14th Annual Youth Diversity Film Festival Program Book

Program

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Welcome ......................................................................................

Sandra Evers-Manly, President

Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC)

Opening Remarks ....................................................................

Robert McCune, Festival Director

Youth Diversity Film Festival

Introduction of Featured Filmmakers

Film Block 1

Film Block 2

Lunch

Panel ...........................................................................................................

Directors On Directing

Film Block 3

Film Block 4

Panel ...........................................................................................................

Careers In Hollywood

“A Salute to Our

Festival Films In Review

Closing Remarks

President's Message:

Sandra Evers-Manly, President Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC)

Dear Special Guest:

On behalf of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center, I’m honored to welcome you to our 14th Annual Youth Diversity Film Festival. What started as a one-day program, has now turned into a month-long program which includes online discussions, panels and much more. This year I’m proud to share we had more than 1800 submissions throughout the US and across the globe. We will screen over 25 films in person on Saturday, March 23rd at the Regal Theater LA Live; and 80 films online starting Monday, March 25th. We are so proud of this amazing growth and most of all, creating cultural bonds through film.

We are excited about this year’s class of outstanding middle and high school students. We are abundantly proud that they all have put diversity and the powerful impact of storytelling, on display in each of their films. All while highlighting many critical issues facing our society today from mental health, social justice and more.

Through teamwork and cultural bonds, students were able to come together to not only create thought-provoking films, but most of all, uniting to change lives, build bridges, and bring about joy and laughter. Using the art of filmmaking to impact their schools, communities, and the world; one thing that remains clear from these dynamic students, the best is yet to come.

Our special thanks to all the parents, guardians, teachers, sponsors, schools and youth programs that have supported our students. Whether providing funding, establishing critical programs to allow students to explore their artistic talents, or introducing them to a creative industry that many might believe is out of reach. Your influence is a part of each film that will grace the silver screen.

To our student filmmakers: we applaud you, your talents, curiosity, and your art. Continue to learn, develop, hone your craft, and most of all use your life to bring about change. Please take special care of yourselves and your beautiful gift for storytelling. Continue to help others, and make sure to celebrate life while staying front-footed on the path to greatness. The road of an artist is certainly not an easy one, but if you stay the course, it can have life-changing impact.

Special appreciation to our Youth Festival director Robert McCune and, to our BHERC team, volunteers, panelists and sponsors; we thank you deeply. We are truly humbled by your dedication and belief in our mission.

Enjoy the festival and continue to make the world a better place!

Warm Regards,

Filmmakers”

Festival Director's Message:

Robert McCune

Festival Director, Youth Diversity Film Festival

Going into what is my second year as Director of the Youth Diversity Film Festival, my mind was set on growth. Young stories matter, and a filmmaker being able to look back one day and say we played even a small part in their journey, makes this festival so vital. This festival offers that springboard for these young people to feel like their dreams can come true. And that is what we all as creators are, dreamers. These stories are but the dreams we chase in real life.

Again, none of this is possible without the efforts of the BHERC team, so much time and effort goes into making this festival impactful. And of course the supporters of BHERC that have been here uplifting this organization since its inception; I say with my sincerest gratitude, thank you.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 Youth Diversity Film Festival Filmmakers!

Warm Wishes,

Robert

Introduction of Featured Filmmakers

FILM BLOCK 1

Extra Baggage

By Brooke Osias

Synopsis: A fox goes on a journey to reunite with her friends for the holidays.

Director Bio: Brooke Osias is a high school student making animated films in Southern California. She began making films in 2022 and attended California State Summer School for the Arts for animation in 2023. Her other passions illustration, comics, visual development, acoustic guitar, and film criticism

Returns

By Kyung Seop Chung

Synopsis: Delivery guy Jun-hyeok makes an effort to save a returned lizard.

Director Bio: Kyung is a High school of Arts Film major.

The Greatest Hitman of All Time

By Brennan Bagley

Synopsis: Two young filmmakers go to a hitman's house to shoot a documentary about him. Little do they know, he's horrible at his job.

Director Bio: An aspiring filmmaker who wants to focus on comedy films in the future. I love seeing people laugh and helping people take their minds off the world for a short while is a major goal of mine.

Dead Leads

By Eion Nunez

Synopsis: During the height of WW2, a 1940's LA detective is put on a murder case with a young cop.

Director Bio: Eion Nunez attends the Cinematic Arts Department at the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts and is currently in his sophomore year. He works as a Director of Photography, Editor, Steadicam Operator, Drone Operator, and Director.

Hobo

By Joseph Castellon

Synopsis: A young homeless girl finds a bag of money and spoils herself, but deals with the consequences later.

Director Bio: Joseph Castellon is a senior at Fillmore High School. He wants to major in Informational Technology.

For the Love of Willow:

By Nazeah Asberry

Synopsis: Two teens from different social circles, connect and find love through poetry.

Director Bio: Nazeah Asberry is an aspiring filmmaker form Verdugo Hills High School.

FILM BLOCK 2

Drake Takes Over The School

By Clarissa Vallejo

Synopsis: Two friends have a big disagreement on taking over the school and chaos ensues.

Director Bio: Clarissa Vallejo is a sophomore at Fillmore High School. She enjoys reading and nature and hopes to be a photographer in the future.

Miscommunication

By Erolen Alvarez

Synopsis: Rob tells Tim, his best friend, about his dream job and how he might actually get it. Tim wants to help Rob, but he might actually need to tell him the truth.

Director Bio: Alvarez grew up in Guadalupe, California. His number one goal is to express himself through filmmaking.

The Diary

By Jordan Adeyeba

Synopsis: : A young boy finds a diary of a mother who goes missing.

Director Bio: Jordan Adeyeba is a 7th grader at Palms Middle School's Modern Media and Communications Magnet. Jordan has been making short films and directing skits since he was 7 years old. His passion flourished during the pandemic when he began teaching himself how to edit video. This newfound pastime gave him the creative outlet to continue making entertaining, informative and thought-provoking material. In addition to filmmaking, Jordan enjoys directing, acting, drawing, and working towards the perfect room aesthetic in his bedroom.

Chihuahua Shake

By Chase Olivera

Synopsis: Experience this musical comedy about a famous Parisian dachshund who is tasked with painting a portrait of a crazy chihuahua who just won't stop shaking. Only a local band can help the chihuahua explain that there's more to his shake than meets the eye.

Director Bio: Chase Olivera is an 18-year-old filmmaker and animation creator. With previous works such as the award-winning "Beethoven Vs The Bird" and "Cloud Racers: Part One," Chase's primary goal is to entertain his audience and bring joy and energy to their hearts.

“Bohemian

By Ryan Golson

Synopsis: Two movers end up stumbling upon a mysterious tape and end up with mysterious consequences.

Director Bio: Ryan Golson grew up in Fillmore

California. He’s been at FHS for 2 years now and is an up-and-coming film writer and director for his video production class. He hopes to one day join the film industry professionally.

December 3rd

By Kate Ellis

Synopsis: December 3rd is about feeling uneasy at the idea of growing up and that my childhood ended without me realizing.

Director Bio: Kate Ellis is a high school Junior from the San Francisco Bay Area. They love both animation and film as creative mediums and enjoy experimenting with different ways to incorporate said mediums into their videos.

Shuttered

By Eion Nunez

Synopsis: A photographer losing his vision makes a final attempt to try and save his sight.

Director Bio: Eion Nunez currently attends the Cinematic Arts Department at the Los Angeles County High School of the Arts and is currently in his junior year. He works as a Cinematographer, Editor, and Director.

Heartfelt Holidays at Calvary”

By Kerrington Daniels & Kambria Daniels

Synopsis: A local church youth group's excitement turns to dismay when their saved Christmas funds disappear. Desperate to honor their mothers, they enter an entangled world of discovery, realizing that true gifts are those from the heart. Through acts of kindness and creativity, they learn that the

essence of giving lies not in material possessions but in the thoughtfulness behind them. Strengthened by this newfound understanding, they celebrate the holiday season with love and joy while making their mothers happy.

Director Bio: Meet Kerrington and Kambria, two young creators who recently discovered an interest in the creative arts. They're BHERC Kids, having grown up immersed in various programs, events, and community service efforts led by the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center. As members of Calvary Baptist Church of Santa Monica, Kerrington and Kambria worked on a short film in collaboration with their peers in the youth program. Kambria, with her keen eye for aesthetics and imagination, finds comfort in the world of art. Kerrington is an Adobe Premiere editor fueled by a love for technology.

FILM BLOCK 3

Are We Done Yet?

By Erolen Alvarez, Colin Sherfield, Dalayni Arguijo, Lexie Guerrero

Synopsis: A group of teenagers are taken in for question. Everyone's story doesn't add up. What would be the next move for Chuck and Ruth?

Director Bio: Ellen Alvarez grew up in Guadalupe, California. His number one goal is to express himself through filmmaking. “Are We Done Yet?” is a collaboration film with classmates: Colin Sherfield, Dalayni Arguijo, and Lexie Guerrero.

Black History Month

By Washington Prep High School

Synopsis: A deeper look at the importance of Black History Month.

Director Bio: A collaborative class project by Washington Prep High School students who believe in making impactful films.

A Wild Wanderer: The Tale of Two Dogs

By Angel Romero, Josue Palacios and Tommy Ramos

Synopsis: Two dogs and a cat that go on an adventure. The dogs' names are Spot and Millie and they want to go out and explore. They manage to go out and have a wonderful adventure making memories and at the end they rest after a successful trip.

Director Bio: Angel Romero Madrid is a beginner filmmaker in Verdugo Hills High School in Mr. Fyle’s classroom. He is an avid enjoyer of making films with his friend Josue Palacios who is also involved in Wild Wonders of Film. Ever since he learned how to edit on the internet he started off making funny videos of his friends and would later put that experience into film making.

Nothing Happens

By Seth Robinson & Joshua Yen

Synopsis: An average person meets a time traveler and must work with him to stop a time paradox, but why does it feel so familiar to him?

Director Bio: Seth Robinson and Joshua Yen are aspiring teenage filmmakers from Riverside, California. They have collaborated on several films together for school, and look to continue working together in the future.

Crush(ed)

By Emily Mandelberg

Synopsis: A socially awkward teen girl tries desperately to get her crush's attention.

Director Bio: Emily Mandelberg is a junior in high school at Geffen Academy at UCLA in Los Angeles, California.

The Call

By Zabdi Perez Barrera

Synopsis: A story about Schizophrenia.

Director Bio: Zabdi Perez Barrera is a Verdugo Hills High School student using film to bring attention to mental health and illness.

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Health

By Brennan Bagley

Synopsis: The NAMI club at Rancho Alamitos High School aims to help and support students who are going through mental hardships. Three NAMI members share their experiences being in the club.

Director Bio: An aspiring filmmaker who wants to focus on comedy films in the future. I love seeing people laugh and helping people take their minds off the world for a short while is a major goal of mine.

FILM BLOCK 4 Brotherhood

By Babe Benieros & Saraijah Jackson

Synopsis: A young basketball star dedicates all of his time into his fellow teammates. Little does he know, not all of them love him for it.

Director Bio: Babe Benieros & Saraijah Jackson are juniors at Cornerstone Christian High School. Both have a creative side that led them to create the short film “Brotherhood”. Saraijah was writer of the project, while Babe, directed and edited the project.

No More

By Jordan Tellez

Synopsis: A short coming-of-age tale about a teen student overcoming adversity by creating a fundraiser to help pay for her mother's hospital bills.

Director Bio: Jordan Tellez is a first-time director of the short film "No More". He is from South Central in Los Angeles and believes in the power of storytelling and everyone has the power to be a Director.

There Is No Normal

By Rene Echavarria

Synopsis: Kids walking in school group therapy. They sit down in which they discuss the question “What is normal”. As this happens, the genre depicted is a psychological thriller as they explain their struggles they face with mental illness.

Director Bio: Rene Echavarria was born on February 28, 2007 in Pomona California. Rene is trying to pursue acting and directing and has been making videos since five years old.

A Way Out

By Brandon Nicola & Erolen Alvarez

Synopsis: Dario has been slipping up and hasn’t gotten Sal’s supplies. Will Dario survive or will he sleep with the fishes?

Director Bio: Erolen Alvarez grew up in Guadalupe, California. His number one goal is to express himself through filmmaking.

Worlds On A Page

By Isaiah Flye

Synopsis: A teen and his friends visit the park, where he learns about art from a local artist. Forgetting all about his friends in the process.

Director Bio: Isaiah Flye is a student at Verdigo Hills High School, who hopes to explore filmmaking.

“Awful Bigness”

by Denver School for the Arts: Cinema Arts Middle School

Synopsis: Mini-documentaries about big emotions, big landscapes and big ideas.

Director Bio: Created by Denver School of the Arts / Video Cinema Arts middle school students. This project is in partnership with the Clyfford Still Museum.

Panels: Directors on Directing Careers in Hollywood

Panel 1:

Directors on Directing

Moderator: Laurine Price, Producer/Writer/Actress

MA, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)

Actress in PHOENIX, Schooled,Versace: American Crime Story, Switched and Blood Born

Jahmil Eady, Writer/Director/Producer

Bachelor of Arts, Pomona College

MFA in Directing University of California, Los Angeles

Wrote and Directed Award Winning Films, The Bond & Heartland

Gianfranco Fernandez-Ruíz , Writer/Director/Producer

MFA, Amercican Film Institute Conservatory

Wrote and Directed, Jerome, SABORRRR!, and When Big People Lie

Brian Lambert, Director/Writer

MA, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) Owner, Delta Wing Pictures

Wrote, Directed & Edited, PHOENIX (Espionage Thriller Series)

Panel 2:

Careers in Hollywood

Moderator: Darryl McCane, Educator/Director/Producer

B.A., Radio/TV/Film, San Jose State University

MFA, Columbia University

Projects include Funk Wars, Let Clay Be Clay, and Let Us Be Tomatoes

Chance Davis

Cinematographer/Editor/ Stop-Motion Animator

Bachelor Fine Arts, Film & Television Production, USC School of Cinematic Arts

Shawnelle Gibbs, Writer/Producer

B.A.,Cinema & Media Studies, San Francisco State University

Screenwriting Fellowship, University of Southern California

Works Include Fashion Forward, The Invention of E.J. Whitaker, and Ghost Roast

Shawnee Gibbs, Writer/Producer

B.A.,Cinema & Media Studies, San Francisco State University

Screenwriting Fellowship, University of Southern California Works Include Fashion Forward, The Invention of E.J. Whitaker, and Ghost Roast

Ken Kerbs

Teacher/Filmmaker/Author/Photographer

Columbia University School of the Arts

Photojournalism Teacher, Washington Preparatory High School

Youth Diversity Film Festival Films

Love is a Losing Game Trinity Reign Romance 7:30

You Don’t Know What it

Takes to Come Home Andre Paras Drama/Mental Health 4:42

Morgan and The Waves Andre Paras Comedy 3:00

Brotherhood Babe Beniero Thriller 11:44

Mine Esabella Anna Karena Strickland Horror 4:19

Margaret Maria Calado Mental Health 17:35

Against All Odds Andre Paras Documentary 6:55

The Diagnosis Liana Lima Comedy 4:35

Smash Or Cash Tamsin Grace Lee Comedy 9:40

The Greatest Hitman of All Time Brennan Bagley Comedy 3:57

The Scratch Olivia Corbin Horror 7:00

Late 4 Skool Sebastian Japal Comedy 2:47

Reverie Austin Keith Drama/Mental Health 7:00

Nothing Happens Seth Robinson, Joshua Yen Comedy 4:58

Dual Reality Lila Caruso Mental Health 1:06

The 14th Story Lakshya Kapoor Dramedy 5:46

Bereaved Genevieve Irons Drama/Mental Health 7:00

Dental Dysphoria Jan Patzak Drama/Mental Health 7:25

Ascent Ishaan Mani Documentary 5:11

Haunting of White Hill Andre Paras Horror/Comedy 7:00

The Heat of Change Amarachi Nwuneli Documentary 14:00

The Words That Go Unsaid EmmaLynn Deross Drama 22:47

Hawkshaw Swing: Caravan of Dreams Andrew Cai Action 8:41

Adult Elina Myshanych Mystery 8:20

Delacer Lena Townsley, Kennedy Chew Romance 5:00

Miscommunication Erolen Alvarez Drama 6:55

A Way Out Brandon Nicola, Erolen Alvarez Drama 5:19

Are We Done Yet? Erolen Alvarez Mystery 9:30

Larceny Chase Bradshaw Comedy 16:29

Bromance Chase Bradshaw Comedy 8:22

Dead Leads Eion Nunez Noir/Crime 9:32

Shuttered Eion Nunez Drama 6:49

The Dangers of Dopamine Jose Sandoval Drama/Mental Health 1:24

Anhedonia Isaac Fulumana Drama/Mental Health 6:43

What Goes Up Nikolas-Theofilos Tsironis Sci-Fi 4:50

Johnny Jr. Lily Andrews Holiday 9:20

The Diary Jordan Adeyemi Adeyeba Thriller 3:18

Nocturne Braden Rhys, Uzay Demir Thriller 10:00

5 Nights at Righetti 2 Samuel Cornejo Horror/Comedy 10:50

The Bliss of Becoming Eli Press-Reynolds Drama 6:00

Awful Bigness DSA Video Cinema Arts Documentary 9:41

Human Nature Romy Swisa Documentary 4:36

The Chihuahua Shake Chase Olivera Animation 13:56

Extra Baggage Brooke Osias Animation 1:55

My Dark Angels Azza Brummer Drama/Mental Health 4:04

Grow Up Kasha Ramani Drama 7:53

Grillz of Greed Arlo Thompson Drama 4:00

The Reiterative Reality of Rosemary Robinson Gabriella Marinace-Lee Drama 6:25

The Journey to Academic Excellence Christopher Sullivan Comedy 2:53

A+ Trinity Reign Drama 4:00

No more Jordan Tellez Drama 3:15

December 3rd Kate Ellis Drama/Animation 0:55

Amelia Chairhart Henry Gillette Comedy 5:25

Crush(ed) Emily Mandelberg Comedy 3:41

Little Guy Cameryn Koike Animation 1:00

The Shot Keira Kondo Comedy 1:20

Omega Fury: The True Story C. Baker Hefley Comedy/Mockumentary 5:29

Commonalities in Times of War Chase Nakamura Drama 4:00

Christmas Lights Cameryn Koike Animation 6:04

Ken and the Puppet Kasen Isa Dramedy 6:50

Dusk Pono Wong Animation 8:29

Just Friends Taylor Iwasaki Romance 5:38

Young Again Kailey Holbrook Drama 10:00

Drake Takes Over The School Fillmore High School Comedy 1:21

Hobo Fillmore High School Drama 5:22

Bohemian Fillmore High School Drama 3:00

Black History Month Washington Prep Documentary 6:37

Just Like Heaven Andre Paras Romance 3:36

NAMI Brennan Bagley Documentary 9:50

Returns Kyung Seop Chung Drama 8:48

Heartfelt Holidays at Calvary Kerrington & Kambria Daniels Drama 7:33

The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center, a nonprofit, public benefit organization, is designed to advocate, educate, research, develop, and preserve the history, and the future, of Black and other diverse images in the film and television industry. The BHERC strives to highlight the important roles that Black and other diverse groups have played, and continue to play, in film and television.

To that end, the BHERC annually celebrates and promotes black history and culture through a series of annual film festivals. The festivals showcase the richness and power of emerging filmmakers who will lead the way for positive and quality Black and other diverse films.

bherc@bherc.org | 323.957.4656

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