Multiple projects with UNCSA connections to screen at 2025 RiverRun International Film Festival
Students, alumni and faculty from the School of Filmmaking at UNCSA have multiple connections to films selected to screen at the 27th RiverRun International Film Festival. The festival, which takes place in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, runs from April 11–19 and will showcase 174 feature and short films from more than 30 countries.
RiverRun will also host a variety of free panels that are open to the public, as well
as the 14th annual Pitch Fest, giving student filmmakers the opportunity to pitch
to jurors, receive feedback and win cash prizes. Films will screen at a variety of
local venues, including on the UNCSA campus in Main, Gold and Babcock theaters in
the ACE Theatre Complex. Virtual screenings will be available for select films.
“It is a joy to see and share the numerous examples of Filmmaking student, alumni
and faculty work in this year's festival,” said Deborah LaVine, dean of the School of Fimmaking. “RiverRun is a standout event each spring, and
we look forward to hosting several screenings on campus — making this international
festival easily accessible to our students. Through screenings, panels and special
events, RiverRun provides a much-needed outlet for emerging filmmakers to engage with
each other and to forge connections with those already working in the industry. These
networking opportunities are invaluable as students plant seeds for new creative endeavors
and prepare for their filmmaking careers.”
"Born This Way" / Photo: RiverRun International Film Festival
UNCSA connections include:
Narrative Features
- “A Little Prayer” was written and directed by alumnus Angus MacLachlan (H.S. Visual Arts ’76, B.F.A. Drama ’80) and coproduced by School of Filmmaking Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies Lauren Vilchik. Former Filmmaking faculty Ramin Bahrani was the executive producer. The film stars Drama alumni Celia Weston, Anna Camp (B.F.A. ’04) and Steve Coulter (B.F.A. ’81). Set in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the film follows Bill and his wife, Venida, as they confront the difficulties of parenting adult children. Former and current students filled crew positions while the film was shot locally over the course of 19 days in June 2022. This film will screen on UNCSA’s campus in Main Theatre with a filmmaker Q&A following.
- Filmmaking alumna Rebecca Green (B.F.A. ’01) produced “All That We Love,” a film that navigates the midlife awakening of Emma following the death of her family dog. Drama alumna Missi Pyle (B.F.A. ’95) stars as Kayla.
- Filmmaking alumnus Chad Hartigan (B.F.A. ’04) directed “The Threesome,” with cinematography by Sing Howe Yam (B.F.A. ’08). The romantic comedy follows Connor — a kind and unassuming young man whose longtime crush, Olivia, steers them into a threesome with a sweet, alluring stranger named Jenny. This film will screen on UNCSA’s campus in Main Theatre with a filmmaker Q&A following.
- Filmmaking alumnus Muhammad Moaz Mubeen (M.F.A. ’22) assistant produced “Young King,” with Julia Tayloe (B.F.A. ’22) as production designer, Chanel Smith (M.F.A. ’22) as production assistant, and Lana Farr (B.F.A. ’24) as art director. The film is inspired by true events, following a veteran of the Iraq war who faces the profound challenges of integration and the toll of PTSD.
Documentary Shorts
- Directed by Filmmaking alum Naz Sayari Marcum, “American Dream No More” features Deon, a Native American college professor, who reflects on the struggle and triumphs of growing up Lumbee in a world that often refused to see him fully.
- Codirected by Filmmaking faculty member Laura Hart McKinney, “As We Are” sheds light on neurodivergent adults grappling with challenges while pursuing their goals to live independently.
- Directed by Filmmaking student Will Harvest and produced by Filmmaking student Paula Riofrio, “Heart of the City” is a cinematic portrait of five Winston-Salem locals on the street sharing a lifetime of wisdom from struggle. Edited by Filmmaking student Emile Rizzo-Banks with cinematography by student Davis Brownell and sound design by student Avery Callahan.
- Filmmaking alumnus Ian McClerin (B.F.A. ’12) edited and served as story consultant for “Making Sense Backwards: The Nick Bragg Story,” which highlights the 87-year-old North Carolina muralist as he reflects on his career.
- Directed, produced and shot by Filmmaking student Evan Daniel, “Tuttle” follows the journey of 22-year-old Connor Tuttle as he grapples with the aftermath of an incident involving his mother’s abuser. Edited by Filmmaking students Robbie Cook and Noah Landis who edited the music.
"The Grand Strand" / Photo: Riverrun International Film Festival
Narrative Shorts
- Filmmaking alumni Chandler Mitchell (B.F.A. ’24) and Sky Dexter (B.F.A. ’24) wrote “Born This Way” from a story by Timothy Shibles (B.F.A. ’24). Directed by Dexter and produced by Nidhi Mundra (B.F.A. ’24), with cinematography by Brandon McGee (B.F.A. ’24) and edited by Gavin Smith (B.F.A. ’24). Production design by Shibles, music by Flint Steppenrock (B.F.A. ’24), and hair and makeup by Mara Trefzger (B.F.A. ’24). Drama alumna Aphrodite Armstrong (B.F.A. ’24) stars in the film. The story is about a happily married gay couple who is thrown into a crisis when their son begins exhibiting interests and behaviors that are more in line with heterosexual norms.
- Written and directed by Alex Thompson (B.F.A. ’14),“Em & Selma Go Griffin Hunting” is an allegorical coming-of-age fable set in the 1930s — about mothers, daughters and the beasts they hunt.
- Filmmaking students Julian Reese and Howard Affandi wrote “Ice Cream for Breakfast,” which was directed by Reese and produced by Affandi with cinematography by student Will Harvest. Editing and sound design by student Avery Callahan with production design by Justin Rivera. The film is about a teenage boy who, after being cast out from his home early in the morning, struggles to protect his little brother from the harsh realities of their household.
- Directed by Filmmaking alumna Elizabeth Fletcher (B.F.A. ’17) and edited by alumnus Chris Dold (B.F.A. ’17), “Micro-Short” illustrates how far a woman who is hypnotized by her microwave will go to satiate its hunger. The film stars Drama alumna Hannah Myers (B.F.A. ’18) as Dani.
- Filmmaking alumni Gabriela Fisher (B.F.A. ’24) and Aly Castillo (B.F.A. ’24) wrote “Tortilla Woman,” which was directed by Castillo and produced by Alejandro Lucas Fritts (B.F.A. ’24), with cinematography by Joshua Campbell (B.F.A. ’24) and edited by Cameron Wofford (B.F.A. ’24). Art direction by alumna Mayra Noemi Coronilla Campos (B.F.A. ’24) with costume design by Design and Production (D&P) alumna Sarah McElcheran (B.F.A. ’24) and hair and makeup design by D&P alumna KC Paulson (B.F.A. ’24). Music by Filmmaking alumna Lucy Moreno (B.F.A. ’24). The film is about a tortilla maker who must balance her kitchen job with her home life on the day of her son’s birthday.
- Written, directed and edited by Filmmaking alumnus Luke Lowder (B.F.A. ’19), “The Grand Strand” was co-produced by Isaiah Wolfe (B.F.A. ’15) with cinematography by Jared Freeman (B.F.A. ’19) and art direction by Camilla Zaidee Bennett (B.F.A. ’24). Filmmaking alumnus Andrew Parkerton (B.F.A. ’19) was first assistant camera with alumna Abby Goyea (B.F.A. ’23) as additional gaffer. The film follows Levi as he spends the summer before he starts high school with his cousins at their family’s trailer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
- A collaboration between the School of Filmmaking and the International Film School (IFS) in Cologne, Germany, “The Lack of It” will have its world premiere at RiverRun. The film shares the story of two female transportation workers who uncover a story of segregation, empowerment, community and mobility while shedding light on structural racism. Filmed in The Cube at the Center for Design Innovation with the Media + Emerging Technology Lab (METL) team — and beyond — a UNCSA student and alumni crew helped to bring the story to life: Cheyenne Oxendine (B.F.A. ’24), Atiba Jeffers (M.F.A. ’24), Wesley Broome (M.F.A. ’24), Dimitri Dikhel (M.F.A. ’24), Drake Hair, Cassidy Scott (B.F.A. ’24), Camilo Volkwein, Pascal Segiet and Ysshua. Filmmaking students Kristofer Twadel and Daniel G. Stocker wrote the film’s score.
- Directed by Filmmaking alumnus Jordan McLaughlin (B.F.A. ’19), “The Runaway” follows a reckless vampire who, as she blows off steam at a seaside motel, happens upon a young, susceptible girl who is far from home.
Panels, presentations and more:
D&P student Khepra Hetep and Filmmaking student Spencer Stringer represent UNCSA as student jurors at this year’s festival. Students will also participate in the annual Pitch Fest event including Evan Daniel and Maya Mills with their documentary, “The Cost of Care,” and Zoe Brown with her narrative film, “Insert Here.”
Former Filmmaking Dean and Faculty Emeritus Dale Pollock will present “By Kevin Thomas,” a documentary about film critic Kevin Thomas, screening in UNCSA’s Gold Theatre. Filmmaking Faculty Emeritus Renata Jackson will provide a special introduction for David Lynch’s film “Blue Velvet” and John Sturges’ “Mystery Street.”
The RiverRun International Film Festival Board of Directors includes UNCSA Chancellor Brian Cole, Filmmaking Dean Deborah LaVine, former Filmmaking Dean and Faculty Emeritus Dale Pollock and Design & Production faculty member Wade Wilson. The festival’s Advisory Board includes former Filmmaking faculty member Ramin Bahrani along with alumni David Gordon Green, Angus MacLachlan, Paul Schneider and Celia Weston.
Information in this release reflects what could be obtained by press time. If we missed a connection, please contact us and updates will be made as they are brought to our attention.
April 10, 2025