The Future of Film with Tom Oliva

In Episode 8 of Season 5, host Tom Oliva catches up with 2021 AAHSFF alum Luca Csathy, writer and director of Hot Head, which won Best Comedy at the 2021 Festival for its sharp writing, dynamic pacing, and unforgettable character work.

Luca breaks down how a simple “what if” premise — robbing a convenience store during a heatwave — turned into a layered, unexpected character study. From performance under pressure to crafting situational humor with emotional stakes, Luca shares how he blends absurdity with vulnerability to create something genuinely entertaining and human.

The episode dives into comedic structure, shot selection, editing rhythm, and the kind of creative instinct that makes a short film resonate long after the credits roll.

In Episode 7 of Season 5, host Tom Oliva connects with South Florida native and AAHSFF alum Samuel Correa — writer, director, and cinematographer of Ilia, which won Best Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy in 2021.

Samuel discusses how he approached building a grounded, emotional science fiction world on a student scale, and how his focus on character, conflict, and visual storytelling helped elevate the film’s ambitious concept. Now studying cinematography at Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts, Samuel reflects on his evolving process, the importance of restraint, and how to make genre filmmaking feel intimate, not just impressive.

This episode is a deep dive into practical worldbuilding, creative control, and the lessons learned by a filmmaker pushing himself to go bigger without losing focus.

In Episode 6 of Season 5, host Tom Oliva reconnects with one of the most inspiring voices to emerge from the AAHSFF community — Colin Dowse. Colin wrote, directed, and starred in Smile, the film that won Best Overall and Best VFX in 2020 — as a freshman. Born from the early pandemic lockdown and shaped by a deep passion for visual effects and storytelling, Smile became a defining moment not just for the festival, but for Colin’s evolution as an artist.

In this episode, Colin shares how his early obsession with VFX led to deeply personal filmmaking, how living with juvenile arthritis has shaped his creative outlook, and what it's meant to find his voice both behind the camera and as a student at Emerson College. From self-made dolly rigs to multi-crew student productions, Colin opens up about the joy, pressure, and growth that comes from making films at every stage.

In Episode 3 of Season 5, host Tom Oliva sits down with All American High School Film Festival alumna Jordan Held to discuss her Best Comedy nomination at the 2023 Teen Indie Awards, Ovaryacting.

Created during her senior year at Orange County School of the Arts, the film garnered multiple accolades, including the Young Filmmakers Competition Jury Award at the 2023 Austin Film Festival.

Jordan shares insights into her creative process, the challenges of navigating the festival circuit, and her experiences transitioning to Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.

Tune in to hear about her journey and advice for aspiring filmmakers.

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.

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.

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.

Join us on this exciting episode of The Future of Film as we welcome Eli Berliner, an award-winning filmmaker and master of the art of immersive storytelling. Eli's works, including experimental films like "Swimming in Light" and "Cross Currents", as well as his documentary "Think Like a Filmmaker", have garnered critical acclaim for their ability to take the viewer on a journey that harnesses all the senses and makes the obscure familiar and welcoming. 

Join us as we delve into Eli's creative process, inspirations, and unique approach to filmmaking. Learn about his use of synesthesia to create unforgettable cinematic experiences and how he fearlessly experiments and expands his repertoire to test his skills as a visual storyteller. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of immersive storytelling and the journey of an emerging filmmaker on the cusp of greatness.

Join us on this exciting episode as we welcome the talented twin brothers, Jasper and Lukas Fletcher, the big winners of Best Overall Film at the 2022 festival. In their debut film, "Rabbit," these talented filmmakers showcase their skills in building an atmosphere rich with mood and meaning, a testament to their natural talent and passion for visual storytelling. Get ready to dive into the ethereal and moody world of "Rabbit" as we discuss the twin's journey as filmmakers and learn about their unique approach to capturing the human condition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the art of visual storytelling and the journey of two talented filmmakers.

Join us for this episode of The Future of Film where we catch up with Christian Arnsparger, a talented filmmaker and animator. Christian was a standout student at James Clemens High School in Madison, AL, winning the award for Best PSA in 2018 for his film "Bunker" which addressed the issue of domestic violence. Since then, he has moved to Los Angeles and continued to hone his skills and has worked on projects such as the Army-Navy Game, Spiderman: No Way Home, and NFL Thursday Night Football. Learn about Christian's journey from high school award-winner to professional animator in this inspiring episode of The Future of Film.

Join us for a captivating episode of our podcast as we sit down with Braden Swope and Ethan Hammock, the creative duo behind the comedy film "The World Within Vincent". In 2019, their submission took the film world by storm with its dark comedy and heartwarming tale, winning Best Direction and a $100,000 scholarship to Point Park University. Follow Vincent, a middle-aged man struggling with bullying at his workplace, as he navigates his two worlds - reality and a heightened fantasy. Experience operatic emotions and follow Vincent's journey as he tries to overcome his struggles and find his confidence. This film is a true representation of the best of student filmmaking, showcasing the power of imaginative storytelling and sophisticated production skills. Get ready to be entertained and inspired by Braden and Ethan's passion for filmmaking in this must-listen episode.

Join us for episode two of Season Four as we welcome back Brendan Egan and Haley Pine, a dynamic duo from Massachusetts and Rhode Island who have made a name for themselves in the film industry. In 2020, these two talented creators decided to make something of the unprecedented circumstances and harness its potential for provocative and compelling storytelling. Their 2020 submission, “Zoom Dating” has become something of a cult classic and an absurdly astute satire of the teen 2020 experience as told through the lens of two teens navigating a remote romantic relationship. It’s a bizarro story that aptly epitomizes a bizarro reality and as absurd as the whole premise is - it actually strikes deep at the root of a collective experience we all share. Tune in to hear their story and learn about the power of pandemic storytelling.

Join us for an exciting episode of our podcast as we welcome back Sachin Dharwadker, a member of our inaugural class in 2013, as our first guest of Season Four. Sachin, a screenwriter and director from Madison, Wisconsin, now based in Los Angeles, is a big reason why our festival, All American, even exists today. His submission in 2013, "In a Special Place", helped solidify our belief in the power of student storytelling and set the bar high for all submissions to follow. Sachin's film won our first Best Direction Award and continues to inspire us and thousands of other student filmmakers to this day. Sachin has continued on his journey as a filmmaker and has received numerous accolades, including being an alumni of Sundance Ignite and the Sundance Episodic Lab. He is currently developing a drama series with Starz and Paramount Television Studios, finishing a new short, and developing his first feature. This episode is a must-listen for anyone just beginning their journey as a filmmaker and wanting to find a model of passion creating opportunity. Tune in to hear Sachin's story and learn about the power of student storytelling.

Jane Noury is a model, filmmaker, and actor based out of Sparta, NJ. Noticed at a young age by a modeling agency, Jane quickly became captivated by the process, creativity, technology, fashion and discipline that the industry requires. Jane is equally comfortable in front of the camera, as she is behind it and this unique talent affords her an advantage in collaborating with professionals on a production set.

As Jane pursues her ambition of establishing a career in the modeling, acting and filmmaking industries – she hopes one day to establish and administrate a Transgender Youth Foundation that provides resources and advocates for transgender teens who lack the critical components of a family's love, support, guidance and understanding as they navigate the arduous process of transitioning. 

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...

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!

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.

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...

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…

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...

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!

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.”

At just 21 years old, Ciara already boasts the kind of resume dreams are made of… But a closer look reveals a relentless work ethic and passion for genre-shifting storytelling at the core of her success. She’s the writer and director of 16 short films with considerable experience in both independent cinema and commercial projects. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Texas, she transitioned to Los Angeles where she works as a freelance cinematographer creating music videos and branded, promotional content. 

In 2018, Ciara was named “The Next Visionary Filmmaker” presented by Walt Disney Studios and Nissan, an honor that came with a $100,000 to fund her first feature film “Skin Tight”, a brand new car, and the opportunity to meet Ava Duvernay and Oprah at the “Wrinkle in Time” premiere! All of Ciara’s projects, including her early submissions to our festival, “It’s All In The Cosmos” and “Enter the Depth” present thought-provoking themes about intense introspection and characters struggling to find their way in the world. 

Her stories feature strong female leads, determined to embrace diversity and overcome racism all grounded in her acute ability to use cinematography to illuminate significance in the seemingly insignificant. The result of her efforts and gifts is a rewarding viewer experience defined by the marriage of narrative and the elements of film.

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.

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.

We were introduced to Grace back in 2017. Her film “The Missing Piece” illuminated her ability to expose intimate, personal themes of the teen experience with a soft and subtle approach. In 2019, her talents had matured, earning her several category nominations and the award for Female Rising Star. Her films, “Close From Afar” and “Jonah and Julie” are focused on strong female leads... dynamic characters who exhibit a delicate but profound growth as they navigate the complexities of family relationships. Her approach to directing is refreshing and instantly appealing… illustrated through a less is more, show don’t tell mosaic of emotions and an insight for letting the images breathe for the audience to absorb. Her films are further enhanced by her gifts as a writer and cinematographer, providing a welcome and beautiful backdrop for stories rooted in realism but full of the light of lives worth sharing.

Dallas, Texas native and AAHSFF '14-'17 alum, Cal Etcheverry, first came on our radar in 2014 with multiple Official Selections that illuminated his ability to embrace a wide range of genres with a keen interest in revealing genuine human connection triumphing over adverse circumstances. His dark comedy, “Surgeon of Seoul” won Best Comedy in 2015, further displaying his limitless range and passion for exploring the psyche of unique characters navigating equally unique trials. The fact that Cal’s writing and production craft was so diverse and mature at 15-years-old certainly caught our attention, but it was his film “The Art of War” winner of Best Editing in 2017, that truly solidified our belief that Cal was a remarkable talent. The story’s exploration of the duality of politics and war embraces a worldly perspective far beyond his years and the deep emotional core is bolstered by a masterful marrying of technique with message.

We have a talk with AAHSFF alum ‘17-’19, Nepal Arslan to dig deep into what drives this emerging filmmaker. Nepal began submitting films in 2017, so we’ve had the pleasure of watching his talents mature for three years - his passion was first recognized with several Official Selections and ultimately with his win for Best Drama in 2019. Nepal pursues stories rooted in character explorations - whether making documentaries or narratives, his films consistently reveal the realistic challenges individuals face and the power of the human spirit to overcome them. The viewer leaves his films with a sense of overwhelming positivity, but not before being taken for a raw, authentic ride through relatable trials. His 2019 film, “Strings” offers a great example of this dynamic presenting a carefully constructed, tense, and complex relationship between a father and daughter - all told through the prism of their connection to music.

AAHSFF '19 alum, Quinn Fluet is our most recent winner of our top award, Best Overall Film, for his insightful and pleasantly delicate story of two teens struggling to connect and come-of-age under the shadow of an imminent alien invasion. The story concept of the film “Ground Control” sounds big, and it is, but what won over our judges was Quinn’s ability to balance the dramatic conflict, subtly focusing both his lens and his broader themes, on complex characters rooted in realism despite the extraordinary circumstances they face. The result is a rewarding visual experience that shows rather than tells, allowing the audience to explore larger questions of identity and the power of love to overcome adversity, through the subtle development of the characters. Perhaps the best compliment I can give Quinn, beyond his obvious talent for storytelling, is that his direction reveals a profound resourcefulness that does more with less transcending the limitations of student filmmaking.

AAHSFF ‘15 alum Carol Nguyen's films explore her evolving relationship with her cultural heritage, often presenting abstract and dreamlike reflections of her emotional journey while employing mixed media to evoke a powerful sense of tone and atmosphere that compels the viewer to become engaged with the deeper themes of her projects. Her process and style provide a wonderful glimpse into a truly unique and passionate artist with an unmistakable voice.

AAHSFF ‘16 alumni Jackson, Nick, Allan and Ricardo (collectively Hot N Tedious Productions) are the epitome of the power of collaboration, seamlessly blending writing, directing, cinematography and acting talents to tell stories drenched in a sunny Southern California charm that lures the viewer in through hilarious humor and keeps them engaged with much deeper explorations of the complexities of being human. Their 2016 submission, “Noose” exemplifies their ability to balance the duality of life’s little mishaps with larger themes, all wrapped in an incredible understanding of the power of the elements of film to create an immersive cinematic experience. It’s no wonder they took home the award for Best Overall Film - their collective work is a testament to the marriage of words and visuals, direction and performance - all at once a joyous celebration and a contemplative reflection. They represent talent beyond its years… Talent destined for the big screen... And it is my pleasure to be joined by them today.

AAHSFF '17 Alum Caleb Wild is the writer and director of "Cycle" a film mature in theme, rich in symbolism, and beautifully rendered on screen while simultaneously grounded  in authentic youthful perspective and emotional exploration.  Caleb writes stories that expose a raw, universal human condition and then employs the elements of film to illuminate the depth of these stories in remarkably poignant ways.

AAHSFF ‘16 alum Christina Xing is a writer and director of immense talent. Her 2016 submission, “Goldfish” made an irresistible impression on our judges, taking home the award for Best Drama. Her refreshingly unique coming-of-age story provides a rich study of character and conflict as it explores an unlikely and challenging romance and its power to overcome trauma. But this film was clearly just the beginning… Christina continues to create boundless stories rich in diversity and surprises - all punctuated with an unmistakable style and vision.