The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV), in partnership with Film Independent, presents a special evening celebrating the work of TFTV alumni filmmakers. Film Independent Members and a guest are invited to attend a theatrical screening of TFTV short films, followed by an in-person conversation with directors Justin Mashouf (’08), Jillian Corsie (’10), Jesse Klein (’11), David Bornstein (’13), Reena Dutt (’98), Rhys Stover (’09), and Christopher Nataanii Cegielski (’16). The discussion will be moderated by Jenn Wilson, Senior Programmer at Film Independent. Not a Film Independent member? Join here.
A reception will precede the screening beginning at 7:00 p.m. PT.
The Films
Crossing the Desert
An exploration of the complex relationship between a South Asian immigrant woman and her queer American daughter. This tender story asks us to re-examine our expectations of our loved ones. Can we accept them for who they really are, not who we want them to be?
2024, 13 minutes, color | Written by Anu Bhatt | Directed by Reena Dutt | Main Cast Anu Bhatt, Rumela Ganguly, Zehra Fazal, Ranjita Chakravarty | Produced by Diana Perez Riveros, Josh Sobel | Executive Produced by Josh Sobel, Anu Bhatt, Silk Road Cultural Center, Single De La Luna Productions, Juan Villa
$17.74
$17.74 centers on Hamzah, a man serving a life sentence in a California prison. Filmmaker Justin Mashouf met Hamzah through a community leader while he was seeking research subjects for a documentary about incarcerated Muslims. The two remained friends for over 10 years, even well after Justin’s research was completed. Hamzah’s story takes an unexpected turn in 2023 after the Israeli siege on Gaza. Appalled by Israel’s actions of cutting off Gaza from essential resources and knowing personally the trauma caused by violence, Hamzah is compelled to take action. Despite his incarceration, he decides to donate his entire month’s paycheck of $17.74 towards aid efforts in Gaza.
2025, 13 minutes, color | Directed by Justin Mashouf | Produced by Carlos Cortes, Justin Mashouf
A King’s Betrayal
The last days in the life of a piñata, as told from the piñata’s perspective.
2015, 8 minutes, color | Written by Ari Grabb | Directed by David Bornstein | Main Cast Adrian Gomez, Bryson Robinson, Tiffany Kilgore | Produced by Andres Avalos, Lily Avalos, Ahmed El-Mawas
Tooth
Fed up with decades of abuse from forced perfection, a tooth takes matters into its own hands, launching a full scale attack.
2023, 5 minutes, color | Written by Katie Gault | Directed by Jillian Corsie | Main Cast Janine Peck | Produced by Vincent DeLuca
Place Where I Belong
Place Where I Belong tells the story of Wakara Scott — a cultural development specialist at Two Feathers Native American Family Services in McKinleyville, California — and how the Indian Child Welfare Act allowed her to grow up with her family and community, shaping her identity and the life she leads today.
2024, 8 minutes, color | Directed by Christopher Nataanii Cegielski | Featuring Wakara Scott, Ellen Colegrove, Vicki McCulley, Dr. Amanda Young, Rachel Sundberg, Charlena Tello | Produced by Tré Borden, Dorian Lynde, Christopher Nataanii Cegielski | Executive Produced by Blair Kreuzer, Andrew Hutcheson, Alissa Feldbau
Demons
In a world where cannibals and serial killers are accepted, Matt still struggles to be his authentic gay self.
2017, 13 minutes, color | Written and Directed by Jesse Klein | Main Cast Javan Nelson, Nic Losorelli | Produced by Laura Allan
Birthday Month-er
A birthday queen must overcome hardcore denial when friends stop coming to her daily birthday month events.
2025, 11 mintues, color | Written by Rhys Stover, Peter Steusloff, Kristin Steusloff | Directed by Rhys Stover | Main Cast Brianna Ahlmark | Executive Produced by Kristin Steusloff, Matt Campbell, Rhys Stover
Registration Information
Film Lover Members receive priority entry at this event. Arts Circle Members are guaranteed access, and receive both priority entry and reserved seating. Email membership@filmindependent.org for more.
All Film Independent Members can register for this event starting at 6:00 pm PT on Tuesday, June 2. | Registration is free; one registration per Membership. | Proof of Member status is required to complete registration. Become a Film Independent Member.
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