In the UNCSA Showcase, students from our American partner university present their films to an international audience. The US-American filmmakers creatively explore social structures and individual well-being. What stands out is the prominent genre work, implemented with skilful cinematic craftsmanship.
Deepwater Sponger
1927: in an alternate reality, a diver embarks upon a dangerous mission to find the last freshwater reserves and save humanity. On his dive he encounters the unimaginable and must decide how much he is prepared to sacrifice for his mission.
1927: in an alternate reality, a diver embarks upon a dangerous mission to find the last freshwater reserves and save humanity. On his dive he encounters the unimaginable and must decide how much he is prepared to sacrifice for his mission.
Director:Connor Ryan
Producer:
Dillon Dipietro
Screenplay:
Connor Ryan
Katie Mlinek
Costume:
Sarah Loveland
Editing:
Jack Hansen
Music:
Noland Vannoy
Other:
Amelia Brown, Mark Jabourian, Lucas Saunders
Sound designer:
Olivia Moore, Nigel Scott
Film school:
University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking
Production designer:
Emily Kuhlmann
Pink, White & Blue
After years of transitioning in front of the camera, Aydian Dowling talks about his career, the importance of visibility and what role YouTube can play in the creation of role models within the trans* community.
After years of transitioning in front of the camera, Aydian Dowling talks about his career, the importance of visibility and what role YouTube can play in the creation of role models within the trans* community.
Director:Ash Malone
Aydian Dowling
Cinematographer:
Ian Price
Editing:
Ash Malone
Music:
Michael Gaffney
Sound designer:
Ash Malone
Film school:
University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking
Kindred Kings
The film serves a poetic exploration of the freedom and multi-facetted nature of black masculinity. With a new self-determination, these Kindred Kings write their own histories and renegotiate their own identities.
The film serves a poetic exploration of the freedom and multi-facetted nature of black masculinity. With a new self-determination, these Kindred Kings write their own histories and renegotiate their own identities.
Director:Tramaine Raphael (Trey) Gray
Screenplay:
Tramaine Raphael (Trey) Gray, Jo Hatcher
Zach Smith
Editing:
Zach Smith
Music:
Nik Parnell
Production designer:
Tramaine Raphael (Trey) Gray, Romello Huins
Purple
A dance duet escalates and leads to a permanent fusion.
A dance duet escalates and leads to a permanent fusion.
Director:Claire Allen
Claire Allen, Nichole Crawford, Lauren White
Editing:
Isaac Balachandran
Music:
Ryan Mulder
Sound designer:
Isaac Balachandran
Film school:
University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking
They Are Wolves
A young girl grows increasingly sceptical of the cult she grew up in. When she discovers the truths, her power-hungry leader is hiding, she begins to recognise his manipulative nature.
A young girl grows increasingly sceptical of the cult she grew up in. When she discovers the truths, her power-hungry leader is hiding, she begins to recognise his manipulative nature.
Director:Caroline (Caro) Knight
Screenplay:
Emma Morgan, Brian Storck
Emma Manzer
Costume:
Caro Knight
Editing:
Olivia Moore
Other:
Cassie Richardson
Sound designer:
Olivia Moore
Film school:
University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking
Sideways
Best friends Kurt and Carter are overjoyed to finally move in together. It quickly becomes apparent, however, that living together is not as easy as they thought it would be. After a heated argument Carter awakes to find that the flat seems to have suddenly been turned sideways.
Best friends Kurt and Carter are overjoyed to finally move in together. It quickly becomes apparent, however, that living together is not as easy as they thought it would be. After a heated argument Carter awakes to find that the flat seems to have suddenly been turned sideways.
Director:Daniel Robert Smith
Screenplay:
Ben Trauner
John Curtis
Costume:
Lizzie Lovett
Editing:
Nikos Spiridakis
Music:
Michael Gaffney
Other:
Nic See
Sound designer:
Micah Godsey, Nikos Spiridakis
Film school:
University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking
Production designer:
Jordan W. Sayman
No Sanctuary
In 2015, nine African Americans were shot dead in a church in South Carolina. The attack received additional media attention when family members publicly forgave the killer at his hearing. In this documentary, family members and local residents talk about their experience.
In 2015, nine African Americans were shot dead in a church in South Carolina. The attack received additional media attention when family members publicly forgave the killer at his hearing. In this documentary, family members and local residents talk about their experience.
Director:Nathan Knox
Vishal Parmar
Editing:
Jay Batchler
Music:
Caleb Gardner
Film school:
University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking
Mass shooting
Cycling
A young woman talks about her life, reflecting on the ups and downs of her own well-being. Different forms of water symbolise her changing emotions and states.
A young woman talks about her life, reflecting on the ups and downs of her own well-being. Different forms of water symbolise her changing emotions and states.
Director:Victoria Cruell
Screenplay:
Victoria Cruell
Victoria Cruell
Music:
Alexandra Franco Zorro
Film school:
University of North Carolina School of the Arts School of Filmmaking
Production designer:
Madison Whitfield
Depression