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Home › News & Events › News › University of Arizona’s School of Theatre, Film & Television announces shift to digital entertainment industry event to launch I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN 2020

University of Arizona’s School of Theatre, Film & Television announces shift to digital entertainment industry event to launch I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN 2020

July 8, 2020

For Immediate Release
Press Contact:
Kerryn Negus
knegus@email.arizona.edu

Photo of the Fox Tucson Theatre, IDIWS 2019Tucson, AZ (July 9, 2020) – The University of Arizona’s School of Theatre, Film & Television presents the 15th edition of I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN (IDIWS), the annual showcase of undergraduate thesis films celebrating a wide range of new filmmaking voices. This year, the event will include a series of sidebar conversations featuring industry luminaries who are all alumni of the School of Theatre, Film & Television.

The 2020 edition of I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN will be presented on YouTube on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 (youtube.com/UASchoolofTFTV). Films will compete for prizes awarded by this year’s Jury: Austin Film Festival’s Film Competition Director Rob Gonzalez, producer of the Emmy-winning series After Forever Allison Vanore and film critic and journalist Katie Walsh (Los Angeles Times, IndieWire, Vanity Fair).

I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN 2020 will feature conversations from an array of notable alumni from across the entertainment field. Special guests include Netflix’s Head of Original Film Scott Stuber, award-winning film editor Lindsay Utz (American Factory, Miss Americana), director Tyler Gillett (Scream 5, V/H/S), Sundance Film Festival Shorts Programmer Mike Plante, WME agent and partner Brad Slater, casting director Eyde Belasco (Sorry To Bother You, Transparent), producer Allison Vanore (After Forever), writer/producer Peter Murrieta (Mr. Iglesias, Superior Donuts), emerging directors Darious Britt (Unsound) and Christopher Cegielski (Reagan) and actors Vinessa Vidotto (Lucifer), Kyle Harris (Indoor Boys, High Maintenance), Carly Natania Grossman and Michael Schulz. Tucson’s Loft Cinema Program Director Jeff Yanc will host.

“Located an hour’s drive from the Mexican border and a short flight from Hollywood, the UArizona School of Theatre, Film and Television has built over time a reputation for nurturing and elevating diverse voices and original, brave visions” said Andrew Belser, Director of University of Arizona’s School of Theatre, Film & Television. “We’re thrilled to share our student and alumni talent with a larger audience and hope that this unique slate of films and behind the scenes stories from our impressive cadre of alumni will be a welcome, energizing and uplifting addition to the streaming-scape, and bring new perspective to our business.”

The IDIWS 2020 schedule of events is as follows:

Saturday, August 8, starting at 3:00pm PT | 6:00pm ET

Introduction
Scott Stuber, Head of Original Film, Netflix

The Influencers
Tyler Gillett + Lindsay Utz
The co-director of Scream 5 and the editor of this year’s Academy Award-winning Best Documentary, American Factory, in conversation about shaping the art of tomorrow’s cinema.

The Starmakers
Brad Slater + Eyde Belasco
How stars are made and new talent discovered, from the agents who represent you to the casting directors responsible for you being hired; WME’s Brad Slater and casting director Eyde Belasco discuss everything you need to know.

New Voices
Darious Britt + Christopher Cegielski
A lively conversation between these emerging directors will look at how they were able to get their projects made and the challenges – and opportunities – that face new filmmakers in today’s entertainment landscape. 

Film Block One + Q&A
Hosted by: Jeff Yanc 

  • MIRROR – Filmmaker: Mason Day (6:45)
  • TESORO – Filmmaker: Roxanna Denise Stevens Ibarra (8:30)
  • KAREN FROM SUSIE MAY – Filmmakers: Dan Crowley + Adam Alegría (10:25)
  • A HUNGER – Filmmaker: Anthony Cutrone (6:30)
  • SIDE BY SIDE – Filmmaker: Alyssa Urgo (7:24)
  • DICK’S CAFE AMRIKANO – Filmmakers: Zayna Altoubal + Daniel Paz (8:30)
  • HOUSES IN MOTION – Filmmakers: Adrian Meyer + Martin Somoza (8:20)

Sunday, August 9, starting at 3:00pm PT | 6:00pm ET

The Writers’ Room
Allison Vanore + Peter Murrieta
Writer/producers Allison Vanore and Peter Murrieta talk streaming platforms, writing and producing a hit TV series, what makes good television and whether today’s writers’ rooms are diverse enough.

Festival World
Mike Plante
In a discussion with one of this year’s graduating filmmakers, we learn what a Sundance Film Festival programmer looks for when deciding which projects to include in a world-renowned film festival.

The Actors
Kyle Harris + Vinessa Vidotto
with Carly Natania Grossman and Michael Schulz
Two of today’s most up-and-coming television actors are joined by the next generation of acting talent to discuss what it takes to be cast, how to stand out and some of the challenges facing actors in the current environment.

Film Block Two + Q&A
Hosted by: Jeff Yanc

  • IRIS – Filmmaker: Zach Lovvorn (6:40)
  • YOU DON’T DARE KNOW – Filmmaker: Bailey Stalcup (7:20)
  • THE LEAK – Filmmaker: Adam Meilech (9:34)
  • BARREN – Filmmaker: Emma Sinex (6:40)
  • TIL THE END – Filmmaker: Joel Romero (8:30)
  • ICE CREAM RUN – Filmmaker: Sam Lulloff (7:20)
  • THE LIGHTS ARE ON, NO ONE’S HOME – Filmmaker: Faye Ruiz (10:15)

Awards Ceremony
Hosted by: Jeff Yanc

***

Notes to the Editors:

Link to IDIWS 2020 images can be found here:
https://arizona.box.com/s/6nj9br9slis5g0b5gslxs99a811e6ih9

Link to the IDIWS 2020 trailer can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8D7UNRcIAo

About I Dream In Widescreen
I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN is an annual year-end celebration of The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television student thesis films. Previously held at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre and now in its 15th year, films from the graduating class compete for prizes to be awarded by a panel of noted jurists from a cross-section of the entertainment industry.

I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN 2020 is sponsored by Craig Huston, Film Tucson, Adobe, Monsoon Production Services, Pollution Studios, Entertainment Partners, Fox Tucson Theatre Foundation, Hanson FilmTV Institute, Xerox, Ricoh, The Loft Cinema, The University of Arizona Bookstores, Student/Faculty Interaction (SFI) Grant from Faculty Programs, Campus Life, and the estate of Ann Blackmarr.

https://idiw.tftv.arizona.edu/

About the School of Theatre, Film & Television
The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) aims to nurture and develop outstanding artists and scholars by providing rigorous training and mentoring by internationally recognized faculty, excellent 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, the Studio Series, 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. In late 2019, TFTV’s Film & Television program was ranked #25 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.

https://tftv.arizona.edu/

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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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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
View on Facebook
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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

3 weeks 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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