Mason Film Festival May 2023

FILM

MASON

Director Scene Date

Film at Mason Take

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May 4- May 6

2023

Johnson Center Cinema

THURSDAY, MAY 4

FRIDAY, MAY 5

SATURDAY, MAY 6

1:30-4:30pm FAVS 496 Staged Readings (JC Gold Room)

3:00-3:35pm FAVS 366 Vid. Prod. for Social Change

3:00-4:00pm FAVS 498 Pitches

3:35-4:30pm FAVS 300 Global Horror

4:00-4:45pm FAVS 497 Edit and Cine Capstone

4:30-6:30pm FAVS 365 Documentary Filmmaking

4:45-5:15pm FAVS 497 Producing Capstone

6:30-8:00pm FAVS 375 Fiction Film Directing

5:15-8:15pm Senior Showcase

4:00-5:00pm FAVS 378 Web Series 5:00-6:10pm FAVS 399 Music Video Production 6:10-7:50pm FAVS 255 Video Production

8:15-10:15pm Awards Celebration (JC Bistro)

7:50-8:20pm FAVS 490 Independent Study

FILM.GMU.EDU

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The annual Mason Film Festival at George Mason University features the work of our Film and Video Studies students, from beginning video students, intermediate fiction directing students and documentary filmmakers to senior thesis films. This year, the festival spans three days, Thursday, May 4, to Saturday, May 6, 2023. *All blocks contain adult language and content unless otherwise noted.

THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023 FAVS 496 STAGED READINGS 1:30pm JC Gold Room Professor Peter Kimball Sunken Memories, Alaejha Thomas When a woman is transformed into a siren, gifted with the memories of her people’s past, she must make an important decision: embrace her destiny or forsake her newfound power to return to normal life.

The REM Stage, Tyler Means After a car accident reduces her partner to a coma, Eve discovers they can communicate through their dreams...where a shadow lurks.

FAVS 378 WEB SERIES 4:00pm JC Cinema Professor Susan Kehoe Duel or Die, Kayla Gutierrez, Jessilee Pollet, William Fochtmann, Panah Neshati, and Ryan Foster-Baird | 4:50 Three best friends must duel for their lives after being kidnapped to an underground card dueling league.

Something in the Way, Sae-Jong Jordan, Brian Hearsey, Talynn Leach, and Devon Kuhn | 5:03 Bad News, Benjamin Donnelly, EJ Ward, Roberto Ferreira De Araujo, Cecilia Ohanian, and Spencer Phillips | 5:00 Lina Smith is a law student working as a process server and struggles with the moral and logistical complications of her job.

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FAVS 399 MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCTION 5:00pm JC Cinema Professor Russell Santos If She Ain’t Wifey Let Her Go, Mauricio Alarcon | 3:28 A young dmv artist finds himself stuck in a toxic relationship until he finally reaches his breaking point.

Celldweller – How Little I Must Know, Christopher Garcia-Martinez | 2:25 Music Video done for FAVS 399. Song is How Little I Must Know by Celldweller Break My Soul, Aqua Harris | 5:00 After quitting her long-term job, a young woman moves to a new city and is introduced to the ballroom dance scene, where she finds both euphoria, as well as herself.

V4NGOE– Feel It, Brian Hearsey | 3:17 A masked man spirals into a mental breakdown through feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Big Business, Damien K Krzesinski | 3:43 As a Gopnik is delivering a package to his boss, he finds out he is carrying a bomb on board. Will he be able to find it and finish the delivery, before it is two late?

Watch Me, Amber Menifee | 4:18 A girl’s dream of dolls having all eyes on her soon turns into a nightmare.

Grapejuice, Jessilee Pollet | 3:59 A dream proposal results in unlucky events on Harry’s big day.

All Night, Michael Anthony Rivera | 3:46 A music video for the song “All Night” by Chance The Rapper that was shot and edited over the course of two days.

Streetcar Music Video, Daniel Vo | 4:25 Skeletons Music Video, Tiffany Vu | 3:15 Hangover, EJ Ward | 3:22 3

Crazy in Love, Lance Maldonado | 5:00 Feel Something, Matthew Baltar | 5:33 After losing his closest childhood friend to a disease, Eden struggles to find peace within himself as he desperately tries to fight of his own demons.

FAVS 255 VIDEO PRODUCTION 6:10pm JC Cinema Professors Scott Cooper and Justin Plakas Professor Justin Plakas Fall 2022 & Spring 2023 Surprise, Carlea Jo Maben, Bobby Frankfurt, Friend Rogers, and Uris Delgado | 3:50 A Halloween party takes a dark turn after two people go somewhere a little more private.

Couple Troubles, Rachel Depratti, Chris Burley, Nathan Brager, and Alissa McKay | 2:32 A couple has a tense argument while preparing a meal together.

They Watch, Julian Curtis Pryce, Xavier Jimenez, and Katrina Jaminet | 7:40 A student discovers an app that allows him play hide and seek. Though, things quickly spiral out of control when he makes a discovery that will change him forever.

TAKEOUT, Javonte Durr-Cannon, Anirys Colón Castillo, and Carleigh Williams | 3:06 A girl is sent an anonymous note that leads her to a deserted restaurant where she waits for its sender.

Berney, Riley Ater, Paolo Rivas, KeAndre Foster, Meghan Colovos, and Sean Baldwin | 1:32 A man named Berney is going about his day, when he accidentally murders one of his friends, leading to the murder of another, and it is all captured on camera.

If These Walls Could Talk, Jaiden Hubbard, Em Herman, Aidan X Moriarty, Madison Koren, and Ethan Kaye Paranoia, Sarah Rayburn, Tomás Parrilla, Marjaan Simab, Kevin Balint, and Brody Myers | 2:01

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Professor Scott Cooper Fall 2022 & Spring 2023 ***Some films in this block contain mature content. Parental discretion advised.***

Oud, Phillip Nguyen, Kat Benson, Megan Keough, and Gene Peay | 6:08 Ethan receives a mysterious fragrance for his birthday that gives him success and riches upon using it.

The Interrogation, Devin Sanders, Miles Tison, Nicole Bender, and Aidan Harris-Cross | 3:27 A woman is brought in for interrogation after finding a body in the woods. She soon realizes things are much more sinister than they seem.

Jean’s Letter, Ashlyn King, Hashim Kayal, Mohamed Elhennawy, and Christopher Bartolotto | 4:43 Jean loses a love letter and desperately tries to figure out the culprit.

Decisions, Selma Veli, Jae Villatoro, Ryan Woerner, Iana Lee, and Anya Aftab | 5:35 Two friends struggle to balance their lives.

Eyes, Kevin Vu, Mac Scott, Jorge Sanchez, and Sofia Sanchez Rodriguez | 3:30 A young student encounters a woman’s worst nightmare.

Continue Onwards, Rachel Coleman, Nico Michelsen, Cristian Cabral Rios, Michael Dinkelman | 3:17 Unconditional Love, Monica Arechiga, Alex Ianson, Brandon Yeh, Jared Jenkins, and Patrick Foraker | 2:40 A visual poetry short film about a girl named Athena trying to find her freedom by escaping from her toxic relationship with her husband.

The Belated Show, Samir Alimov, Megan Ayers, Gene Ricks, and Shane Dycus | 4:00 A sadistic game show host captures his 98th victim.

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FAVS 490 INDEPENDENT STUDY 7:50pm JC Cinema Professor Justin Plakas Why Did You Call?, Sonja Phillips-Thomas | 8:38 A writer needs help from his actress friend on a script. After that night their careers blossom.

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2023 FAVS 366 VID. PROD. FOR SOCIAL CHANGE 3:00pm JC Cinema Professor Rebekah Wingert-Jabi Group 1 Cornerstones Faith Video, Ali Ali, Amber Morse, and Olivia Williams | 2:42

FAVS 300 GLOBAL HORROR 3:35pm JC Cinema Professors Samirah Alkassim and May Santiago Professor Samirah Alkassim Fall 2022 & Spring 2023 Don’t Forget Who You Are, Andrew Shaffer | 7:58 A man gets a call from the police that leads him to question his identity.

Outsider, Juan Pineda-Torres | 4:56 The Sleepover, Katrina Jaminet | 3:28 A horror film following 3 girls who decide to summon Bloody Mary.

Professor May Santiago Fall 2022 & Spring 2023 Bad Diet, Benjamin Donnelly | 4:00 A simple pizza delivery turns into a long night.

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FAVS 365 DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING 4:30pm JC Cinema Professor Rebekah Wingert-Jabi Hoff: The Harmonica Case Man, Will Fochtmann | 9:33 Called the most interesting man in DC, Bob “the Harmonica Case Man” Hoffman shares a glimpse into his life along with the world’s largest collection of custom harmonica case collections.

Steady Eddie, Michael Anthony Rivera | 10:36 An exploration of my grandfather’s military career.

The Dream Team: A Futsal Story, Sae-Jong Jordan | 15:27 One man, Aarin Amin, has a vision of creating possibly the best team this futsal season, The Dream Team.

Working Stress, Devon Kuhn | 8:15 A documentary focusing on the mental health of medical care workers during and after the pandemic.

Pequeño Gigante (Little Giant), Mauricio A. Alarcon | 11:19 67-year-old lifelong activist and Salvadoran refugee relives his experiences in the United States during the 80s and 90s. *Please note this film portrays violence.

Huzzah!, Jonah Manibusan | 14:00 Go back in time as two jousters from DeBracey Productions describe the show they perform at the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

Whirled of an Artist, Bodhi Bryan-Roig | 11:34 A sculptor recounts his trials and tribulations trying to find his footing in the art world.

What I Want to Do, Parker Haller | 8:15

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FAVS 375 FICTION FILM DIRECTING 6:30pm JC Cinema Professors Peter Kimball and Nikyatu Jusu Professor Peter Kimball Fall 2022 Lift, Daija Sykes | 4:54 The elevator malfunctions, trapping Andrea and Jordan inside. They help each other, finally overcome the crisis and become friends.

Driver Meets Gamer, Alexander Rodriguez | 4:57 A deep game player plays the game until he loses track of time. This causes him to forget the food he had just ordered has arrived. As a result, he finally met the driver in a panic. Then, of course, the two quarreled.

Analog, Spencer Phillips | 4:35 In trying to communicate with a spirit through a radio, a paranormal investigator opens a doorway and unleashes a dark spirit on the world.

Ghost Roast, Joshua Biedrycki | 12:40 What should have been a somber event turns into a harsh roast when a ghost tries to throw his own funeral.

Professor Nikyatu Jusu Spring 2023 I Love You Too, Emilee Hayward | 5:14 Sonda, James Bah | 7:13 Two strangers that both share a mutual friend try to see eye on their blackness at a smoke session.

Excellent and Lamentable, Miles Tison | 6:23 A ballet dancer cast in a queer retelling of Romeo and Juliet battles internalized homophobia as she falls in love with her co-star.

Feung Schwey: The Act of Being a Hero!, Jonah Manibusan | 7:49 Radio Silence, Sujay Khona | 4:57 8

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023 FAVS 498 PITCH COMPETITION 3:00pm JC Cinema Professors Tommy Britt and Nikyatu Jusu Select finalists in FAVS 498 Development for Senior Project will pitch their senior thesis film ideas.

Winners receive a pitch scholarship to be used to cover production costs on their films made next semester.

FAVS 497 CINE AND EDITING CAPSTONES 4:00pm JC Cinema Professors Hans Charles and Maura Ugarte Cinematography, Professor Hans Charles Lee Hou Cullen Livingstone Editing, Professor Maura Ugarte Section 1 Jude Alzughaibi John Barnes Alyssa Chandler Stephanie Faura Gene Kim Paul Lee Daija Sykes Liam Tipler

Section 2 Sabrina Beach Alene Boghosian Ryan Burke Vincent McGarry Hintsa Mehari Amber Menifee Jason Monteflores Amber Morse Sidney Mullins Elisabeth Padula

FAVS 497 PRODUCING CAPSTONE 4:45pm JC Cinema Professor Lisa Thrasher Jordyn Caldwell Olivia Cunningham Sae-Jong Jordan Tyson Nader

Alexander Rodriguez Martin Trompeta EJ Ward Daniel Zaitoun 9

FAVS 499 SENIOR SHOWCASE 5:15pm JC Cinema Professor Ben Steger Block 1 Ms. Understanding, Damien Krzesinski | 9:46 In the year 2110, an autistic male named Boris falls in love with an AI Android named Mary Jane. Boris has to deal with not just the challenges of being in a relationship, but the everyday challenges presented by his autism.

The Mourning, Carlos Lenz | 9:58 Ana arrives home with a small urn and soon after begins experiencing unexplainable events.

INVOKE, Kate “Moth” Sheridan | 10:50 Seeking a way to help their fiancé during her mental health crisis, Astrid’s prayers are answered when their Patron God appears before them, ready to make a deal.

Jazz, Andrew Opitz | 10:00 On the eve of a sold out show, a jazz musician bares his soul through his music.

We’re Only Strangers, Jennifer Vu | 11:16 Jade gets a voicemail from Alex, asking her to take him back. The problem: the phone call wasn’t meant for her, but she calls him anyway. As the two of them share their love stories over the phone, they dive into each other’s memories and learn more about love, grief, and heartbreak.

Spectral Seers, Devon Kuhn | 11:34 In an effort to win a paranormal investigative tv series three friends decide to document their next case in hope of winning.

Countdown, Jaiden Williams | 10:50 Rebecca has the ability to see how much time someone has left before they die, but she must decide if she will allow it to control her life forever.

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Block 2 ***Some films in this block contain mature content. Parental discretion advised.***

Side Bi Side, Will Fochtmann | 7:29 John is a bi guy sick of dating, but his roommate Alex isn’t about to let him give up on love. The two of them look back on his love life to try to reignite his search for love.

Oscuro, Wenhao Wang | 11:18 A recently divorced woman finds herself haunted by not only the painting that her and her exhusband are fighting over, but also the loss of a child that they never had.

Bourbon, Cajun, and Jazz, Steven King | 9:36 The mayor of New Orleans, Louisiana cordially invited 2 distinct strangers to his dinner party.

However, the party turns into a murder mystery when the mayor turns up dead.

Welcome to Grailwood, Blake Smith | 9:38 Christina and her family move to the secluded town of Grailwood, a quiet town where everyone knows each other. At first everything seems normal to Christina, she gets bullied at school, her father leaves for a mysterious business trip the day before her 16th birthday, and last but not least, a crazy cult wants to sacrifice her. But, it doesn’t all go as planned.

Transcendent Love, Ty Wright | 11:52 Eddie and Avery are an average couple who have been living together for years, when Eddie discovers that Avery is transgender. Now, Eddie must navigate new, complicated, changes to their lives and look in on his own sexuality, in order to decide whether or not to pursue their relationship going forward.

Surrender, Tiffany Vu | 11:06 After her mom’s kidney fails, Amy’s world shatters. In the aftermath of the news, Amy must navigate grief, loss, love, and convincing her superstitious mom that the hospital isn’t haunted.

Awards Ceremony and Reception 8:15pm – 10:15pm JC Bistro Join us in the Johnson Center Bistro for refreshments.

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THANK YOU TO THE FILM AT MASON ADVISORY BOARD AND JURIES Vic Adebusola Theodore A. Adams III Leola Calzolai-Stewart Dean Rick Davis Zeyn Faddoul Jim Folliard Aaron Goodmiller Susan Graziano Julie Haberstick Melissa Houghton Eric Hunsaker

Clara Kelly Kiley Kraskouskas Mary Lechter Mahrya MacIntire Willy Meaux Christian Oh Chuck Peña Mohammed Saffouri May Santiago Rachell Shapiro

WITH APPRECIATION TO THE FILM AT MASON STAFF Evan Bowen, Technical Assistant Andrew Jorgensen, Technical Coordinator Maddie Portnoy, Academic Advisor Samantha Sinagra, Academic and Program Manager Anjuli Singh, Exhibitions and Office Coordinator

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FILM AT MASON FACULTY Cynthia Fuchs, Program Director and Associate Professor Samirah Alkassim, Assistant Professor Tommy Britt, Professor Hans Charles, Associate Professor Giovanna Chesler, Professor Nikyatu Jusu, Assistant Professor Amanda Kraus, Associate Professor Heather McDonald, CVPA Writer in Residence Justin Plakas, Assistant Professor Benjamin Steger, Associate Professor Lisa Thrasher, Assistant Professor Maura Ugarte, Assistant Professor 12