Short Film Showcase Coming This Saturday, August 24

If you’re anything like me, when you were in high school, you took every opportunity to pick up a camera for a school project rather than write a boring old essay. I’d wager these Future Filmmakers are pretty similar. But these are no videos for English class. These talented filmmakers have the talent, guts, and smarts from graduating the very exclusive film school YouTube University (as well as the fine establishments they’re currently enrolled in, of course). These digital-natives have come of age in a visual-first era, and that’s translating into some incredible filmmaking. That’s why we’re so excited to present to you our 2024 Film Independent Future Filmmakers.

Featuring 13 outstanding short films written, produced and directed by high school age filmmakers working in a variety of styles and mediums, this year’s Future Filmmaker Showcase will take place this Saturday, August 24 at Inner-City Arts in Los Angeles, at 10:00 am PT. A lunch reception and a keynote speech from Laurie J. Gardiner (Writer, Director, and Executive Associate at HOORAE Media) and Shari Page (Program Director for Half Initiative) will follow the screening.

In the second half of this article you’ll see what’ll be playing, as selected by a committee of working filmmakers and youth curators. But before that, we thought it might be fun to get to know our young moviemakers:

What inspired you to make films?

Communication is often difficult for introverts like myself. Expressing my point of view to strangers, especially in crowds can be overwhelming. More often than not, the point that I try to make never comes through. Film allows me to share my thoughts with others in a way that works for me. Since I was little, I’ve loved making things. The problem was that I didn’t have the resources to bring my ideas to life. Once I discovered 3D modeling and animation, all that changed. Anything that I can imagine, I can create, without limits! Having taught myself how to compose music, I soon discovered that I can express myself by combining my music with my animations. – Karina Loerchner

I think I was really inspired by the collaborative nature of filmmaking. I used to draw a lot, but I’ve always loved working in a team, and I love how a film set really lends itself to that. With support from my film teachers, I found a love for combining technical aspects and a good story to achieve a meaningful result, a message that can be viewed by many people. Many films that I have watched have also inspired me throughout. – Samuel Green

My overactive imagination and desire to tell stories led me to film. I always heavily enjoyed seeing movies and one day I decided that I wanted to make them. – Ashton Pulis

When I was around 10 my grandma gave me a DVD of Singin’ in the Rain for Christmas and it completely blew my mind. It was the first time I saw cinema as art. As I got older, my love for movies grew more and more. I started acting in local movies and commercials, but then discovered I was much more interested in what happened behind the camera. I love being creative and telling stories, and film has been my favorite medium to do that in. – Cadence Barreda

The thing that most inspired me to make films was probably my love for movie theaters. Not only do I love watching movies, but I genuinely enjoy the experience of theaters. Ever since I was a kid I loved the popcorn, the big red seats, and the feeling of excitement as I watched the previews. This love for theaters inspired me because I dream of having my own films shown in a place that I love so much. – Charlotte Sasson

My personal experiences. I believe what’s most personal is most emotional. I also aim to create a film every summer, so it felt natural to start this project. – Kyle Kim

What is your favorite film genre and why?

My favorite film genre definitely has to be Thrillers. I really enjoy feeling the anticipation. The excitement that comes from not knowing what you’re about to watch means you’re in for a good ride. – Milán Sahara Sioux Armorer

I enjoy films across a wide range of genres. I love dramas for their emotional narratives, coming-of-age films for their relatability, and documentaries for their informative insights into a variety of subjects. – Jason Cheng

My favorite genres are fantasy, science fiction, and animation. I connect with these types of movies, I get involved in the stories, and I have a deep affinity with the characters. – Rojan Hemati

Ever since I was a young girl, watching movies with my parents has been a cherished experience—from animations to feature films, each one has left a lasting impact on me. Disney movies, in particular, have always fascinated me. Like many, I have fond childhood memories tied to Disney, but for me, it’s even more personal—my name is from Disney. The simple yet profound story structures in Disney films, with their clear beginnings, climaxes, resolutions, and endings, always manage to teach a lesson or evoke emotion. There’s usually a tearful moment near the end, and it gets me every time. – Ariel Tsao

Action is my favorite film genre because, when done right, it constantly keeps my attention and my heart pounding. I grew up watching Marvel movies with my family, as it was something that everyone could easily enjoy and stick around for. The thrill that came with watching action movies became a way to connect everyone. – Tatiana Pruitt

What’s the best film you’ve seen so far, old or new?

I love Miyazaki’s work. It always puts me in a good mood. Two of my favorite movies are Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service. No matter how many times I see them, I always enjoy watching. I also think Dead Bride and Coraline are masterpieces that I think everyone should see. – Ava Moazzen

All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) – the acting, story, visuals, and music are incredible. – Samuel Green

The movie that’s been on my mind recently a lot is Cabaret. I love the mix between the flashy comical musical numbers and the underlying dread that accompanies most of the movie. The end gives me chills every time. – Cadence Barreda

Easily Cinema Paradiso – it had such a profound emotional impact on me. The fact that it revolves around the life of a filmmaker made it even more touching. I can still recall the memories that the film evoked as I watched the protagonist, Toto, shoot his first film. What a masterful portrayal of nostalgia and an example of how film can transcend cultural boundaries. A must-watch for any cinephile. – Jason Cheng

The best film I’ve seen so far is probably Everything Everywhere All At Once. From the moment I sat down and watched it in theaters, I absolutely fell in love with it. Not only was it technically amazing with its camera work, editing, and VFX, but it also had such a beautiful and real story of an Asian/Asian-American family and their struggles. – Charlotte Sasson

Avatar, directed and created by James Cameron, has to be one of the best films I’ve seen lately. In my opinion, there hasn’t been such a visually stunning film like it since it was released. To create a whole new world, language, race, and religion has to be one of the hardest things to accomplish and James Cameron did it with ease. Despite knowing how unreal everything was, Avatar somehow makes you feel like you’re witnessing someone’s real way of life every time you watch it. – Tatiana Pruitt

I think the best film I’ve ever seen is Breathless by Jean-Luc Godard. That film is so awe-inspiring and innovative for its time and I love Godard’s direction and style. – Ashton Pulis

What’s your favorite part of the filmmaking process?

When the camera starts to roll. There’s something special about capturing the world through a specific lens. – Kyle Kim

I would say principal photography because it’s not as stressful as pre-production and the rush for deadlines in post-production. Production is a time when I can fully control and enjoy the process of bringing my vision to life by listening to the advice of people around me, and receiving their support. Even though it’s very stressful, it is very exciting to show your vision to everyone in the world. It is very cool. – Ariel Tsao

I thoroughly enjoy every part of making a film. Screenwriting brings me joy in creating characters from my imagination. Directing allows me to express my vision by guiding the expressions of others. Cinematography lets me play with angles and lighting to capture the beauty of even the most mundane objects. Editing is the most fulfilling of all, as it’s when I reap the fruits of all the work that’s been done. – Jason Cheng

My favorite part of the filmmaking process definitely has to be editing, but more
specifically, color grading; because I feel like that’s when the film is pretty much
almost done and you’re just setting the mood for all the different scenes that are
already cut together. And it adds such a beautiful aspect to your film. – Milán Sahara Sioux Armorer

My favorite part of the filmmaking process is looking at references and considering all the things I can do, then seeing my ideas come to life on the screen. I love sketching the different options for the character designs, and then creating them in 3D. My other favorite part is when I’m doing the final editing, and everything starts to finally come together after all the months of work. – Karina Loerchner

My favorite part of the filmmaking process is being on set and working with my actors. I love the collaboration that comes between a director and an actor relationship. As these wonderful people play the characters I write, they bring new ideas to the table that I never would have thought of. That, to me, is so very special and enjoyable in the filmmaking process. – Ashton Pulis

When the movie is done. No, but really. There is nothing better than the feeling of accomplishment after you finish a long, tiring project. Then the thrill of figuring out what your next one will be. – Cadence Barreda

Who is a director who inspires you?

A director that inspires me is Greta Gerwig. The film industry seems to be very male dominated, especially within the directors realm. This can be so discouraging as a young woman who aspires to be a director one day. Seeing such a successful woman like Greta Gerwig make her way in the industry with so many amazing films gives me hope and inspiration for the future. – Charlotte Sasson

I am a really big fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s work. His animated films have been among some of the best movies I’ve seen. He has this very deep understanding of life and people that he translates very well in his films. He’s able to show how much joy can be found in the lives of not only regular people but animals and magical beings. It’s a skill that I really want to have when I go on to do more films in the future. The joyous feeling his films give me is something I want everyone else to feel and experience. – Tatiana Pruitt

Bong Joon Ho. As a fellow South Korean, I strive to create immersive films that shock the audience and tell deeply personal and emotional stories. – Kyle Kim

Jordan Peele. I think what he does with combining social issues and questions into his films is really well thought out and truly powerful. – Samuel Green

In The Mood For Love is one of my favorite films, and Wong Kar-Wai is a director who inspires me a lot, especially as a director who is well known not only in Asian cinema, but globally, telling stories to international audiences. – Ariel Tsao

As my bio on Letterboxd states, I am a “Charlie Kaufman fan girl.” As someone who wants to be a writer, his screenplays are works of art. I adore his use of the absurd and he is a huge inspiration. After I watched Adaption for the first time, I texted all my friends and said they needed to watch it immediately. I’m convinced that his new movie coming out with Lily Gladstone will change the course of my life. – Cadence Barreda

Which actors would you love to work with?

There are so many great actors out there, but I would love to work with Benny Safdie, who I think is phenomenal in everything he does. And that includes directing. But I don’t see enough people talking about his insane range as an actor. I mean, his performance in Good Time, for one, is wonderful. It’s so hard to play a character like that and get into that headspace. But then you look at a role like his in Oppenheimer and think, there’s absolutely no way this is the same guy. As an actor, you need to be fearless, and I think that Benny Safdie completely gets that. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s gonna win an Oscar someday. – Ashton Pulis

I love how versatile an actor Joaquin Phoenix is. It’s striking to see how he could go from portraying the most sentimental man in Her to delivering a raw and natural performance in Joker. All of his performances have been incredible, and it’s clear that he can play anything. – Jason Cheng

As a Native American girl, Lily Gladstone is probably one of my favorite people on the planet. I was fortunate enough to get to meet her at the Circle Cinema Film Festival in Oklahoma, and she was just as kind and wise as you would think. It would be such a dream to get to work with her. – Cadence Barreda

I would love to work with Michelle Yeoh because I love so many of her films and I also look up to her as a person. I would also love to work with Steve Martin because me and my family love so many of his movies. His comedic acting is definitely one of my favorites and I’d love to do a comedy with him. – Charlotte Sasson

Song Kang Ho, who played the father in Parasite. His ability to embody any role with distinction is remarkable, and I think he’d be an amazing mentor and collaborator. – Kyle Kim

I would have loved to work with Heath Ledger, considering he is one of my favorite actors. He, along with Joaquin Phoenix, Angela Bassett, and Margot Robbie all are able to completely understand and morph into their characters. I would love to not only see that process in person but work around it as well. – Tatiana Pruitt

What is the primary idea you want to communicate to viewers in your short?

I want to show how many people face struggles in life, and by telling unique stories, like one about adoption, I can give others a glimpse into those experiences. – Kyle Kim

Qipao was created to reaffirm the value of women in society, independent of male support. Drawing on Chinese tradition, it symbolizes my Asian heritage and has become a beautiful emblem of feminine elegance. As a child, I was always excited to wear the qipao, which underscores its significance to me. – Ariel Tsao

The primary idea that I want to convey is that life is short and therefore we must consciously choose our habits so we don’t get hurt. – Parisa Ghaffar

In my short, I want to convey the idea that sometimes real friendship is more important than fake romance. – Charlotte Sasson

I hope people will watch my short and think “that was weird”. – Cadence Barreda

My documentary, Thunderbird and Killer Whale (S-hwuhwa’us & Qul-lhanumutsun in Hul’qumi’num), chronicles the journey of a dugout canoe carved according to Coast Salish tradition. It aims to portray the impact of art on communities and highlight the canoe’s spiritual and cultural significance. By documenting the vibrant culture of the Coast Salish peoples, I hope this film can contribute to the ongoing reconciliation efforts in Canada and beyond. – Jason Cheng

The primary idea that I want to communicate with the viewers in my short isn’t much of an idea but more of a feeling. I hope that their hearts are beating quickly. I hope that they’re on the edge of their seats. I want to convey that feeling you get when you watch a good crime thriller, wondering what the hell is going to happen next. Now, is that difficult to include in an 8-minute short film? No question. Nevertheless, I hope someone out there feels this way when they watch City of Lights. I also just hope that people enjoy the film!!! That’s the most important thing for me. – Ashton Pulis

I want to inform people that there is so much more you can do to positively affect the Earth. The simple act of recycling has helped but it has become less and less effective the more we consume every day. Through such an important aspect of pop culture, everyone can learn another way they can do their part in healing the world. – Tatiana Pruitt

I want to communicate the importance of organ donation. As Emilio says in the film, “Everyone should put on your license, to be an organ donor.” It can truly change and save lives. Everyone should consider ways in which they can help those who are struggling. – Samuel Green

I want to show with my film that we, as humans, have limitations, but we don’t have to let these limitations define our abilities. In Keeper of the Night Sky, both characters deal with limitations, preventing either from solving a problem. Once they both realize each others’ limitations, but more importantly, their strengths, they draw on these strengths to restore order to the night sky. The focus must always be on one’s strengths rather than one’s limitations. – Karina Loerchner

The primary idea I would like to communicate to viewers in my short dystopian film,
TINTED, would definitely have to be the class and racial divide in schools, and the limitations that come with traditional standardized test taking that directly affects African Americans. I wanted to show the divide in a way that doesn’t directly deal with race, but there is definitely a racial component. A big message in my film is to keep fighting, especially for girls. – Milán Sahara Sioux Armorer

Do you want to keep making films in the future? What’s your dream project?

I am committed to building my career in filmmaking, but I’m also eager to explore other creative avenues beyond film. I’m passionate about creating more memorable artistic experiences that blend different mediums to convey powerful messages. I’m especially dedicated to supporting female causes and spreading women’s voices. I’m excited to dive into various genres and immerse myself in the creative process, I’m confident that I’ll find joy in every aspect of it. – Ariel Tsao

Yes, I will definitely continue to make animations in the future. Since making my first animation with my friends, it was as if I got one step closer to an infinite world of animation. I wish to make animations with an animation team in the future. For all people. – Rojan Hemati

I do want to keep making films in the future. I love how creative, collaborative, and fun the filmmaking process is and I’m so excited to keep growing as I get more experienced. My current dream project is probably a documentary project because I have never done something like that and I am curious to see how that differs from the narrative filmmaking process. – Charlotte Sasson

I absolutely want to make more films in the future! In a few months I leave for film school at SCAD in their Atlanta campus. My dream project would be to make a feature film based on my dad’s life. He grew up in a traveling circus literally living in an RV, while his dad was a lion tamer and his mom was an acrobat. I think the perspective of a child in a circus would be so interesting and not something you normally see. – Cadence Barreda

I see film as a potential career path and hope to continue my trajectory as a filmmaker who traverses between narrative and documentary genres. It’s far too early for me to say what my dream project would be, but I hope that my future self will have the budget and creative freedom to make a film that’s true to me and can inspire audiences around the world. Apart from my filmmaking projects, I aim to continue my curation work by expanding the film section of the Cowichan Youth Festival of the Arts (my local youth arts festival) and extending the festival’s impact to inspire the next generation of filmmakers. – Jason Cheng

I want to keep making films and creating until the day I die. There’s nothing I love doing more than filmmaking and being surrounded by that world. I always have and always will. I hope that every year for a long time I can do one “big project” that I put tons of effort into, at least. That’s what I’ve done for the past 3 years. I’m constantly trying to better my filmmaking skills and showcase that from film to film that I make. So I think it would be super cool, like 5 years down the road to have a line-up of films from high school and college that signify my evolution as a filmmaker. I haven’t fully figured out my “dream project” yet, but I would love to make a coming-of-age film inspired by the summer between your senior year of high school and freshman year of college. I’ve played with that idea a lot, and I think there are so many interesting themes to explore there. It’s such an insane time of your life, that I’m currently living in now, where you realize how quickly time flies by and it’s suddenly the beginning of the rest of your life. And that realization can be really hard to swallow for some, which I think could make for a good and compelling film. – Ashton Pulis

Absolutely! I will begin my studies in 3D animation at Vancouver Film School in the fall of 2024, and plan to study directing after that. My idea of a dream project is constantly changing. There are too many things that I really want to try. – Karina Loerchner

I absolutely want to continue making films. It’s an incredible feeling to express what I’m going through via this medium. My dream project would be to shoot on the Warner Bros. studio lot, particularly the New York City set. I’ve visited multiple times, but one day, I hope to film there. – Kyle Kim

With how exciting it was to work on this short film, I would definitely make more films in the future. I hope to make a movie that lasts in people’s heads beyond its first release and beyond social media. I hope I can make a film people will discuss in clubs, reference in TV shows, and talk about alongside other great and powerful movies years and years from now. – Tatiana Pruitt

I do want to continue to make films in the future, more specifically music videos, because that’s what I enjoy the most. – Milán Sahara Sioux Armorer

2024 FUTURE FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE

Sweet 16 – directed by Kyle Kim
On the day before her 16th birthday, Emma, a Korean-American teen girl, meets a Korean woman, Jung, in her neighborhood and invites her to spend the night at her house. Throughout the time Emma spends with Jung, she gets the chance to connect with the culture of her origin and with Jung as well. However, there is a hidden truth to their encounter and relationship.

A+ – directed by Trinity Roberts
“A+” explores the pressures and consequences of high expectations. An ambitious student grapples with a parent over the benchmarks to succeed.

Thunderbird and Killer Whale – directed by Jason Cheng
Master Carver John Marston embarks on a journey to revitalize the traditional art of canoe carving in his community. This film chronicles John’s creative decisions on the Thunderbird and Killer Whale canoe and its journey to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, where it is now on permanent display.

Tinted – directed by Milán Sahara Sioux Armorer
Born into the poverty of a divided city in a dystopian world, a teenage girl vows to defy her fate when taking a test that dictates her future.

The Wall – created by Rojan Hemati, Parisa Ghaffar, and Ava Moazzen
Luffy has neglected himself and his home due to his dependence on work, laptop and virtual space. He accidentally loses his laptop, and through a brick wall in front of the window of his house, light enters. After a long time, he walks in front of the window, and sees the outside.

Keeper of the Night Sky – directed by Karina Loerchner
An adventurous little girl with an overactive imagination ventures into places she shouldn’t ought to be, and wreaks havoc on a poor unsuspecting dragon.

City of Lights – directed by Ashton Pulis
The story of two criminals who fallin love and their dream of running away to Paris together.

Upcycling LA – directed by Angel De Luna, Tatiana Pruitt, Connor Torres, Kaleab Digafe, and Lucas Crawford
A short documentary highlighting the impact of pollution through conversations with 4 artists in the Southern California area, who are passionate about finding creative ways to end the cycle of overconsumption by upcycling in their art making processes.

Qipao – directed by Ariel Tsao
The story is set in Paramount, a nightclub in the 1990s Shanghai where wealthy men go to find beautiful women. These nightclubs are the pinnacle of class and sophistication. The story follows Yueyang, a typical young lady who dreams about marrying a wealthy man to raise her status. However, very soon, we see her desire change because of one mysterious man, who knows her secret story.

You are Dead Already, Bro – directed by Samuel Green
In an uplifting documentary, a high school immigrant to the US from Mexico faces questions of life and death as he struggles with kidney failure.

To Bet One’s Boot – directed by Cadence Barreda
A boot appears in the middle of nowhere causing a man to have an existential crisis.

You’re are my Dream Girl – directed by Charlotte Sasson
When a lonely teenage boy finally meets his “dream girl”, he’s overjoyed and quickly falls in love with her. When he’s faced with the crushing reality that she was never real, he must decide whether to rejoin his friends in the real world or fade deeper into his own imagination.

S’s Story – directed by Audrey Maxon
The story of an Afghan teenage girl who escaped the Taliban regime and became a student-activist here in America. S is trying to raise money to empower other Afghan girls to follow her path out from under the Taliban: by learning English.