an innate understanding of how to focus his lens on the little details that help illuminate a larger, more complex journey. Leo’s work as a director and editor is deceptively (and refreshingly) simple: A closer look reveals a sharp sense for sharing the elements of film (symbols, lighting, angles, and edits) without losing sight of the marrow of the story - well-developed, compelling characters. His timely 2015 Documentary, “Clipped Wings” has garnered high praise and hundreds of thousands of views for its spotlight on the Boy Scouts discrimination of gay members and his 2015 Drama, “Stolen” explores the tragic collision of an elderly couple and a thief, and the power of circumstance to reveal the complexities of motivation, grief, and revenge.

Since moving on from All American, Leo’s talents have continued to thrive, he has continued to embrace a wide variety of genres and he has continued to stay true to his personal style. In Leo’s films, we are invited into the world of his subjects and characters - walking in their shoes and seeing through their eyes, all en route to their awakening and our own transformative experience as viewers.

For more info: leopfeifer.com

Feb 18, 202148:44
The Future of Film S2:EP1 - Dusan Brown

The Future of Film S2:EP1 - Dusan Brown

Dusan is a Chicago native who has been living in LA for the last ten years, honing his skills as an actor, writer and director. His resume is incredibly impressive, prompting us to break our protocol for only interviewing AAHSFF alumni who have already graduated high school, in order to explore his wealth of experience and striking talent. So what does an 18-year-old’s impressive resume look like? Consider these credits… acting in the Jackie Robinson film “42” and CAP, a short film that won the 2019 HBO Short Film Award at American Black Film Fest, voicing lead characters on Disney's "The Lion Guard" and Nickelodeon's "Blaze and The Monster Machines," guest-starring roles on such shows as “Community,” "Criminal Minds," and “The Big Bang Theory,” and starring in the soon-to-be Netflix feature film released “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” alongside Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. On the stage, Dusan played the lead role of Young Simba in Disney's The Lion King on Broadway, North American Tour.

And then there is his film “Reece” which he wrote, directed, edited, and colored - winner of our 2019 Spark Award which recognizes student films portraying the most relevant and impactful stories being told right now. This film put Dusan on our radar, revealing his immense talent on many levels, and more importantly his ability to expose and elevate poignant characters and conflicts essential to the human condition.

For more info: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3163249/

Feb 11, 202155:20
The Future of Film - EP. 11 | Grace Gallagher ("The Missing Piece," "Jonah and Julie," 2019 Female Rising Star)
May 28, 202043:50
The Future of Film - EP. 10 | Cal Etcheverry ("Art of War," USC)
May 21, 202047:33
The Future of Film - EP. 9 | Isaac Kim ("Journeybound," UCLA)

The Future of Film - EP. 9 | Isaac Kim ("Journeybound," UCLA)

Isaac came out of nowhere in 2017. Unlike many of the young filmmakers who submit projects to us throughout high school, their talent maturing with each submission and each year, Isaac only ever submitted one film. It just so happens that this filmmaker from a tiny town in South Carolina, and a tiny school with no film program, created one of the most complete and professional films we have ever received. His film “Journeybound” winner of Best Overall Film in 2017 is a fearless production that dares to go big without sacrificing any of the authenticity that often dooms student projects. The film is a triumph on every level - from the classically inspired but surprisingly inventive script to the engaging and lovable ensemble cast, to the rich and rewarding story arc full of inspiring surprises -- this film and this filmmaker seemed to appear fully formed out of some kind of Hollywood mirage… If you are curious about what the best of student filmmaking looks like… Look no further!

May 14, 202042:18
The Future of Film - EP. 8 | Nepal Arslan (NYU, Turkish Roots, "Strings")
May 07, 202039:22
The Future of Film - EP. 7 | Quinn Fluet ("Ground Control," SCAD)
Apr 30, 202053:10
The Future of Film - EP. 6 | Carol Nguyen (Canada Film Scene, Cultural Themes, SXSW Official Selection)
Apr 23, 202041:26
The Future of Film - EP. 5 | Hot N' Tedious Productions (Noose, Living in Cali, Collaboration)
Apr 16, 202057:52
The Future of Film - EP. 4 | Emily Cohn ("Pierced," "CRSHD," Tribeca)

The Future of Film - EP. 4 | Emily Cohn ("Pierced," "CRSHD," Tribeca)

AAHSFF '13 Alum Emily Cohn was part of our very first festival, all the way back in 2013, and she was a big part of helping us affirm our belief that the future of film was bright and that talented young filmmakers needed our support and recognition. Emily’s early films were full of strong and engaging female characters, navigating complicated relationships and coming of age in a world rife with uncertainty. Her film, “Pierced” (winner of our first Best Drama Award) explored the complex dynamic between two friends going in very different directions - the fantastic screenplay and overall production offer a window into a real and relatable world - one filled with both darkness and light. It was clear from Emily’s earliest work that she had the rare gift of marrying passion with talent, vision with creation - and based on her continued efforts and success - it is clear that her fire for filmmaking burns as bright as ever…

Apr 09, 202039:11
The Future of Film - EP. 3 | Caleb Wild ("Cycle," A24, Working on "Waves")
Apr 02, 202036:22
The Future of Film - EP. 2 | Christina Xing (Her Inspiration, Signing to an Agency, Moving to LA)
Mar 26, 202035:52
The Future of Film - EP. 1 | Daniel Kelly (Wiz Khalifa, Voss Water, Point Park University, Moving to California)
Mar 18, 202038:30