In government-mandated summer camp, Jamie meets Cee, who shows her adventure, rebellion, courage, and something else: a metallic bug implanted into her esophagus. But Jamie doesn’t have the courage to puke up her own bug… or to run away when Cee does. 27 years later, stuck in a loveless marriage and monotonous job, Jamie spots Cee on a wanted poster, and she seeks to rewrite the past. Based on a short story by award-winning author Sofia Samatar.

A pop star facing an identity crisis experiences a sexy, reality bending, and ultimately deadly night while discovering who she is, and who she is allowed to be.

Amid the sweltering stillness of a Southern summer, a quiet boy follows a charismatic older teen into a world of games, danger, and fragile intimacy, as their friendship spirals toward an irreversible decision.

A selfless people pleaser on the brink of a breakdown, seeking respect and self-worth by reinventing himself through boxing and the guidance of an alpha male mentor. As he pushes himself to finally become the man he wants to be, he chooses not to risk losing himself amid these relationships that he thought mattered.

A promising first date takes an unexpected turn when an awkward confession sparks a showdown. Tongue Tied is a absurd comedy that follows Harold and Kelly after a successful first date. Harold leans in to kiss Kelly. Kelly pulls back revealing she has a medical condition called a tongue tie which limits her tongue movements, making her a horrible kisser. Instead of responding with empathy and understanding, Harold is disgusted by her tongue. Kelly, now insecure, pinpoints things about Harold that aren’t up to her standard—igniting a battle that challenges their assumptions and opens the door to feelings neither of them anticipated. This thesis examines how narrative directing can be used to satirize modern online dating and the insecurities it amplifies by subverting audience expectations of the romantic comedy genre. Through a deliberate shift in visual style, the film critiques the performative nature of digital dating culture while exploring the uncomfortable reality that we often don’t fully understand what draws us to others—or what truly repels us. In doing so, the film aims to reflect the confusion, contradiction, and vulnerability that underlie in contemporary romantic pursuits. We will be shooting Weekend 9 of the Winter quarter (March 2026).