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Home › News & Events › News › TFTV filmmakers earn unprecedented number of film festival selections

TFTV filmmakers earn unprecedented number of film festival selections

September 22, 2021

TUCSON, AZ (September 22, 2021) – Films from the 2021 and 2020 editions of I Dream in Widescreen, the showcase of senior thesis films made by emerging filmmakers at the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV), continue to generate major festival buzz. Official selections now total 27. Here are some of the latest highlights.

TESORO selected for Young Creators Showcase at Urbanworld Film Festival in NYC
Inspired by the stories from her own Mexican-American family, Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra’s poignant film Tesoro has been selected by 10 film festivals around the country. Later this month, Tesoro will screen in New York at the 25th annual Urbanworld Film Festival. Presented by founding partner HBO and partners WarnerMedia and Ally, Urbanworld is dedicated to advancing the impact of diverse content creators. Roxanna’s film is one of seven shorts selected for the Young Creators Showcase, screening both virtually and in person at Cinépolis Cinemas Chelsea on September 30.

“Having Tesoro – a film created with family and our small Chicano community in Tucson – being screened as part of the Young Creators Showcase in NYC, at the largest Academy Award-qualifying film festival in the world, is magical. I just want to make my family proud and continue to make art, and I’m so grateful that UrbanWorld is providing a space to do that,” says Roxanna.

The Urbanworld Film Festival will take place in New York from September 29 – October 3, 2021.

FALLACY to screen at Seattle Queer and San Francisco Transgender Film Festivals
Atlas Woods-Smith’s film Fallacy, about a trans man working through his insecurities as he pursues the man of his dreams, will screen at the Seattle Queer Film Festival in October 2021 and at the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival (SFTFF) in November 2021. Seattle Queer has grown into the largest event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, gaining industry and audience recognition for showcasing the latest and best in queer film, from major motion picture premieres to emerging talent. Established in 1997, SFTFF exhibits courageous, moving and innovative works that show the complexity of lives lived on the transgender spectrum.

“I’m so honored to have this story shown at these festivals,” says Atlas. “My purpose in making this film was to showcase the experience of living in the intersection of trans and gay identities, and I’m hoping there are audience members who will finally feel seen by watching it.”

In addition to Fallacy, Atlas’s short documentary Ditat Deus, co-produced with classmate Zelio Pereira, has been selected by the Desperado LGBTQ Film Festival in Phoenix AZ, the Austin Spotlight Film Festival, and the Queerbee LGBTQ Film Festival in London, UK.

TREASURES BENEATH MY TREE to screen at Chicago International Children’s Film Festival
In November 2021, Alexandra Cerna’s film Treasures Beneath My Tree will screen at the 38th annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF). CICFF was founded with the aim to introduce culturally diverse films to American children, and is now one of the two Academy Award-qualifying children’s film festivals in the world. Alexandra grew up in Scottsdale AZ and spent her summers in the tiny mountain town of Concepción de Buenos Aires in Jalisco, the home of her father’s family. Treasures Beneath My Tree honors the beloved ‘patches of nature’ she knew growing up – both the lone tree in her front yard in the Arizonan desert, and the lush green of her Mexican pueblo – and the power of staying connected to nature, and to our younger selves.

“All my favorite films are children’s movies,” says Alexandra. “To be in the same festival that has hosted some of my childhood favorites is truly incredible! My film is centered around creativity, thinking outside of the box and the simplicity of a child’s happiness. This festival embodies the exact morals of my film. I couldn’t be more honored!”

The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival will take place from November 5 – 14, 2021.

International Black Film Festival selects ONE-WAY MIRROR
Sparked by the turmoil following the death of George Floyd, One-Way Mirror tackles the topic of white liberals not understanding their own privilege. In a review for Arizona Spotlight, Chris Dashiell said that it “handles a thorny subject with grace and nuance, and is thought-provoking without being pedantic.” The film was co-written by Mackenzie Giguere and Vaune Suitt, marking the first time a senior thesis film was written jointly by a Film & Television student and an Acting/Musical Theatre student respectively. Vaune also stars in the film alongside fellow Acting/Musical Theatre students Reagan Kennedy, Brach Drew, and Babacar Ba. The film will screen at the International Black Film Festival, taking place in Nashville, TN from December 2 – 5, 2021.

“Having One-Way Mirror selected for the International Black Film Festival means the world to me,” says Vaune. “As a black girl from Arizona, getting to share a story with personal meaning was not something I knew I could do, or had the ability to. Working with Mackenzie to create this movie brought life to some of my experiences, and I am so grateful.”

Mackenzie Giguere: “This is our first festival acceptance, and it is such an honor to have been selected. One Way Mirror would not have been possible without the dedication of our crew, the support of our friends and family, or the vulnerability and skill Vaune brought to the project. I’m incredibly proud and grateful!”

Following the official festival selections announced in a story in May, the latest list of selected films from the Film & Television Classes of 2020 and 2021 include:

Fallacy | directed by Atlas Woods-Smith (’21) | Seattle Queer Film Festival

Fallacy | directed by Atlas Woods-Smith (’21) | San Francisco Transgender Film Festival

Fallacy | directed by Atlas Woods-Smith (’21) | Triangle North Carolina Film Festival

Ghosts(?) | directed by Antonia Maher (’21) | Houston Comedy Film Festival

One-Way Mirror | directed by Mackenzie Giguere (’21) | International Black Film Festival

Treasures Beneath My Tree | directed by Alexandra Cerna (’21) | Chicago International Children’s Film Festival

Barren | directed by Emma Sinex (’20) | Reading Film Fest

Houses in Motion | directed by Adrian Meyer (’20) | Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival

IRIS | directed by Zach Lovvorn (’20) | Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival

Karen from Susie May | directed by Dan Crowley (’20) | Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival

Tesoro | directed by Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra (’20) | Urbanworld Film Festival

Tesoro | directed by Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra (’20) | Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival

Tesoro | directed by Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra (’20) | Idlewild International Film Festival

Tesoro | directed by Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra (’20) | LFM Film Festival

The Lights Are On, No One’s Home | directed by Faye Ruiz (’20) | Palm Springs International ShortFest

The Lights Are On, No One’s Home | directed by Faye Ruiz (’20) | Long Distance Film Festival

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) nurtures and develops outstanding artists and scholars via rigorous training and mentoring by internationally recognized faculty, high-level internship opportunities, industry-standard resources, and hands-on production experience. TFTV offers comprehensive training programs that aim to prepare students to succeed in a wide range of careers – in the industry, the arts, and higher education. Each year through Arizona Repertory Theatre productions, Next Performance Collective productions, and Film & Television screenings, students of TFTV are able to showcase their talents, tell compelling stories, and provide clear results of what happens in their classrooms and studios. TFTV’s Film & Television program regularly ranks in The Wrap’s “Top 50 Film Schools,” and the School’s Theatre programs regularly rank in Onstage’s “Top 30 College Musical Theatre Programs” and “Top 30 College Theatre Design & Tech Programs” making UA one of the country’s top institutions to study theatre, film and television. More at tftv.arizona.edu.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONTACT: Kerryn Negus
knegus@email.arizona.edu

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CASTING CALL: Does your dog want to be a star?

We are searching for a small-medium sized well-trained dog to play Bruiser Woods in our upcoming production of LEGALLY BLONDE.

The show dates will be October 2-16 with rehearsals beginning in September (more details to follow).

If interested please contact Christie Kerr (Director) for more information: ckerr1@arizona.edu or 520-621-1324.
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6 months ago
CASTING CALL: Does your dog want to be a star?

We are searching for a small-medium sized well-trained dog to play Bruiser Woods in our upcoming production of LEGALLY BLONDE.

The show dates will be October 2-16 with rehearsals beginning in September (more details to follow).

If interested please contact Christie Kerr (Director) for more information: ckerr1@arizona.edu or 520-621-1324.
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Margie Perry!

Lisa

This weekend TREASURES BENEATH MY TREE, the senior thesis film directed by TFTV alum Alexandra Cerna ('21), screened at Comic-Con International as part of the 18th annual San Diego Children’s Film Festival. Alexandra travelled to the world-famous convention to take part in a festival panel - watch an excerpt below!

TREASURES BENEATH MY TREE has now been officially selected by nearly a dozen film festivals. Additionally, on being awarded “Best of the Fest” at the Children's Film Festival Seattle, Cerna’s film is part of the Festival’s traveling film series currently screening in cinemas around the country. Next, the film will make its European debut at Festival FILMAR en América Latina, Switzerland’s premiere festival dedicated to Latin American cinema, and Festival Ciné Junior, the biggest youth film festival in France with an annual audience of 45,000.

“I am so grateful for the success of my film nationally and internationally, and it would not be possible without TFTV's Advancement Director Kerryn Negus.” says Cerna. “She developed a film festival entry strategy tailored specifically for my film and has been mentoring me for months, encouraging me to set high standards when it comes to marketing myself and my work. I am very proud of everyone involved with 'Treasures Beneath My Tree,' and excited for its upcoming European premiere in November!"
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6 months ago
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✨ 2022/23 Theatre Season Announcement ✨

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is excited to announce our 2022/23 theatre season. A mythologically inspired play, two award-winning musicals, a world-premiere production of visual theatre, and the ultimate love story all feature in the 2022/23 theatre season. Starting October 2022, we invite you to join us on campus to be among the first to discover the next generation of outstanding theatre makers.

Hailed by Broadway World as “a stellar program to rival some of the nation’s most reputable institutions,” the UA Arizona Repertory Theatre, led by Artistic Director Hank Stratton and comprising students in the University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre, presents LEGALLY BLONDE, POLAROID STORIES, HEAD OVER HEELS and ROMEO & JULIET. The Next Performance Collective, a program of the School’s BA Theatre Studies division, will present the balance of the season with two original productions: VAUD and the second annual NEW DIRECTIONS FESTIVAL. All productions are supported by students in the UA School of Theatre, Film, and Television Design & Technical Production program.

“I am excited to welcome audiences to campus for a season that blends exciting new devised work with beloved classics of love and longing, contemporary stories of resilience and triumph, and buoyant musicals that will inspire joy at a time when our community needs it the most,” said Dr. Brant Pope, the School’s new Interim Director.

Subscription packages for TFTV’s new theatre season are now on sale in-person at the Arizona Arts Box Office, and by mail, phone, or online. Individual tickets will be available from August 23.

Get your subscription here: am.ticketmaster.com/uacfa/buy
... See MoreSee Less

7 months ago
✨ 2022/23 Theatre Season Announcement ✨

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is excited to announce our 2022/23 theatre season. A mythologically inspired play, two award-winning musicals, a world-premiere production of visual theatre, and the ultimate love story all feature in the 2022/23 theatre season. Starting October 2022, we invite you to join us on campus to be among the first to discover the next generation of outstanding theatre makers.

Hailed by Broadway World as “a stellar program to rival some of the nation’s most reputable institutions,” the UA Arizona Repertory Theatre, led by Artistic Director Hank Stratton and comprising students in the University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre, presents LEGALLY BLONDE, POLAROID STORIES, HEAD OVER HEELS and ROMEO & JULIET. The Next Performance Collective, a program of the School’s BA Theatre Studies division, will present the balance of the season with two original productions: VAUD and the second annual NEW DIRECTIONS FESTIVAL. All productions are supported by students in the UA School of Theatre, Film, and Television Design & Technical Production program.

“I am excited to welcome audiences to campus for a season that blends exciting new devised work with beloved classics of love and longing, contemporary stories of resilience and triumph, and buoyant musicals that will inspire joy at a time when our community needs it the most,” said Dr. Brant Pope, the School’s new Interim Director.

Subscription packages for TFTV’s new theatre season are now on sale in-person at the Arizona Arts Box Office, and by mail, phone, or online. Individual tickets will be available from August 23.

Get your subscription here: https://am.ticketmaster.com/uacfa/buyImage attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment
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Here's Assistant Professor of Practice Darnell T. Roulhac in his "The Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully" workshop at the International Thespian Festival 2022!

"The Room Where it Happens" is a masterclass-style workshop to better prepare young singers as they are auditioning for schools and shows. Participants get tips on how to pick impactful songs as well as how to get the attention of the panel one's performing for. They will also discuss 32-bar cuts and what else one should have prepared.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions!
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8 months ago
Heres Assistant Professor of Practice Darnell T. Roulhac in his The Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully workshop at the International Thespian Festival 2022!

The Room Where it Happens is a masterclass-style workshop to better prepare young singers as they are auditioning for schools and shows. Participants get tips on how to pick impactful songs as well as how to get the attention of the panel ones performing for. They will also discuss 32-bar cuts and what else one should have prepared.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions!
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Three of our University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre faculty members are spending the week in Indiana at the International Thespian Festival 2022! The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is one of the participating colleges and faculty members Christie Kerr, Darnell T Roulhac, and Hank Stratton are in attendance.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions! This year over 5,000 students are attending the festival, and our faculty members are there promoting all the TFTV degree offerings. Our faculty members are also participating in two different workshops at the festival, including 'In the Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully,' and 'Defying Gravity: Belting 101.'

They are currently located at Booth 46 if you are attending and want to chat with any of them! Thank you for your amazing recruitment work Christie, Darnell, and Hank, Bear Down!
... See MoreSee Less

8 months ago
Three of our University of Arizona: Acting/Musical Theatre faculty members are spending the week in Indiana at the International Thespian Festival 2022! The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television is one of the participating colleges and faculty members Christie Kerr, Darnell T Roulhac, and Hank Stratton are in attendance.

Hosted at Indiana University, the festival is a celebration of school theatre and gathers thespians from around the globe for performances, workshops, and college auditions! This year over 5,000 students are attending the festival, and our faculty members are there promoting all the TFTV degree offerings. Our faculty members are also participating in two different workshops at the festival, including In the Room Where it Happens: Guide to Auditioning Successfully, and Defying Gravity: Belting 101.

They are currently located at Booth 46 if you are attending and want to chat with any of them! Thank you for your amazing recruitment work Christie, Darnell, and Hank, Bear Down!
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Welcome Wildcats!

On Saturday night Zach Lovvorn (BFA Film & Television ’20) walked the red carpet as a nominee at the Next Generation Indie Film Awards in Los Angeles. It’s the latest achievement for Zach and his senior thesis short IRIS, which is set in a world where everyone owns - or is owned by - a companion in the form of a sentient human eyeball. “I’m very grateful to the Next Generation Indie Film Awards for including IRIS in this year’s lineup for Best Sci-Fi Short Film!” said Zach. “It’s been a long, and often unforgiving last couple of years, so having IRIS be recognized was such a great feeling. It was an amazing opportunity and a night I’ll never forget!”

IRIS, written and directed by Zach Lovvorn and produced by Antonia Maher (BFA Film & Television ’21) and Lana Moltrop, with eyeball voiced by Alex Simpson (BFA Acting '23) has also been an official selection at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival in New York, the Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona, and Phoenix Shorts in Ottawa Canada, where it won Best SciFi/Fantasy Short. Last week the film was part of a special screening presented by the Bristol Science Film Festival in the UK, where it was included in a lineup of science fact or fiction films with a data science and AI theme shortlisted for the Jean Golding Institute prize.

Congratulations Zach!
... See MoreSee Less

8 months ago
On Saturday night Zach Lovvorn (BFA Film & Television ’20) walked the red carpet as a nominee at the Next Generation Indie Film Awards in Los Angeles. It’s the latest achievement for Zach and his senior thesis short IRIS, which is set in a world where everyone owns - or is owned by - a companion in the form of a sentient human eyeball. “I’m very grateful to the Next Generation Indie Film Awards for including IRIS in this year’s lineup for Best Sci-Fi Short Film!” said Zach. “It’s been a long, and often unforgiving last couple of years, so having IRIS be recognized was such a great feeling. It was an amazing opportunity and a night I’ll never forget!”  
 
IRIS, written and directed by Zach Lovvorn and produced by Antonia Maher (BFA Film & Television ’21) and Lana Moltrop, with eyeball voiced by Alex Simpson (BFA Acting 23) has also been an official selection at the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival in New York, the Phoenix Film Festival in Arizona, and Phoenix Shorts in Ottawa Canada, where it won Best SciFi/Fantasy Short. Last week the film was part of a special screening presented by the Bristol Science Film Festival in the UK, where it was included in a lineup of science fact or fiction films with a data science and AI theme shortlisted for the Jean Golding Institute prize.
 
Congratulations Zach!
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