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Home › News & Events › News › “Unholy ‘Mole,” directed by David Bornstein (’13), officially selected to screen at Seattle International Film Festival

“Unholy ‘Mole,” directed by David Bornstein (’13), officially selected to screen at Seattle International Film Festival

March 26, 2021

Unholy ‘Mole, the latest short film by School of Theatre, Film & Television alum David Bornstein (BA ’13) has been selected to screen at the Academy Award qualifying Seattle International Film Festival. Unholy ‘Mole is a horror comedy about a man who sells the soul of his unborn child to the devil in exchange for forcing his wife to make guacamole for him, David’s short stars R.D. Mower (BFA ’12) and Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, Fresh Off The Boat, Robocop). The film crew also featured a handful of additional TFTV alumni, including Heather DiPietro (Executive Producer, BA ’12), Rafael Gomez (Cinematographer, BFA ’14), Trevor Davies (Editor, BA ’11), Gabriel Acosta (Sound Design, BFA ’13), Tom Smith (Animator, BFA ’11), and Bryan McAdams (VFX Artist, BFA ’16).

Many of Bornstein’s previous short films also feature cast and crews comprising TFTV alumni, including:

  • A King’s Betrayal, a dark comedy about the final days in the life of a piñata is currently available to stream for free on YouTube. Starring Adrian Gomez (BA ’12), Caissey Agtual (BA ’13), Kate Strauss (’14), Sam Melitta (BA ’16), and Kelsey Gomez (BA ’13). Featuring contributions from Ari Grabb (Screenwriter, BFA ’13), Trevor Davies (Editor, BA ’11), Gabriel Acosta (Composer/Sound Design, BFA ’13), Roxy Ferenz (1st AD, BFA ’14), Ben Montemayor (Gaffer, BFA ’14), Logan Michael Smith (2nd AC, BFA ’14), and Cooper James (Cinematographer, BFA ’14).
  • Perfect Breakfast, a dark comedy about a woman’s existential struggle to cook the perfect pair of eggs for breakfast, is available to rent and buy on Amazon Prime and Vimeo On Demand. Starring Heather Marie Cox (BFA ’15), and features contributions from Rafael Gomez (Cinematographer, BFA ’14), Trevor Davies (Editor, BA ’11), Gabriel Acosta (Composer/Sound Design, BFA ’13), Brad Kula (PA, BFA ’11), and Symeon Platts (1st AC, BFA ’16).

The Seattle International Film Festival runs virtually from April 8-18.

More info on the Seattle International Film Festival

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Join us for Magic Hour 🎬✨

Tonight we’ll debut ten new short fiction films made by TFTV students in back-to-back screenings in the Marroney Theatre at 6pm and 8pm.

• THE PAINTER – Written by Clinton Willis, Directed by Mike Choi & Clinton Willis
• BETWEEN THE LINES – Written & Directed by Litzy Carrasco, Cinematography by Angelica Pelaez
• SAVING CLEMENTINE – Written, Directed, & Produced by Steven Saldaña & David J. Aberle
• THE DANCER – Written by Sean Leeman, Directed & Produced by Sarah Astrowsky
• STUFFED – Written by Ashley Courter, Directed & Edited by Ashley Courter & Danielle Norris
• ACTION MAN – Written, Directed & Produced by Donovan Heaney & Elias Rice Bensch
• MY OTHER HALF – Written & Directed by Lindsey Policar & Brent Cesolini
• LOCKED OUT! – Written & Directed by Brady McDowell, Produced by Emory Johnson & Brady McDowell
• BACKROADS – Written & Directed by Marcus Thomas, Produced by Marcus Thomas & Garrett Heffelfinger
• 1, 2, 3… DATE! – Written & Directed by Kaitlyn Liddicoat & Geen Lee

The 8pm screening will be followed by a short Q&A with the filmmakers hosted by The Loft Cinema’s Jeff Yanc.

May 14
Back-to-back screenings at 6pm and 8pm
Marroney Theatre
FREE
... See MoreSee Less

17 hours ago
Join us for Magic Hour 🎬✨

Tonight we’ll debut ten new short fiction films made by TFTV students in back-to-back screenings in the Marroney Theatre at 6pm and 8pm.

• THE PAINTER – Written by Clinton Willis, Directed by Mike Choi & Clinton Willis
• BETWEEN THE LINES – Written & Directed by Litzy Carrasco, Cinematography by Angelica Pelaez
• SAVING CLEMENTINE – Written, Directed, & Produced by Steven Saldaña & David J. Aberle
• THE DANCER – Written by Sean Leeman, Directed & Produced by Sarah Astrowsky
• STUFFED – Written by Ashley Courter, Directed & Edited by Ashley Courter & Danielle Norris
• ACTION MAN – Written, Directed & Produced by Donovan Heaney & Elias Rice Bensch
• MY OTHER HALF – Written & Directed by Lindsey Policar & Brent Cesolini
• LOCKED OUT!  – Written & Directed by Brady McDowell, Produced by Emory Johnson & Brady McDowell
• BACKROADS – Written & Directed by Marcus Thomas, Produced by Marcus Thomas & Garrett Heffelfinger
• 1, 2, 3… DATE! – Written & Directed by Kaitlyn Liddicoat & Geen Lee

The 8pm screening will be followed by a short Q&A with the filmmakers hosted by The Loft Cinema’s Jeff Yanc.

May 14
Back-to-back screenings at 6pm and 8pm
Marroney Theatre
FREE
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On May 10, filmmakers from TFTV’s Class of 2025 screened their senior thesis films for a completely sold out audience at I Dream in Widescreen! Along with the filmmakers, we were excited to welcome to the Fox Tucson Theatre their families, cast and crew, industry guests, sponsors, TFTV faculty, staff and students, and countless community supporters. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible!

Huge congratulations to all of our filmmakers on this incredible achievement. We cannot wait to see where your paths take you next!

Missed the in-person event but still want to catch the films from the Class of 2025? Watch them all for a limited time on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/_07CFZnutrg.

Photos by Julius Schlosburg.
... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago
On May 10, filmmakers from TFTV’s Class of 2025 screened their senior thesis films for a completely sold out audience at I Dream in Widescreen! Along with the filmmakers, we were excited to welcome to the Fox Tucson Theatre their families, cast and crew, industry guests, sponsors, TFTV faculty, staff and students, and countless community supporters. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible!

Huge congratulations to all of our filmmakers on this incredible achievement. We cannot wait to see where your paths take you next!

Missed the in-person event but still want to catch the films from the Class of 2025? Watch them all for a limited time on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_07CFZnutrg.

Photos by Julius Schlosburg.Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
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Sarah Astrowsky’s film REMEMBER OUR LEGACY has been officially selected to screen next month at the Hot Springs International Women's Film Festival, where it is also a Finalist in the Student Film category.

The story of REMEMBER OUR LEGACY is close to Sarah’s heart. The film is a tribute to her great-grandmother, Mania Lichtenstein, who survived unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust, and whose strength has shaped the lives of each subsequent generation of Sarah’s family. “My hope is that her story inspires viewers to recognize the power of resilience and the beauty of carrying forward those who came before us,” says Sarah.

The short film was created in TFTV’s Documentary Production Class and first debuted in December at the What’s Up Docs showcase. Congratulations Sarah!

Catch Sarah’s latest film THE DANCER, co-created with Sean Leeman, this week at Magic Hour!
... See MoreSee Less

3 days ago
Sarah Astrowsky’s film REMEMBER OUR LEGACY has been officially selected to screen next month at the Hot Springs International Womens Film Festival, where it is also a Finalist in the Student Film category.

The story of REMEMBER OUR LEGACY is close to Sarah’s heart. The film is a tribute to her great-grandmother, Mania Lichtenstein, who survived unimaginable horrors during the Holocaust, and whose strength has shaped the lives of each subsequent generation of Sarah’s family. “My hope is that her story inspires viewers to recognize the power of resilience and the beauty of carrying forward those who came before us,” says Sarah.

The short film was created in TFTV’s Documentary Production Class and first debuted in December at the What’s Up Docs showcase. Congratulations Sarah! 

Catch Sarah’s latest film THE DANCER, co-created with Sean Leeman, this week at Magic Hour!Image attachment
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IDIWS Sneak Peek: NOSTALGIATHON '99 by Cailan Compierchio. After losing their practice space, an inexperienced riot grrrl band's skills and friendships are tested as they attempt to throw an epic final show for their entire town.

"Going into this process, I knew I wanted to do something that was weird, funny, and featured strong female friendships (three phrases that also describe the past four years of my life here in Tucson)," reflected writer/director Cailan Compierchio . "Nostalgiathon '99 was conceived as a pastiche of 90s/early 2000s comedies, so a lot of those were huge influences. Stylistically, we were drawn to the aesthetics of skate videos and stoner buddy comedies. Narratively, we drew inspiration from large ensemble pieces of the time, like Clerks ('94), Dazed and Confused ('93), Slacker ('90), and Empire Records ('95). In terms of my broader career, the person who made me realize I wanted to be a writer was Tina Fey, and her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock."

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: NOSTALGIATHON 99 by Cailan Compierchio. After losing their practice space, an inexperienced riot grrrl bands skills and friendships are tested as they attempt to throw an epic final show for their entire town.

Going into this process, I knew I wanted to do something that was weird, funny, and featured strong female friendships (three phrases that also describe the past four years of my life here in Tucson), reflected writer/director Cailan Compierchio . Nostalgiathon 99 was conceived as a pastiche of 90s/early 2000s comedies, so a lot of those were huge influences. Stylistically, we were drawn to the aesthetics of skate videos and stoner buddy comedies. Narratively, we drew inspiration from large ensemble pieces of the time, like Clerks (94), Dazed and Confused (93), Slacker (90), and Empire Records (95). In terms of my broader career, the person who made me realize I wanted to be a writer was Tina Fey, and her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
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IDIWS Sneak Peek: THE GRIT OF IT ALL by Alek Mendez. In 1988 Arizona, Detective James, a man struggling with past trauma, is assigned to investigate a grisly murder in “Las Sombras”, an abandoned western show town.

“Throughout my journey in film school, I’ve been drawn to narratives exploring complex human emotions and psychological themes. With ‘The Grit of It All,’ I wanted to harness those interests into something distinctly cinematic—a story about confronting trauma, guilt, and repressed emotion, layered beneath psychological horror. The film was more than just another assignment; it was an artistic pursuit where I could authentically showcase my voice and vision as a filmmaker,” says writer/director Alek Mendez.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: THE GRIT OF IT ALL by Alek Mendez. In 1988 Arizona, Detective James, a man struggling with past trauma, is assigned to investigate a grisly murder in “Las Sombras”, an abandoned western show town.

“Throughout my journey in film school, I’ve been drawn to narratives exploring complex human emotions and psychological themes. With ‘The Grit of It All,’ I wanted to harness those interests into something distinctly cinematic—a story about confronting trauma, guilt, and repressed emotion, layered beneath psychological horror. The film was more than just another assignment; it was an artistic pursuit where I could authentically showcase my voice and vision as a filmmaker,” says writer/director Alek Mendez.

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
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El mejor Director el Mejor cortometraje felicidades Alek Mendez lo hiciste Excelente ❤️❤️❤️

IDIWS Sneak Peek: PARALLEL LINES by Neylani Castro. Two strangers repeatedly cross paths without noticing, until a brush between them unveils the invisible thread of their intertwined fates.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that everything we live through and every person we meet has a purpose, nothing is ever a coincidence. The concepts of fate, in-yun, the invisible string theory, and past lives have always intrigued me. Friendships, romantic relationships, and the family you are born into all consist of fate,” reflects writer/director Neylani Castro. “My dad is from Caimanero, Sinaloa. He was invited by his cousin to come to this retreat in Nogales, Sonora - 9 hours from where he lived. There he saw my mom for the first time. My dad says he felt a pull, a sort of magnetism towards my mom. At the end of the first day the new members were asked to pick out of a bowl who will be their guide for the rest of the retreat. When my dad picked out the paper, my mom’s name was written on it. My parents were two parallel lines, and when the time was right their fates intertwined.”

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!
... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
IDIWS Sneak Peek: PARALLEL LINES by Neylani Castro. Two strangers repeatedly cross paths without noticing, until a brush between them unveils the invisible thread of their intertwined fates.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that everything we live through and every person we meet has a purpose, nothing is ever a coincidence. The concepts of fate, in-yun, the invisible string theory, and past lives have always intrigued me. Friendships, romantic relationships, and the family you are born into all consist of fate,” reflects writer/director Neylani Castro. “My dad is from Caimanero, Sinaloa. He was invited by his cousin to come to this retreat in Nogales, Sonora - 9 hours from where he lived. There he saw my mom for the first time. My dad says he felt a pull, a sort of magnetism towards my mom. At the end of the first day the new members were asked to pick out of a bowl who will be their guide for the rest of the retreat. When my dad picked out the paper, my mom’s name was written on it. My parents were two parallel lines, and when the time was right their fates intertwined.”

Premiering at I Dream in Widescreen 2025! More info and tickets at idiw.tftv.arizona.edu.

$5 | May 10 at 7pm | Fox Tucson Theatre
Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to ensure your seat!Image attachment
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