Death Mask, a short film written, directed, and produced by University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) senior David J. Aberle, has been officially selected to screen at the 19th Annual Los Angeles Skins Festival (LA SKINS FEST), the largest Native American film festival in the United States and a major launching ground for Indian Country’s most talked-about films. Created as part of Aberle’s studies at TFTV, the film will screen on November 21, 2025, at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Hollywood, California.
Aberle is a Diné (Navajo) filmmaker, director, and storyteller dedicated to bringing Indigenous narratives to the forefront of cinema. During his time at TFTV, where he is pursuing a degree in Film & Television Production, he has written, directed, and produced multiple short films exploring culture, identity, and spirituality. As both a filmmaker and an Indigenous medicine person, his work weaves themes of resilience, tradition, and self-discovery, ensuring authentic representation of Native voices and underrepresented communities.
Set in Gleeson, Arizona, Death Mask follows a Medicine Man as he leads a paranormal investigation into a land inhabited by restless spirits. Drawing upon Indigenous knowledge and ancestral wisdom, he communicates with tormented souls and ancient beings. Alongside fellow investigator Damien Charley (Diné), Aberle collaborated on the film with classmates Steven Saldaña (cinematographer), Elias Bensch (night vision camera), and Donovan Heaney (audio).
“Death Mask was created to give voice to the beings who have always been here and to remind the world they are not forgotten,” says Aberle. “Thanks to the visual lens of Steven Saldaña, the power of this story took shape, and together, our team entered that world with respect and purpose. This film is a reminder that our stories, our spirits, and our ceremonies endure. I am honored to have it recognized at the LA SKINS FEST among Indigenous filmmakers who are redefining how our stories are seen and understood.”
The selection by LA SKINS FEST marks the film’s ninth official festival selection, following recognition by festivals around the state of Arizona and across the country. Aberle created the film in Professor Jacob Bricca’s Documentary Production class.
“It was such a pleasure working with David,” says Bricca. “He was clear right from the beginning about what he wanted to do with this film, and he executed it really well. The film only got better in post-production, where he made a lot of smart choices to draw the audience into the story.”
Founded in 2007, LA SKINS FEST is an annual six-day event showcasing Native American features, documentaries and short films. The festival is presented by the Native American non-profit The Barcid Foundation, and is supported by major industry partners including Comcast NBCUniversal and the Motion Picture Association. It maintains strong connections across the entertainment industry, last year hosting its Opening Night Industry Mixer at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) headquarters in Los Angeles – an event that connected emerging Native filmmakers with top-tier talent agents, producers, and executives.
Aberle is currently in production on his senior thesis film, They Wait, which will premiere at I Dream in Widescreen, TFTV’s renowned senior film showcase, at the Fox Tucson Theatre on May 9, 2026.
DEATH MASK LA Screening Details