Articles

By Rachel Lambert.

The Fusion Film Festival’s screening of finalists was an incredibly inspiring night. Many amazing works were screened from the various submissions categories, from Web Series to Animations, Undergraduate Films, Graduate Films, and more.

Here’s what some of the artists whose films and scripts were chosen as winners had to say about their experiences with Fusion:

Alik Barsoumian (Grad Feature Screenplay): “The Fusion Film Festival gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate the work of talented female filmmakers. It was a wonderful experience to be in the company of other filmmakers who are striving to cultivate women’s stories. The festival reminds us that we have a place in cinema and encourages us to keep working towards a more well-rounded representation of human stories on screen.”

Danielle Kampf (Sight & Sound): “Being able to attend the final screening was an amazing experience. All of the films were extremely enjoyable and fun to watch. I felt honored being able to witness first hand the community that Fusion is creating because I truly do believe that change in the industry is going to start from the bottom up.”

Jennifer Rudin (Grad Half Hour Pilot Script): “It’s been such a thrill to be honored at this year’s Fusion festival. I’ve met some great writers and filmmakers over the last few weeks. It’s been an invigorating personal and professional experience.”

Madelyn Miller (Undergrad Half Hour Pilot Script): “At this year’s festival, I got to hear from some really talented and successful women in the Film and TV industries and learn from their experiences. In being a finalist, I was supported and encouraged in my own path of creating content and building my career in television. My Fusion experience helped me envision myself as the kind of artist/professional that would be sitting in one of the panelist seats at the festival some day, and made me feel like I’m on the right track to achieving that.”

Marie Constantinesco (Web Series): “Fusion was a great opportunity to see works from a growing community of women’s filmmakers.”

Rose Loprinzo (Rising Star): “This was my first award, as well as my first submission to a film festival, so you can imagine how exciting it was to find out I’d won. I put a lot of effort and love into this project, so I’m glad everyone enjoyed it!”

Sandra (Min Wan) Tan (Undergraduate Film): “It was an incredible honor to have ‘Fishbone’ win the undergraduate category, and for my cast and crew to be recognized for their hard work and talent. I was in awe of the other films and the talent that was evident on screen, and it has encouraged me to keep creating.”

Serena Dykman (Docs-in-the-Works): “The Fusion Film Festival has been an incredible experience by its attendees, panels, screenings, events, and positive energy. Moreover, getting such insightful and encouraging feedback on my documentary NANA from the leaders in the documentary field was an incredible and encouraging experience, and I am so grateful to be able to be mentored by these people.”

Thati Peele (Graduate Film): “Thank you to the fusion film festival for a truly incredible experience! This is LERATO’s first festival win and we are glad it happened at such a dynamic festival! I think most new directors will agree that the battle against self-doubt is the most hard won. Fusion gave us the opportunity to share our work and a much needed injection of confidence that we are not alone in thinking we’re on the right path.”

Check out all the winners below!

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AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD:

“The Rain Collector” by Isabella Wing-Davey

Inspired by true events, “The Rain Collector” is about the women who confounded ideas of what was appropriate or expected, and got involved in science in Victorian England. This is the story of Vanessa Kentworth and the rain.

Link to Film Trailer: https://vimeo.com/158925079

Website: www.theraincollectorfilm.com/

Prizes:

• Avid Media Composer (valued at $2500)
• Subscription to Final Draft
• Criterion Collection Package

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ANIMATION AWARD:

“Otter of the Underground” by Christina Jean Benenati

 

“Otter of the Underground”: When their gold mine experiences a mysterious power outage, Otter and Mole’s journey to restore the mine spirals into a wild adventure.

Link to Film Trailer: https://vimeo.com/154695310

Website: http://www.cjbenenati.com/

Prizes:

• $500 Grant from the Movado Foundation
• One Year Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud
• Subscription to Final Draft

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DOCS-IN-THE-WORKS AWARD:

“NANA” by Serena Dykman

  

“NANA”: The filmmaker retraces her grandmother’s Auschwitz survival and investigates how her life-long fight for tolerance can be continued in the 21st century.

Link to Film Trailer: https://vimeo.com/127216079

Websites: www.serenadykman.com, www.nanafilm.com, www.facebook.com/NanaADocumentary

Prizes:

• Movado Bold Watch and $1000 Grant from the Movado Foundation
• One year subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud
• One year membership to IFP
• Consultation with Impact Partners on fundraising/strategizing and distribution
• Consultation and mentoring with Chicken & Egg
• Workshop Grant from Women Make Movies
• Filmmaker Consultation with VICE Media

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GRADUATE FEATURE SCREENPLAY AWARD:

“Antouni (Homeless)” by Alik Barsoumian

“Antouni (Homeless)” is the story of Amaris, an orphaned teenager who is torn between remaining in the rural Armenian village where she was raised and exploring the outside world she has always dreamed of.

Website: www.aliktamar.com

Prizes:

• The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation Television Writing Award $2000
• Subscription to Final Draft
• Free Passes to Landmark Theater

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MOVADO EXCEPTIONAL ARTIST AWARD FOR GRADUATE FILM & CANON FILMMAKER AWARD FOR GRADUATE FILM:

“Lerato” by Thati Peele

(Cinematography by Chananun Chotrungroj)

Set against the backdrop of picturesque rural South Africa, “Lerato” follows the journey of Happy Diale, a short-tempered lime farm labourer, who battles fate in order to get his rebellious daughter, Lerato, to a prestigious piano audition on time.

Link to Film Trailer: https://vimeo.com/121746355

Website: www.leratoshortfilm.com

Prizes:

Movado Exceptional Artist Award for Graduate Film – 

• Movado Bold Watch
• Abel Cine Rental Package of $500
• Gotham Sound Rental Package of $400
• Xeno Light Rental Package of $1000
• One Year Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud
• Workshop grant with Women Make Movies

CANON Filmmaker Award for Graduate Film – 

• Canon Mark III Camera Plus Lens Kit

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GRADUATE HALF HOUR PILOT SCRIPT AWARD:

“Starring Chloe Fisher” by Jennifer Rudin

“Starring Chloe Fisher”: A professional teen actress starring on Broadway battles onstage and offstage drama when she’s suddenly faced with an understudy who will stop at nothing to steal her role.

Website: www.jenrudin.com

Prizes:

• The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation Television Writing Award $2000
• Subscription to Final Draft

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SIGHT & SOUND AWARD:

“Paper” by Danielle Kampf

 

“Paper”: A young girl encounters a playground bully.

Link to Film: https://vimeo.com/user31046964

Website: https://vimeo.com/127191736

Prizes:

• $1000 Undergraduate Production Grant
• Subscription to Final Draft
• One Year Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud
• Membership to Anthology Film Archives

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MOVADO EXCEPTIONAL ARTIST AWARD FOR UNDERGRADUATE FILM & CANON FILMMAKER AWARD FOR UNDERGRADUATE FILM:

“Fishbone” by Sandra (Min Wan) Tan

(Cinematography by Daisy Zhou)

“Fishbone”: When seven-year-old Jade catches her divorced father with another woman, she is forced to choose between telling the truth and staying in his good graces.

Website: www.promcreative.nyc

Prizes:

Movado Exceptional Artist Award For Undergraduate Film – 

• Movado Bold Watch
• $2000 Production Grant
• Subscription to Final Draft
• Gotham Sound Rental Package $400
• One Year Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription
• Workshop Grant with Women Make Movies

CANON Filmmaker Award for Undergraduate Film – 

• Canon Mark III Camera Plus Lens Kit
• Abel Cine Rental Package of $500

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UNDERGRADUATE HALF HOUR PILOT SCREENPLAY:

“Right Wing Woman” by Madelyn Miller

“Right Wing Woman” is a satirical sitcom about a teenage girl Georgina who has to move from her conservative Alabama hometown to liberal Berkeley, CA when her parents get divorced because the nationwide legalization of Gay marriage “destroys the sanctity of their straight marriage” and they can no longer find meaning in their union. Think Kimmy Schmidt’s sweet and earnest charm, but with the Colbert Report character’s unrelenting conservative views, which make for some very charged exchanges between Georgina and her progressive Californian neighbors and classmates.

Websites: https://vimeo.com/user29981308, https://twitter.com/TRuthBader

Prizes:

• The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation Television Writing Award $2000
• Subscription to Final Draft

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UNDERGRADUATE HOUR PILOT SCREENPLAY:

“Wasteland” by Jennifer Helen Coates

“Wasteland” follows a brash scientist who re-roots her life to the sweltering San Joaquin Valley. While there, she uncovers the political underpinnings of California’s smothering drought crisis, and her discoveries ultimately lead to unforeseen bloodshed.

Website:  twitter.com/jenn_helen

Prizes:

• The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation Television Writing Award $2000
• Subscription to Final Draft

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UNDERGRADUATE FEATURE SCREENPLAY:

“The Firebird” by Suzanne Egan

“The Firebird”: An aspiring ballerina tries to escape Bolshevik Russia by joining a touring production of The Firebird, but a scheming government worker jeopardizes her plan when he threatens to expose her ties to the Romanov empire.

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-egan-96450966

Prizes:

• The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation Television Writing Award $2000
• Elizabeth Cuthrell & Susan Sandler Screenwriting Award $1500
• Subscription to Final Draft

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WEB SERIES:

“My Life in Sourdough” by Marie Constantinesco

 

“My Life in Sourdough”: Jeanne wakes up next to her new lover who is not your typical New York dude.

Link to Episode: http://www.mylifeinsourdough.com/2015/4/20/episode-6-im-a-man

Website: www.mylifeinsourdough.com

Prizes:

• Project Greenlight Digital Studios Grant $2500
• Opportunity to develop web series with Project Greenlight Digital Studios
• Final Draft Subscription
• Gotham Sound $200 Rental Package Project Greenlight Digital Studios Grant $2500

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RISING STAR:

“Bonedigger” by Rose Loprinzo

 

“Bonedigger”: The Devil is struck with sudden guilt upon seeing a small puppy waiting next in line for the gates of Hell.

Link to Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1C6jzKuqD4

Website: vimeo.com/roseloprinzo

Prizes:

• $500 Grant from the Movado Foundation
• Subscription to Final Draft
• Membership to Anthology Film Archives
• Skirball Passes
• Criterion Collection Package

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Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to everyone who joined Fusion in celebrating women in film, TV, and new media. See you next year!

By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.

Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.

UNDERGRADUATE FEATURE SCREENPLAY:

Elizabeth Rakhilkina
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of 2019
Hometown: Twin Peaks
Screenplay: The Queen Bee

Suzanne Egan
Major in Dramatic Writing – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of 2014
Hometown: Clarkston, Michigan
Screenplay: The Firebird

Mia Volta
Major in Dramatic Writing, Minor in Anthropology – New York University
Junior
Hometown: Connecticut
Screenplay: FAT KAT

How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?

Elizabeth: I am just no good in anything else. 

Suzanne: Originally I wanted to go to Hogwarts. That didn’t pan out, so this seemed like a decent alternative.

Mia: I grew up in Connecticut wearing hefty size children’s clothes and gossiping over salami with my Italian family. At a young age, I started writing fantasy stories in which I had friends. Now, I want to write about awesome girls who don’t necessarily fit in.

What inspires you?

Elizabeth: Tobacco sky, clover honey pots, hidden doors & tiny floors, flying whales & slimy snails. 

Suzanne: I love reading and writing stories that take people away from the ordinary. History, fantasy, and science-fiction have always been my favorite genres because they transport you from reality.

Mia: I am inspired by all the strong women in my life.

Why did you submit to Fusion?

Elizabeth: Well… I am a woman and this is a festival that promotes women in film.

Suzanne: I love how the Fusion Film Festival brings so many talented women and men together to celebrate their work. Women (especially women of color) are underrepresented in too many industries, and it is so important for us to have a presence in media because that allows our voices to be heard. Fusion is great because it not only promotes women who contribute to the film industry, but it also celebrates collaboration between women and men. 

Mia: I am inspired by all the strong women in my life, and Fusion is the perfect place to share my enthusiasm. 

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Elizabeth: I’ve got a very irregular head, and I am not anything that you think I am anyway. 

Suzanne: I love working with other writers and reading their scripts. Look me up if you want to swap notes!

Mia: I’ve never met a dog or a piece of pizza I didn’t like. 

The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th.

By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.

Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.

WEB SERIES:

Joyce Wu
Film Production, MFA – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of 2014
Hometown: Troy, Michigan
Web Series: “Mr. Right”

Marie Constantinesco
Major in Filmmaking, MFA – Tisch School of the Arts
Hometown: France
Web Series: “My Life in Sourdough – I’m a Man”

Katherine Banos
Major in Acting, Minors in BEMT (Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology) and Producing – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of Spring 2016
Hometown: Syosset, New York
Web Series: “My Life As Morgan”

How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?

Joyce: I was an actress and the only parts I ever auditioned for were massage parlor workers and illegal immigrants. It was selfishness, really, because I wanted to create better roles for myself and see someone like me on screen in a complex, nuanced, completely human way.

Marie: By going to the cinema and wanting to jump in the screen.

Katherine: Coming from a family with a background in sports, I surprisingly found my love for writing and filmmaking through an introduction to theater.  I knew how much I wanted to be an actor the second I got a one-line role as Angie the Ox in a middle school production of “Guys and Dolls.”  This allowed me to pursue more opportunities in acting and made me become infatuated with storytelling. Back to the Future is ultimately the movie that made me fall in love with the art form when I was a kid, and it made me realize how much I not only wanted to make movies, but needed to.

What inspires you?

Joyce: I’m a very excitable person so it could really be anything. Sometimes it’s a great piece of cinema or a brave humanitarian, or sometimes I just see a pug eating a piece of cantaloupe and I’m ready to start writing and making stuff, or at least laugh really hard, which is just as important, I think.

Marie: Revolutions, farmers’ markets, bread, political chefs, daylight, Roman Holidays, and Thelma and Louise.

Katherine: I am honestly, consistently inspired by my parents. My mom and dad are such a powerful example of hard work and success. They started from the bottom in life, struggled, and never gave up on going after the things that they wanted. They constantly encourage me to be my best self and to go after my dreams. Sometimes I even feel as though they believe in me more than I believe in myself– what more can you ask for from a parent? Without their support and inspiration I would not be the artist nor the person I am today. I attribute so much of my success and happiness to them. My mom and dad are part of the reason I keep doing what I love, and for that I am forever grateful.

Why did you submit to Fusion?

Joyce: If there’s indeed a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women, Fusion is heaven.  Each year, I’m so impressed by the incredible programs and panels and the wonderful community of female filmmakers and allies that Fusion fosters and celebrates.  

Marie: Because Fusion Film Festival celebrates cinema and women directors.

Katherine: Fusion Film Festival is an incredible organization celebrating the work of empowering and pioneering women. My series, “My Life as Morgan,” is one that is focusing to put a spotlight on women in comedy. Throughout the years, comedy has been a genre dominated by some fantastically talented men. While we have seen such a rise and celebration of female comedians over the years, I feel as though we cannot stop and settle for only a few powerful female voices. We must continue to push the boundaries to continue having different voices heard on and off screen. I want to move past classic tropes and stereotypes put on women in comedy. The goal is for women to be seen as equals in a comedic world. The producers, directors, writers, and leads of this series are women. We submitted to Fusion because it celebrates the very idea that this story and project was built on.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Joyce: I’m double-jointed in both arms and legs and was runner-up in my sixth grade spelling bee.

Marie: Websites: www.ibakefilms.com & www.mylifeinsourdough.com.

Katherine: “My Life as Morgan” is a webseries that is intended to be eventually produced as a television series. We currently have two episodes on YouTube, with our third episode premiering at 10:00 pm on Monday, February 29th. The producers of this project are myself, Grace Gao, and Sahar Helmy. The director of episodes one and two are Madeline Mahoney and the director of episodes three and four are Pati Amoroso. I am so grateful this show has been given such a distinguished honor to be a part of this extraordinary festival this year. I am so thankful to be working with an incredible team, without whom I could not have put together such an incredible and fun project. Thank you!

The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th.

By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.

Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.

UNDERGRADUATE HOUR PILOT SCREENPLAY:

Jennifer Helen Coates
Major in Dramatic Writing, Minor in Producing – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of May 2016
Hometown: Germantown, Maryland
Screenplay: Wasteland

Danielle Kampf
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of 2017
Hometown: Syosset, NY
Screenplay: A.C.T.

Anna Rich
Major in Dramatic Writing, Minor in Creative Writing – Tisch School of the Arts/College of Arts and Sciences
Class of Fall 2016
Hometown: Virginia
Screenplay: Chosen No More

How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?

Jennifer: I owe everything to J.K. Rowling! When I was younger, I’d write my own Harry Potter books while I was waiting for the new ones to come out. I loved the world that she created, and I wanted to be able to create worlds of my own someday.

Danielle: I first decided to study film when I was a junior in high school. Prior to that I was on a science based track.

Anna: With a family that communicates in movie quotes and cartoon impressions, there was little hope for me but to join the entertainment industry.

What inspires you?

Jennifer: Really innovative stories. I love going to the movies to see stories that are outside the realm of what happens in my daily life.

Danielle: Even though I’m aspiring to be a filmmaker, science is always something that will inspire me.

Anna: I find inspiration in nature, the latest scientific break throughs, and dragons.

Why did you submit to Fusion?

Jennifer: It’s important for women to have their voices celebrated, especially in an industry that doesn’t offer many opportunities for women outright. Fusion has done a great job at creating opportunities for women to collaborate and celebrate filmmaking across different platforms.

Danielle: I submitted to Fusion Film Festival because I have a large respect for the platform and the community it creates.

Anna: Having interests that lie in typically male dominated genres, from animation to science fiction to anything with explosions in it, I thank the Fusion Film Festival for reminding the world that female filmmakers exist in all disciplines and genres, and they’re done waiting in the wings.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Anna: I am currently working on a web series set for production in May, and I have a new musical running in the 50th Anniversary Forum in Educational Theater this April (I wrote the book).

The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th.

By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.

Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.

UNDERGRADUATE HALF HOUR PILOT SCREENPLAY:

Lauren Nicole Flippo
Major in Dramatic Writing – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of Spring 2018
Hometown: Claremore, Oklahoma
Screenplay: House of Worship

Madelyn Miller
Double Major in Film & Television and Spanish, Minor in Dramatic Literature – New York University
Class of May 2016
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Screenplay: Right Wing Woman

Lyndsey Bourne
Double Major in Dramatic Writing and Drama – Tisch School of the Arts
Screenplay: Regrettable Behavior

How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?

Lauren: When I was in kindergarten, my teacher showed my mom this weird little story I wrote about eagles having a race (or something like that) and said I had a talent. After that, writing was all I wanted to do, all the time. In elementary school, I would get in trouble for scribbling stories on loose leaf instead of paying attention in math class. But now I really do get to write all the time, so I would say things definitely worked out in my favor! 

Madelyn: I became a writer because I want to make people laugh, cry, and think – bonus points if I can make them sneeze or get a jumpstart on their tax returns.

Lyndsey: I’m obsessed with trying to express the clumsy ways we try and fail to connect with one another. Writing has always been a way for me to try and understand the world – or at least my perception of it. 

What inspires you?

Lauren: Nothing can get to me the way a really good story can. Whether it’s a book, TV show, movie, or play doesn’t matter – I’ve got favorites in every medium that have made me feel more than most things in “real” life. The thought that someday I might write a story that will have an equal emotional effect on even one person inspires me to try and write every day. 

Madelyn: I feel most inspired watching other people perform improv or stand-up comedy, and watching comedy news shows like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.

Lyndsey: Female writers whose work I admire, New York City, the many different forms of storytelling, and the feeling of thoughts passing between your face and mine. 

Why did you submit to Fusion?

Lauren: It’s important for women to support each other, especially in an industry as male-dominated as film. That’s not to say incredible movies and television shows aren’t still being made. I simply believe women’s voices aren’t currently represented as well as they could be. And to some degree, isn’t everyone’s goal in the film industry to create work that has universal impact? The Fusion Film Festival offers women the opportunity to showcase their work and provides a community I’m excited to take part in. 

Madelyn: I submitted to the Fusion Film Festival because I think it’s awesome that NYU has a festival dedicated to celebrating women in film and tv! I’ve really enjoyed Fusion both as an attendee of festival events and as a volunteer.

Lyndsey: This is an incredible festival with necessary opportunities for the still heavily underrepresented female voice. 

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Lauren: I’m just very honored to be chosen as a Fusion finalist because there are a lot of amazing writers at NYU. Whenever I’m in my dramatic writing classes, I’m constantly blown away by how talented my peers are. It makes me feel ecstatic and anxious all at once to be learning alongside people destined to create the next generation’s storytelling lore – the stories that will be to our kids what films like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings were to our parents. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. 

Madelyn: Twitter – @TRuthBader.

The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th.

By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.

Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.

GRADUATE FILM:

Alexandra Hsu
Major in Film Production, MFA – NYU Tisch Asia
May 2015 Commencement, May 2016 Graduation
Hometown: Orange County, California
Film: “Sophie”

Thati Peele
Major in Directing and Writing – Tisch School of the Arts
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Film: “Lerato”

Isabella Wing-Davey
Major in Film, MFA – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of 2015
Film: “The Rain Collector”

Honorable Mention:
Myrsini Aristidou
Major in Film Production – Tisch School of the Arts
Hometown: Limassol, Cyprus
Film: “Semele”

How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?

Alexandra: When I was young, my father took me to the theater frequently—primarily  operas and local plays. Over time, I came to realize that I didn’t belong in front of the camera or on the stage, but behind the camera, looking through the lens. Looking back, it seems inevitable that I would get involved with something like film. My parents’ creative pursuits influenced me greatly and fueled my imagination. I decided to become a filmmaker in high school after watching the film CRASH. I usually hesitate to mention this film since it tends to get a lot of flak from film school students. But at the time when I first watched it, I related to the representation of Los Angeles and the stereotypes the film addresses. So the film spoke to me and planted the seed in my head that I could be making films with similar social messages.

Thati: Firstly, I’m South African, which is a story in itself. Moreover, before my “cinematic calling,” I taught English at a military base in Korea and worked as a statistician selling mountains of long-life yoghurt in Angola. Cinema seems the only way to adequately convey these (and many) experiences since it captures all the senses. 

Isabella: I have always been inspired by the everyday narratives of people’s lives, and perhaps that’s why I studied History at university. I was fascinated by the world around me and the hidden histories that I was coming across. And from that I started writing my own stories and narratives which led me to film.

Myrsini: As a child, I was always involved with different forms of art, expressed in many different mediums – photography, painting, sculpting, music, dancing – and always loved watching movies. So one day I realized that Cinema is actually a combination of all arts, and that is the ideal profession for me. And now, I simply cannot imagine myself doing anything other than this.

What inspires you?

Alexandra: I get excited about telling stories that cover the depth and breadth of human life, whether they’re documentaries or narrative films. Because I’m an Asian American woman, I’m also interested in exploring stories about my culture and history. For example, in undergrad, I selected poems written by my great-grandfather Xu Zhimo, who was one of China’s preeminent twentieth-century poets, and made videos inspired by his work. I’ve also made documentaries on the status of women in urban China and the beginning of in vitro fertilization as told through my parents’ story. Travel and learning about new cultures influences my work quite a bit as well. I feel lucky to have been previously exposed to different cultures, but there is still so much more to see. As my worldview continues to expand, I would like my films to reflect that growth.

Thati: I am heavily inspired by the places I have called home: South Africa, Korea, and now the States. I’m inspired by their politics, music, literature, racial dynamics, and relationships to gender.

Isabella: People and their emotions. From rage to love, brutality to tenderness, each person experiences and communicates such varied feelings. It always amazes me the way people justify their behavior with emotion, and it’s an endless source of inspiration for me when I’m writing my characters. I’m also inspired by great women; both the trailblazers and the ordinary women. The strength of women to endure, to persevere, and, even when faced with the most belittling prejudice, their ability to overcome bigotry and abuse and institutional and societal obstacles. It inspires me to tell stories about these struggles as we continue to strive for equality, to make films that show women and girls striving to be all that they could ever dream that they could be.

Myrsini: Many things. I wish I could point out one – but I feel like it would be unfair for all the rest… But overall I guess you could say that I’m inspired by the intricacies of human interactions.

Why did you submit to Fusion?

Alexandra: Hollywood’s diversity problem is no secret and the film industry is still dominated by men, especially in leadership and creative roles. Women-focused festivals like Fusion create much-needed opportunities for women to tell their stories through film and allow their voices to be heard. There is a unique quality and sensibility to films directed by women, that are never addressed in films made by men. Festivals, like Fusion, are also great for networking and I’m looking forward to developing new relationships and networking with other women within the NYU community. My goal is to create more roles for women and for women of color. From my perspective, Fusion is the perfect place to be exploring stories about female relationships—stories made by and for women that have universal appeal.

Thati: I found out about the fest through upperclass(wo)men and classmates. They were all very optimistic about their trajectory in film after attending, and it sounds like fun! 

Isabella: It’s a great showcase for female creators at NYU, bringing together Grad and Undergrad filmmakers, and I’m thrilled to be a Grad Film Finalist.

Myrsini: Because I am a woman filmmaker attending NYU, and I find it of paramount importance that we support each other in this industry. I feel we are in a crucial time in history right now for women in film, and it’s important that we seize the present opportunities to change an industry that for too long has given too little attention to women.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Alexandra: Other than being a director, I am also a producer. I have produced seven commercials and music videos during my time at NYU Tisch Asia, and I’m currently producing a thesis film directed by another NYU female director. Fun fact: I’m an avid tennis player and have been playing since I was eight years old. I played for both my high school and college teams. At Scripps, I pursued my interest in sports media and was the media coordinator for several NCAA championships there. Sports media is another area where I feel women are underrepresented.

Thati: My favorite movie is Ghostbusters. Tied in second place are Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, In the Mood for Love, Tangerine, and Legally Blonde. I am currently in pre-production of my sci-fi thesis film MoonDate. 

Isabella: I just gave really intense answers, but my movie is meant to make you smile!

Myrsini: I think you can understand a lot about me by watching the movie.

The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th.

By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.

Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.

SIGHT AND SOUND:

Razieme Iborra
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of 2018
Hometown: Her birth certificate says Canton, Ohio, but she’s convinced she’s actually from New York City.
Film: “Blackheart”

Danielle Kampf
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of 2017
Hometown: Syosset, NY
Film: “Paper”

Annalee Walton
Major in Film & Television, Minor in Entertainment Business – Tisch School of the Arts/Stern School of Business
Class of 2018
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Film: “The Peddler”

How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?

Razieme: In 2008, I went to see The Dark Knight with my mom in a theatre full of other first-time viewers. It was one of the best movie-going experiences of my life. Heath Ledger’s performance as the joker… was perfection. And as a fellow perfectionist, I knew I had to experience some of that for myself. By the end of that summer, I had decided I wanted to go into the film industry and become an actor. Then a couple of years went by, and I learned more about myself and I realized that I was far better off directing.

Danielle: I first decided to study film when I was a junior in high school. Prior to that I was on a science based track.

Annalee: I decided to become a filmmaker when I realized it incorporated everything I loved–photography, writing, storytelling, and working with people. I was inspired to become a director after working for women directors and producers at the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women as an intern.

What inspires you?

Razieme: Rock n’ roll, St. Mark’s Place, the chips in the sidewalk, the recent “Trauma of Painting” exhibit at the Guggenheim, 0il paintings, tattoos, and Jimmy Page…mostly Jimmy Page.

Danielle: Even though I’m aspiring to be a filmmaker, science is always something that will inspire me.

Annalee: I am absolutely inspired by children and their ability to face and conquer adult situations with incredible resilience and joy. Faced with the harsh realities that life often presents, children still find elements for awe and wonder and raise us all in doing so.

Why did you submit to Fusion?

Razieme: I’m always looking for ways to not only get my own voice heard, but also for ways to encourage and support other female filmmakers. I think Fusion is a remarkable platform for young women to showcase their work as artists, and I’m honored to be a part of this year’s festival.

Danielle: I submitted to Fusion Film Festival because I have a large respect for the platform and the community it creates.

Annalee: I submitted to Fusion because a film festival made up of women is such a wonderful thing to be a part of. What an honor to be able to meet other successful women in our industry who are making awesome things happen and changing the rules!

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Razieme: I have a three-legged cat named Tripod. (Because I’m a film student get it lololol).

The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th. 

By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.

Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.

ANIMATION:

Christina Jean Benenati
Major in Film & Television (focus in Animation) – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of May 2015
Film: “Otter of the Underground”

Corinne Stein
Major in Film & Television, Minor in Art History –  Tisch School of the Arts
Class of May 2017
Hometown: Centerport, Long Island, NY
Film: “Deep Trouble”

Isabelle Ghaffari
Major in Film & Television (concentration in Animation) – Tisch School of the Arts
Junior
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Film: “The All American Cooking Show with Mitsy Crowe”

How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?

Christina: When I was little, I used to make up stories with my stuffed animals. The grown up version of that is stop motion animation with animal puppets!

Corinne: When I was in middle school, I was really into drawing but only saw it as a hobby and a means to produce Pokemon and Fruits Basket fanart. I actually thought that I wanted to be a chef professionally until I saw Pixar’s Ratatouille (Is that ironic? I’m still not sure.). I was so blown away, from the rendering of the food to the sets, lighting effects, and the story, that I decided I wanted to go into animation production. Ratatouille is still my absolute favorite film.

Isabelle: When I was a child, I would watch South Park when my parents weren’t home. I thought “Hanky the Christmas Poop” was an awesome character, so I decided to create characters of my own.

What inspires you?

Christina: I’m inspired by acts of kindness, children’s books, rad art, and vegetables.

Corinne: When i’m illustrating or animating, I’m often inspired by my dreams, my childhood, fashion magazines, and art history! I love baroque and rococo art, and work by William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Yoshitomo Nara, Hayao Miyazaki, and Beatrix Potter.  I also draw a lot from the fantastic artists that I follow online and whatever media is holding my thoughts hostage that particular day.

Isabelle: S/O to N.M., or Natalie Markiles. “Without you, Mitsy would be but a thought!” What a ride…

Why did you submit to Fusion?

Christina: I submitted to Fusion because it plays a key role in supporting and showcasing women’s films in the NYU and Tisch community, and I was thrilled to contribute.

Corinne: I submitted to Fusion because it’s a one-of-a-kind event at NYU. So much commitment and love goes into the planning, and the cause is super-positive and one that should be important to everyone because more diversity in film production means more interesting films, and everyone benefits from that.

Isabelle: The Fusion Film Festival celebrates and acknowledges work developed by women, bringing forward a collection of incredibly hard-working filmmakers and allowing them to share their unique vision. I am grateful to be a part of something so pivotal to the field of filmmaking.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Corinne: My friends send me pics when they see mice on the street, and I’ll date the first person to find me a real dalmatian mouse.

The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th. 

By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.

Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.

RISING STAR:

Rose Loprinzo
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of Spring 2019
Hometown: Kent Lakes, New York
Film: “Bonedigger”

How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?

I decided to become a filmmaker about two years ago in my sophomore year of high school when I started watching a lot of YouTube. There were so many amazing filmmakers creating interesting content there that it inspired me to start making things of my own, and I loved it so much I decided to pursue it.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by my family, my friends, the work of my peers, and all the filmmakers and artists that I look up to and admire.

Why did you submit to Fusion?

I love Fusion and everything it stands for, and we heard about the Rising Star category in my animation class. I was very happy with the way my film came out, and it got such a positive reaction from my peers that I decided to submit it.

The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th. 

By Editorial Co-Heads Rachel Lambert & Siena Richardson.

Many incredible artists will be featured in this year’s Fusion Film Festival screening and competition. We reached out to the finalists from all 12 categories to get to know more about who they are, what inspires them, and how they feel about being a part of Fusion.

UNDERGRADUATE FILM:

Chloe Aktas
Class of May 2015
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Film: “Mutt”

Chriz Naing
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of Spring 2014
Hometown: Yangon, Burma
Film: “Zayar”

Sandra (Min Wan) Tan
Major in Film & Television – Tisch School of the Arts
Class of May 2016
Hometown: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Film: “Fishbone”

How did you decide to become a writer/filmmaker/animator/etc.?

Chloe: My interest to make movies was sparked by my passion for acting.

Chriz: I was prepared to become an accountant until I took a cinema studies class for electives. The professor taught us horror films only for 6 months and convinced me that they were more than just scary movies. Then, I realized how educational films can be.

Sandra: In 2012, I had the chance to cover the London Olympics. I went there as a blogger, but left as a filmmaker. 

What inspires you?

Chloe: I’m inspired by fairy tales, the 70’s, and Guillermo del Toro.

Chriz: Being able to relate to other people through films, art or culture inspires me.

Sandra: I am inspired by the people around me. From my hometown of Kuala Lumpur to the streets of New York, everyone has a story waiting to be told.

Why did you submit to Fusion?

Chloe: I decided to submit to Fusion, because as a student at NYU I was always inspired by the message of the festival and the opportunities it presented  to learn from great filmmakers.

Chriz: I believe there should to be more collaborations between men and women in the film industry. Not only it will address inequality through these collaborations, but it will also bring new perspectives in films.

Sandra: I believe in Fusion Film Festival’s mission to support female filmmakers, and I want to be a part of that.

 Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

Chriz: My career goal is to contribute to Burmese education through cinema.

The screening of Fusion Film Festival finalists and the awards ceremony will take place at 6:30pm at Cantor Film Center on Saturday, March 5th.