Final Projects

Asia Best

“Misogynoir” - Film Pitch

Brittany Terry states, “Historically, black women have been treated as less-than-human in many contexts, including the sciences, popular culture, law, and everyday life… when black women are visible, they lack the full range of real world experiences that include normalized human emotions and [achievement].” “Misogynoir” is a film anthology combining the personal struggles of black women in diverse contexts from contemporary periods and as they embody the entrenched stereotypes they have been subjected to for years. Each character, modeled after a stereotype, is humanized through the audience’s perception of their everyday lives. The audience follows their personal struggles and learns about each of their dreams that are ultimately withheld from them. Each ending of the different short stories portrays the ways Black women have continuously been undermined for a larger purpose disconnected from them, as the audience watches a happy ending unfold for unhappy characters.

Kevin Chen

“Come Home” - Film Pitch

I made a movie pitch around the idea behind a potential conflict between nations on the International Space Station, or rather a theorized conflict. The film would explore what happens when Russia, Japan and the United States all have astronauts in space researching revolutionary medicine. When communications are cut, the U.S. protagonist astronaut immediately begins suspecting foul play from the other nations casting his suspicions and losing the trust of everyone on board. The film culminates in a twist with the protagonist accidentally killing his fellow American as the tensions and thoughts of betrayal were all in his head. The film looks to explore how paranoia and simple bad luck can turn a good man into something he is not. To read the full pitch, click here.

Peter Dien

“Technocracy” - TV Show Pitch

“Technocracy” is my proposed television series that attempts to answer the question: "What would happen to the United States’ democracy if Artificial Intelligence infiltrated?” The fictional yet timely narrative – which not only functions as a scathing commentary on institutions profiting off of anti-democratic rhetoric but as a poignant tale on ambition, individual corruption, and the precarity of the political landscape in the 21st century – will chronicle the journey of several individuals as they deal with the consequences of the AI engine titled “Politech.” Set in the battleground state of Iowa, supporters of the engine have lobbied for a bill that would allow Politech to be used in elections throughout the state. As the engine looms over the lives of each character, they begin to navigate the Iowa election, with each of them hoping to win a type of politics they believe would save America.

Kendall Higgins

“Periwinkle” - Film Pitch

My final project entailed writing a treatment (mini script) and pitch for a screenplay. I did so and presented it to industry leaders at our year-end Pitchfest. My pitch, called “Periwinkle”, was about the relationship between two female friends as they grow apart and back together, ultimately questioning the value of nostalgia.

Yuji Jones

“Healing Burns” - Film Pitch

My final project was a film pitch about a small-time journalist, who becomes lonely and bitter after the loss of his wife. The film follows the journey of the emotions of the journalist, especially when he forms a warmhearted bond with a 12-year-old spelling bee champion, who lost her mother, who he also interviewed for the local newspaper. I presented a three-minute pitch at the Humanities Lab showcase, while presenting a mini visual presentation that I made to help bring my story to life.

Felix Kuang

“Dreaming a Revolution” - Film Pitch

My final project is a pitch of the treatment, i.e., a summary of a story that attempts to bridge politics with storytelling. My story is a reflection on the radical politics in the 20th century, such as that of May '68 in France. Through portraying a girl in a factory influenced by radical thinking wanting to take over the factory but ultimately failed, I discuss how naivete or idealism may be harmful for a movement despite best intentions. To read the full pitch, click here.

Stacey Leyva

“La Rosalia” - Film Pitch

My final project is a treatment document where I present a story idea for my own film. I also delivered a pitch to my lab peers and two guests, Kiana Chambers from Wondaland Pictures and Morgan Wandell from Apple TV+. The film I created is titled "La Rosalia," which was inspired by my mother's perseverance and motivation in my life. "La Rosalia" is a tear-jerking but empowering tale about a young Mexican-American woman whose obsession with a painting, which happens to have the same name as hers, becomes her escape from an arranged marriage. Through my film, I portray a happy and healthy break from familial traditions to encourage other young girls of color to pursue their passions for career independence, rather than wait around to be saved.

Rohan Mathew

“The Last Kingslayer” - TV Show Pitch

My final project was about pitching a show idea, titled “The Last Kingslayer”. It is a fantasy/historical fiction show with themes of sovereign authority, revolution, and justice. It follows Zaydan, a member of the Khaalidan order (a magical society of assassins that keep kings in check), and his life under an oppressive regime, as well as his plan to kill his king. To read the full pitch, click here.

Reeyan Udani

“Shadow Game” - TV Show Pitch

"Shadow Game" is a gripping and intense thriller series, blending the intricate drama of espionage with the adrenaline-fueled action of cyber warfare. With each episode, audiences are drawn deeper into the shadowy world of covert operations and government conspiracies. The show unfolds like a carefully crafted puzzle, with each piece fitting into place to reveal a larger, more ominous picture. It's a high-stakes drama filled with twists and turns, where every revelation and betrayal keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. "Shadow Game" is a riveting exploration of power, deception, and the relentless pursuit of truth in a digital age. To read the full pitch, click here.

Vivian Wang

“Standing Still” - Film Pitch

"Standing Still" is a 99-minute independent film that follows the unexpected encounter between a college student and a security guard. Set against the backdrop of a midsummer night and unfolding over the course of July, the film explores the mystery and tension of their unconventional friendship. As the story goes, it becomes clear that this encounter has a more profound impact on one of them, with an O’Henry-style ending revealing a jarring truth about both their realities and ours.