COVID-19 restrictions forced the drama department into uncharted territory this year.
Led by new teacher Bryan Ringsted, students undertook the production of a film festival entitled “Connections.” Starting in September, 30 students wrote, shot, produced, directed, edited and acted in nine short films, each running approximately 10 minutes.
Although much of the work was done remotely, students were able to do socially distanced filming on-campus in small cohorts under the supervision of Ringsted. The final cuts were finalized in December.
The Film Festival took place on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9, over Zoom. The films are available for public viewing on the drama department’s website.
“Lance Stewart’s Break-In”
Director: senior Helena Lee
Scriptwriter: sophomore Matthew Ingster
Cinematographer and editor: sophomore Angela Yanqui Zhao
Starring: freshmen Ashwin Chatterji, Rohan Chopra and junior Taylor Zhou
Synopsis: Feeling down during quarantine, two friends decide to visit the house of their favorite YouTuber, Lance Stewart. Unfortunately, they are caught by their idol and have to prove themselves if they want to get away scot-free.
“Grandma Gamer”
Director: junior Taylor Zhou
Scriptwriter: senior Stephen Ludwig
Cinematographer: freshman Arushi Maheshwar
Editors: Arushi Maheshwar and Taylor Zhou
Starring: freshmen Ariana Tootoonchi, Rohan Chopra, junior Maya Vasudev and senior Eileen Sun
Synopsis: After losing a computer game to her granddaughter, a spunky grandmother is determined to prove herself by winning a tournament — with the help of a professional gamer.
“Run Far Run Fast”
Director: freshman Julia Burgos
Scriptwriter: senior Helena Lee
Cinematographer: freshman Wesley Chen
Costume designer: freshman Vivienne Brooks
Starring: sophomore Juliette Hsieh, junior Taylor Zhou, seniors Christopher Linney and Brandolyn Renner
Synopsis: A track runner down on his luck receives an unexpected boost from a curious wizard. Despite his newfound speed, he soon finds himself at the mercy of its power.
“Silhouettes”
Director: sophomore Robin Castren
Scriptwriter: junior Taylor Zhou
Cinematographer: freshman Caitlin Weber
Starring: sophomores Juliette Hsieh, Matthew Ingster, junior Taylor Zhou, seniors Francesca Fernandes, Christopher Linney, Stephen Ludwig and Tanvi Singh
Synopsis: A high schooler gets into a fight at a party after trying to protect his friend from her boyfriend. Two years later, however, nobody involved can seem to let go of what happened that night.
“Prohibition”
Director: sophomore Olivia Neal
Scriptwriter: senior Francesca Fernandes
Cinematographer: senior Bryan Chu
Composer: senior Aelfred Moore
Starring: freshmen Ariana Tootoonchi, Angelique Delacroix, Arushi Maheshwar, sophomore Amrita Gopal, junior Taylor Zhou and senior Christopher Linney
Synopsis: Concerned with the devastating effects of alcoholism on their families, a group of women comes together to protest. They lead the charge for prohibition, calling themselves the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
“I Barely Know”
Director: sophomore Eli Tsives
Scriptwriter: freshman Julia Burgos
Cinematographer: senior Christopher Linney
Starring: freshmen Angelique Delacroix, Nitin Venkataratnam, Aseel Alagtash and junior Kavya Narayan
Synopsis: A family is torn apart by hidden marital issues, leading to conflict between mother and daughter. When the truth is revealed, the daughter begins to understand the complex burden her mother shoulders and starts the healing process.
“Where’s the Tea?”
Director: senior Bryan Chu
Scriptwriter: senior Marisa Kingsley
Cinematographer: Bryan Chu
Composer: senior Aelfred Moore
Costume designer: freshman Vivienne Brooks
Starring: sophomore Eli Tsives, juniors Maya Vasudev and Kavya Narayan
Synopsis: A co-worker accuses a new intern at the office of a grave crime: stealing tea. But when the security recording starts rolling, a very different story is told.
“Every Move You Make”
Director: senior Elsa Ashraf
Scriptwriter: sophomore Olivia Smith
Cinematographer and editor: Elsa Ashraf
Audio: freshman Nitin Venkataratnam and senior Christopher Linney
Costume designer: freshman Vivienne Brooks
Starring: sophomore Maithili Kulkarni, junior Samantha Weisner, seniors Marisa Kingsley and Francesca Fernandes
Synopsis: When pictures are taken of a group of friends, they think it’s just a prank pulled by their friends. Little did they know that it’s something much more sinister is amiss.
“Owl and Raven”
Director: senior Chloe Hsieh
Scriptwriter: senior Elsa Ashraf
Editor and animator: Chloe Hsieh
Starring: freshman Caitlin Weber, sophomore Olivia Smith and senior Eileen Sun
Synopsis: Two sisters appear to be completely opposite, and after a petty fight escalates, it appears that they may not make up. Yet, an impromptu henna session reveals some hidden truths and deeper understandings between them.