“Look around you, you may find in your peers your collaborators.” These are the words of advice award-winning writer and director Amman Abbasi gave during his keynote at the annual Future Filmmaker Showcase at Inner City Arts in DTLA. This past Friday, July 18th, Film Independent’s Education Programs premiered 13 short films written, directed and produced by some of the most talented and insightful high schoolers you’d ever meet. The students also took the opportunity to heed Amman’s advice and network with themselves alongside some industry professionals over lunch.

Get to know the 2025 class and their shorts below, including what inspired them to make movies, their favorite genres, directors, and where they shine best during the filmmaking process.

 

What inspired you to make films? 

“Honestly, I didn’t always know I wanted to make movies (which is so not a good story), but I’ve always loved psycho-analyzing people and creating characters! As a kid, I was always playing pretend with my stuffed animals and editing things together in iMovie. My love of film really developed during my time in high school, thanks to my amazing teachers and peers. It’s my favorite way to tell a story and connect to people.” – Gabriella Marinace Lee, “Bummer Ending” 

“I was inspired to pursue filmmaking when I was just four years old. I remember seeing one of my father’s DVDs lying around; it was Jurassic Park. Watching it felt like being pulled into another world. That immersive experience stuck with me, and it’s continued to inspire me ever since.” – Natthawee, “Addolorarsi” 

“I was inspired to make the film after watching 80s slasher after 80s slasher last spring, paired with my obsession for 80s new wave music and the script practically wrote itself! I’ve always loved the 80s, from the film’s to the fashion to the music, and I wanted to make a film to pay homage to that whilst still maintaining the progress we’ve made as a society; I wanted a diverse cast, a strong female lead and to include that dry, witty British humour I’ve grown up with. The film is special to me because it’s the first time I’ve properly been able to play with my artistic choices and storytelling techniques.” – Kevwe Ayigbe, “Camp Carnage” 

“I’m a huge reader. Like all book-nerds, I grew up daydreaming about my favorite books being turned into movies. After watching behind the scenes documentaries and interviews of The Princess Bride and other book to screen adaptations, I realized that the best way to adapt my favorite books and short stories was to make them myself!” – Katerina Carlson, “Loneliness” 

“Films like Harry Potter showed me how the creativity and imagination of filmmakers can bring magic to life on screen, inspiring me to create art that encourages viewers to open their minds to the endless storytelling and worldbuilding possibilities. Researching how films were made and how certain shots and effects were achieved also inspired me to explore working behind the camera and expand my knowledge on the filmmaking process.” – Lilly O’Brien, “Long Shot”

 

“I believe the greatest charm of cinema lies in allowing people to experience different worlds and feel a wide range of emotions. Especially with animation, there’s limitless room for imagination. Creating stories within that imaginative space and making people happy is what truly inspires me to make films. Through stories based on my own life, I hope to evoke shared memories and move people’s hearts. The fact that I can influence the world—even just a little—through the art I’m capable of, is what drives me to keep creating animation.” – Ryu Sihyun, “Balloon of Happiness”

“Consuming and enjoying art of all media, especially music, watching how other people express ideas with beauty inspired me to make films. In the making of this project in particular, the filmmaking process has been a breath of fresh air and a way to alchemise a complex idea into a precise, confined unit.” – Alex Brown, “Language of the Universe” 

 

What is your favorite film genre and why? 

“I’m drawn to dark comedies and psychological dramas. I like when films reflect reality but twist it in a way that makes you think, laugh, or both.” – Bardia Seiri, “The Bet” 

“My favorite genre is drama, because human emotion is endlessly fascinating to me. I believe many of us don’t fully understand our own emotions, myself included. But when I make films, it’s like I’m going on a journey alongside the story. It shapes me. The process helps me reflect, grow, and connect more deeply with myself.” – Natthawee

“I have always gravitated towards science fiction. I grew up watching The Twilight Zone, and my favorite book will forever be Frankenstein. The majority of the films I’ve written and directed the past few years have been or have had elements of sci-fi, even if that wasn’t my original intention. I love this genre because I find it so beautiful that humans find such magical and creative ways to mirror the human experience and express human emotions. Life is so big that sometimes we need to look outside our world to figure out how we feel about what’s happening inside our world.” – Natalie Yerelekian, “How It Should Be”

“I love film, so it’s hard to pick just one genre. I will say, I’m partial to a good British comedy (think Shaun of the Dead), there’s something so comforting about them to me and they never fail to make me laugh. I’m also a huge superhero film fan, in fact it was Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 that pushed me to pursue a career in film and TV.” – Kevwe Ayigbe

“I’d have to say my favorite film genre is stop motion and puppetry! I love Coraline and Del Toro’s Pinocchio, I’ve rewatched them on repeat for years.” – Katerina Carlson

“Documentary because it is a window to a new reality to share and learn.” – Magnus Shipe

“I love drama, mystery, dystopian, and psychological horror films. I usually take inspiration from my own experiences, fears, or interests while adding a twist that usually falls into these genres. I love creating nuanced, thought-provoking, and relatable characters and stories.” – Lilly O’Brien

“I don’t particularly prefer one genre over another, but I tend to enjoy films that make me feel happy. Being able to experience a moment of joy through film, even amidst the pressures of reality, is one of the reasons I love cinema so much.” – Ryu Sihyun

“I tend to gravitate toward either grounded dramas or artful, near-surrealist works. These genres represent two sides of what art does for me: observing the world as it is, and imagining the world as it could be.” – Alex Brown

“This is so hard, I love so many genres and so many movies from various genres. I will say though my favorite movies are ones with happy endings.” – Gabriella Marinace Lee

 

What’s the best film you’ve seen so far, old or new? 

“One of the best films I’ve ever seen so far is a new film called The Boy and The Heron. The film to me felt both surreal but human, touching me to my core. The film explores the creator’s life and accepting loss so subtly, and shows that nothing can last forever and nothing is perfect as they seem It’s one of my inspirations to continue making art because I aim to make film that is both deeply personal and captivating.” – Natthawee

“The best film I’ve seen so far is La La Land. I’ve probably watched it over 10 times at this point, and I will never get tired of it. I feel it truly captures the magic and love for the film industry and art related careers. Even with all the troubles the characters faced while chasing after their dreams, they never gave up. This has always been such an inspiration for me and made me feel so connected to the film.” – Natalie Yerelekian

“The best film I’ve seen has got to be Back to the Future. It’s a classic for a reason, and I watched it so many times it’s practically etched into my brain. The fact that it’s transcended so many generations is just a testament to how great it is. It’s the perfect blend of sci-fi and comedy, and the outfits? Obsessed! (Special shout out to What We Do in the Shadows, it’s probably my favourite piece of vampire media ever!)” – Kevwe Ayigbe

“The best film I’ve ever seen? That’s a really hard question to answer, there’s so many to choose from! I have to say the best movies I’ve seen in theaters is a toss up between Across the Spiderverse and Sinners— both had me on the edge of my seat! Spiderverse’s visuals astounded me and Sinners’ music and composition stuck with me for days. I adored both. I love how both films took these classic stories and legends and was able to turn them into something new.” – Katerina Carlson

“The best film is Incident at Oglala because it taught a new world.” – Magnus Shipe

“Get Out is one of the best films I’ve seen because of the countless layers of analysis and deeply explored themes throughout the film.” – Lilly O’Brien

“There are so many great films, but one that recently stood out to me again is Amélie. It’s truly one of the best films I’ve seen. Beyond its visual beauty, the charming young girl at the heart of the story, and her perspective on love, make the entire experience utterly enchanting.” – Ryu Sihyun

“Spirited Away, Chungking Express, and Pulp Fiction are all contenders. I hope to continue to watch more films in the future to deepen my understanding of the film language.” – Alex Brown

“I really really loved Everything Everywhere all at Once and I was so happy it won the Best Picture Oscar! To me, it was the perfect mix of emotional, impactful and whimsical, a true masterpiece!” – Gabriella Marinace Lee

“La La Land is probably the film that’s stuck with me the most. It’s emotional, visually stunning, and every element feels intentional.” – Bardia Seiri

 

What’s your favorite part of the filmmaking process?

“My favorite part of the filmmaking process is being on set. For “How It Should Be”, after spending months working on writing the script, finding locations, casting actors, creating overheads and shotlists, and all the other stuff that goes into pre-production.Iit was such an incredible experience to see this story that had once been just an idea in my mind become reality. Hearing and seeing the lines I wrote acted out in real time just reminded me why I love filmmaking so much. A small idea in my head turned into something others can watch and connect to.” – Natalie Yerelekian

“My favourite part of the film making process is being on set. I love the electric energy of it all, working alongside my team and feeling like I’m creating something that matters!” – Kevwe Ayigbe

“My favorite part of the filmmaking process has to be either writing a first draft or editing the final cut. I love new beginnings, when your mind is bursting with ideas, but I also love color grading that last piece of footage, finally seeing all your hard work pay off.” – Katerina Carlson

“There are many aspects of filming I love. I built the computer I made the film on, met a new family, and learned more about my heritage.” – Magnus Shipe

“I love being involved in every aspect of the filmmaking process, but one of my favorite parts is filming on set after actors have had enough time to deeply understand and feel comfortable experimenting with their characters. I love being with the majority of my crew, too, because these moments are the most collaborative, memorable, and fun.” Lilly O’Brien

 

“Definitely the storyboarding phase. It’s when I get to imagine the final piece and build the framework of an entire world in my mind. That process excites me the most—it’s when I feel most thrilled and energized.” – Ryu Sihyun

“Definitely cinematography. I find that the cinematographer has the most power to influence the feel of a film.” – Alex Brown

“I adore developing characters and then trying to fit them into stories. Overall, I just love writing scripts.” – Gabriella Marinace Lee

“Directing. It’s where everything comes together. The script, the visuals, the performances. I love the challenge of shaping something intangible into something that hits.” – Bardia Seiri

“My favorite part of the filmmaking process is editing. It’s my favorite stage. It’s the moment where everything finally comes together. To me, it’s even more important than the shoot, because no matter how beautiful the footage is, poor editing can destroy a film’s emotional impact. But with the right cuts, rhythm, and silence, even if you have half-baked footage, you can transform raw material into something meaningful.” – Natthawee

 

Who is a director who inspires you? 

“I take a huge inspiration from both Martin Scorsese and Taika Waititi, both very different directors but both have made some of my favourite films of all time. I love how distinct their styles are and how much they stand out from the sea of films we now have. They inspire me to really look inside myself as a creative and figure out what it really is that I want to portray in my work.” – Kevwe Ayigbe

“So many directors inspire me, but I’d have to say the top three are Rob Reiner, Greta Gerwig, and Jim Henson.” – Katerina Carlson

“I am inspired by other young directors like the students who tell their stories.” – Magnus Shipe

“Jordan Peele inspires me because of the originality and passion he puts into every film.” – Lilly O’Brien

“Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA) and Pete Docter from Pixar. Every time I watch a PTA film, I’m amazed by how he tells such diverse stories across genres, yet his unique style and wit are always present. Pete Docter also inspires me deeply—his imagination comes to life beautifully in films like Inside Out and Soul, and his storytelling has a lasting emotional impact.” – Ryu Sihyun

“The ease with which Wong Kar Wai breaks convention to share feelings of romance, despair, and absurdity with the audience in a very intimate way inspires me. I’m planning to apply some of his cinematographic and storytelling techniques in future projects.” – Alex Brown

“The first project I did was an homage to Wes Anderson and I do really like him as a director. I know he gets a lot of criticism for being overly stylistic and his movies all “looking the same” but I appreciate that he always does his own thing, I hope to always be proud and content doing my own thing.” – Gabriella Marinace Lee

“Damien Chazelle. His attention to rhythm, pacing, and emotional build-up is unmatched to me.” – Bardia Seiri

“A director that inspires me is Michael Goorjian. His film, Amerikasti, is the story  of a young Armenian boy who escapes the Armenian Genocide by fleeing to the United States, but when he returns as an adult, he is arrested. From the prison, he watches Armenian families to learn more about his Armenian heritage. This film  so beautifully captures Armenian culture and values and what it means to be an  Armenian for audiences of all nationalities. This summer, I attended a two week  workshop taught by Mr. Gorrjian with the Armenian Film Society. I learned so much from it and was so incredibly inspired.” – Natalie Yerelekian

 

Which actors would you love to work with? 

“Admittedly, my dream cast and crew would be The Muppets. Working with Kermit and Miss Piggy would be a dream come true.” – Katerina Carlson

“I’d love to work with more Native American actors and shows like New Mexico’s, Dark Winds.” – Magnus Shipe

“I don’t have a specific actor that I would want to work with, but I’d love to work with anyone who is passionate, supportive, dedicated, and eager to collaborate by sharing their own creativity and ideas to add to their character.” – Lilly O’Brien

 “I would love to work with Jim Carrey. His vibrant energy and ability to embody such a wide range of characters are incredible. Just the idea of working with someone like him sparks countless creative ideas in my mind.” – Ryu Sihyun

 

“I actually really enjoy working with the actors that I have right now; my fellow film students in high school.  There is something pure and authentic about working with people who are motivated to better themselves and the project and are doing it purely for passion and not pay.” – Alex Brown

I love Succession and I think they have one of the best casts of all time. I would love to work with Kieran Culkin or Jeremy Strong. Another favorite of mine is Challengers and working with anyone on that cast would be amazing but especially Zendaya, she’s so talented. – Gabriella Marinace Lee

“Jeremy Allen White and Ayo Edebiri. They both bring something raw, grounded, and unpredictable to their roles.” – Bardia Seiri

“I would love to work with Brad Pitt. His on-screen charisma and acting range always amaze me. He has this rare ability to be completely himself while also disappearing into his characters. He’s one of the most interesting actors working today.” – Natthawee

“My dream would be to work with any of the cast from the show Severance. Severance is my absolute favorite show, and everyone who knows me knows that. The cast is so incredibly talented, creative, and inspiring. They capture such complicated emotions and heavy topics effortlessly. I hope one day I can create something as impactful as this show with a cast with even a fraction of their talent.” – Natalie Yerelekian

“Two actors I’d love to work with would be Florence Pugh and Dave Bautista. I have huge respect for them both and am constantly in awe of their performances, not to mention I’d love to chat to Bautista about his shift from WWE to film as it’s always intrigued me.” – Kevwe Ayigbe

 

What is the primary idea you want to communicate to viewers in your short? 

“I wanted to challenge myself by telling a story centered around a sensitive topic in a way that hasn’t been done before. My goal was to highlight a unique perspective while incorporating difficult, relatable high school experiences. Instead of presenting the film like a PSA that feeds audiences information and tells them how to feel and respond, I wanted the experience of watching the film to feel real, different, and personal for each individual. I believe that sitting with the complex ideas and emotions — whether it’s shock, discomfort, or something in between — is the most powerful way to encourage voluntary reflection and, ultimately, change. “ – Lilly O’Brien

“Where did our childhood happiness come from? Back then, even something as small as a balloon animal could spark hours of imagination and laughter. But looking back now, maybe the sense of loss we sometimes felt wasn’t really about happiness itself, but more about the pure way we experienced emotions. Through this short animation, I hope to remind viewers of the innocent wonder and feelings we had when we used to gaze at a balloon.” – Ryu Sihyun

“This short is about the power of nature as an escape from the opaque mud that can be modern life. To the audience — go outside and see the beauty sometime.” – Alex Brown

“The primary idea I want to communicate in this short is that even if something was beautiful in the past, it’s still okay to let it go if it just can’t work in the future. I struggle a lot with wanting to hold on and fearing change but ultimately part of being a person is change, and it is scary, but it’s also worth it. We can honor the memory of the past and still be okay letting it go when it’s time, but it is really hard.” – Gabriella Marinace Lee

“That phone addiction is real, and it can shape how we connect, act, and even define ourselves. But also, there’s humor in how extreme it’s gotten.” – Bardia Seiri

“The main idea I want viewers to take away from my short is that when there isn’t a clear path for your dreams, or even a blocked path, it’s ok to fight your way through to make your own way. Wendy had a goal of making it to college and escaping the “housewife life” that had been forced onto her. Even though she had everything in her life standing in her way, she kept pushing and fighting for the life she wanted. So many industries and fields are so difficult for women to break  into, but we can’t let that stop us. We have to block out the “narrators” in our lives and keep pushing forward.” – Natalie Yerelekian

“The primary idea I wanted to portray in my film is the importance of listening to and actually HEARING what women of colour have to say. If Claire (the final girl) had been listened to from the get go, so much of what happens in the film could have been avoided. I wanted to show that our voices matter and that we have something valuable to say, something worth listening to.” – Kevwe Ayigbe

“My short “Loneliness” is about the overwhelming solitude of grief. That empty feeling left once someone you loved is gone, it follows you wherever you go. If there’s one idea I hope to communicate, it’s that the grief you feel will get better with time.” – Katerina Carlson

 

Do you want to keep making films in the future? What’s your dream project? 

“I want people to consider new ideas.” – Magnus Shipe

“I definitely want to keep making films in the future! My dream project is writing and directing a film that is very personal to me — a project that reflects unique, layered experiences in a genuine, relatable way. I’d love to work with a cast and crew that creates a passionate, meaningful, and safe space to take risks and make art that inspires viewers and encourages analysis, questions, and thoughtful reflection long after the credits roll.” – Lilly O’Brien

“I hope my life continues to be intertwined with filmmaking. In the future, I want to create a feature-length animated film that transforms my personal stories into something that resonates with universal emotions. I also dream of making artistically rich films that showcase the beauty of the world in different forms.” – Ryu Sihyun

“Although I don’t necessarily plan to pursue a career path in film, I’m currently entering 11th grade and will be studying Film in the International Baccalaureate Program for the next two years. I’ve only been studying film for a year and have created 3-4 minute short films.  My short-term dream project is a longer short film, long enough to be immersive and give more attention to an increasingly complex story and further personal expression.” – Alex Brown

“I definitely want to pursue filmmaking professionally! It’s a bit scary since I think any career in the arts is always a slight risk but I really do love it so much and hope I can keep making films forever! I’m not sure what my exact dream project would be but I have a million ideas, I hope I can make one someday. 😊” – Gabriella Marinace Lee

“Definitely. My dream project would be a coming-of-age thriller that blends comedy, nostalgia, and regret, something personal but weird enough to stand out.” – Bardia Seiri

“I want to keep making films for sure! I want to improve my artistic vision and my storytelling skills. My dream project right now is fortunately in development, it’s called Freudian, about the idea that love now is plastic and inorganic. I want to explore that aspect of our modern society while also giving my view on it in my film.” – Natthawee

 

“I definitely will continue to make films for the rest of my life. I will be starting at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts as a Film and Television Production major in the fall and am so excited for all the films I will work on and create there. A career in filmmaking has always been my goal. My dream project would be to make a feature documentary showing the modern-day effects of the Armenian Genocide. This past summer, I made a short documentary about my family’s history 

escaping the Armenian Genocide and what effect it has had on multiple generations. I know every Armenian family has stories that have sent ripples into their generations, and yet so many Americans have no idea what the Armenian Genocide even is. To be able to make a film that communicates to the world the hurt that the Armenian people have faced, but even more than that, the strength and resilience we have had to overcome all we’ve faced, would be my absolute dream.” – Natalie Yerelekian

“It’s my dream to be a successful film director so I will be continuing to make films! My dream project is simply being able to tell stories that allow marginalised groups to feel seen and heard (and, I’ll be honest, a superhero project would be cool too!).” – Kevwe Ayigbe

“I hope to make films for the rest of my life. I’m so excited to enter this industry, telling stories for as long as I can. My dream project is to write and direct a Muppet movie.” – Katerina Carlson

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