Spotlight on Films by NYU/Tisch Alumni #WFA2024

A troubled teen takes his childhood babysitter hostage after she uncovers his deadly plan.

‘Fly in Power’ spotlights the work of Asian migrant massage and sex workers of Red Canary Song, a mutual aid, abolitionist collective based in Flushing, NYC. We follow the stories of Charlotte (a Korean massage worker/poet), KhoKhoi (bodyworker/healer), and Prof. Elena Shih (Brown University, global human trafficking researcher) as well as the broader Red Canary Song community. The film is a glimpse into their practices of care, autonomy, and survival against the oppressive systems that face Asian massage parlour workers and sex workers. Calling for ‘rights, not rescue’ these women and non-binary queers fight for their community, for decriminalization, and debunking the myths of sex trafficking that pervade the Asian diaspora. This film has been produced entirely by women, non-binary, trans and queers of the Asian diaspora – more than half of the production team are former sex workers.

Tessa is excited to visit Yellowstone National Park with her new boyfriend, Mark. However, when they arrive, Mark changes, aggression and cruelty building as Tessa starts finding disturbing artifacts around the cabin. What begins as an idyllic winter weekend slowly becomes a nightmare as Tessa realizes she’s alone in the woods with a man she really doesn’t know at all.

Two strangers, Edo, a Congolese refugee, and Babette, a Danish dancer, unexpectedly find themselves thrust into the confines of a Parisian apartment. When Maoussi, an escaped lab mouse, makes itself known, their lives are turned upside down as they try to navigate cultural misunderstandings and conflicting expectations about what love and parenthood are supposed to look like in 2023.

A little girl’s love for her bedridden Papa inspires a town in lockdown to make music from their windows.

Created by Lilian T. Mehrel & Danielle Rhoda. Written & Directed by Lilian T. Mehrel. Animation Direction by Danielle Rhoda

Camila, a young aspiring-and-struggling illustrator, meets Madison, a teenage girl, when Camila is hired by Madison’s (very) wealthy family as her tutor. Unlike Camila, Madison is confident, popular, and has never experienced rejection. Though Camila initially dismisses the teenager as vapid and out-of-touch, they connect over their shared struggles as artists at heart. Camila becomes seduced by Madison’s can-do-attitude and naïve drive. The short interaction ultimately sparks a new fire inside of Camila and moves us to reflect on the themes of wealth, privilege, and what it takes to be successful.

When a drugged-out duo attempts to rob an antique store, they realize the older woman running the shop isn’t as defenseless as she seems.

‘Pianoman’ intimately captures the resilience of an undocumented family as they navigate universal challenges through a sensitive cinéma vérité lens. Stirring genuine emotions, the film prompts reflection on social justice and inequality, inspiring action for a more inclusive world. The integration of music and piano-making underscores the theme of unity. The piano serves as a powerful metaphor for both family reunion and the parallel restoration of resilience. This concise portrayal deeply resonates, appealing to those intrigued by civil rights, social justice, immigration, the transformative power of music, or the craftsmanship of piano-making.

Deacon Phillippe encounters someone seemingly perfect in ‘Talk’ The music video delves into the delicate interplay between self-love and the pursuit of genuine emotional connections. As the narrative unfolds, the universe guides Deacon on a mysterious journey, challenging him to find the balance needed to ground himself amidst the complexities of relationships.

Holding in pain can be deadly. ‘The Pointy Slippers’ tells the story of a woman who, on a date, conceals the excruciating pain caused by her new shoes, only to discover that her hidden suffering takes on a life of its own, becoming impossible to ignore.

In late September 2008, Xiaomin, class president in her elementary school graduating class, is reported by her classmates to have been seen consorting with street hooligans outside the school. Facing questions from people she trusts most in the world, she must challenge the idea of what she really wants.

A young man meets his girlfriend’s family for the first time.

A carefree rain god and his loyal companion, a dragon who wishes to be human, have their peaceful morning interrupted by a blazing phoenix.