Contribute to Ava's NYU Thesis Film, "Copperhead"

Confronted by an undercover DEA agent at her husband’s elite cocktail party, a cunning painter must choose whether to expose her husband’s money laundering scheme and risk losing her career — or take a chance at overtaking his lucrative empire.

About The Filmmaker

Hello! My name is Ava Emilione. I am a writer, director, AnBryce Scholar, and senior at NYU studying Film & TV and Economics. I've always had a passion for authentic, rigorous, and entertaining storytelling.

I am the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Ebony Tomatoes Collective, an online, multi-media zine for black women and non-binary artists. My writing is featured in The North Star with Shaun King, Washington Square News, The Unplug Collective, and NYU Gallatin Archive. I have been interviewed by Shoutout Colorado and Montclair Neighbors for my work in these roles.

I have experience working on professional sets as an Assistant Director, Director of Photography, Script Supervisor, actor, and Production Assistant for films winning awards at New York International Women Festival, NYU's PSA Contest, The London Movie Awards, NYU's Fusion Film Festival, and more.

My professional interests lie in finance, journalism, and entertainment. I am a 2022 WAVE Scholar and have interned at ING, the largest bank in the Netherlands, and IronHold Capital, a NY-based investment firm. After so many valuable learning experiences, I felt it was finally time to direct my thesis film, "Copperhead."

About the Film

Copperhead is a witty, suspenseful revenge-saga narrative short thesis film.

The film follows our protagonist, Valentina, a self-taught and talented painter, as she grapples with the decision to protect her husband’s illegal empire or her budding career as an artist.

Her story unfolds over the course of a single evening at an exclusive cocktail party at an art gallery in New York City.

Valentina has sacrificed everything to support Reynolds's insatiable ambition, even using her art as a cover for his money laundering scheme.

But Valentina’s love and loyalty are tested when she is approached by a charismatic undercover DEA agent, Esme, who offers her a chance to escape her role as Reynold’s collateral damage if she decides to expose him.

We are all familiar with the concept of “the good wife”, a woman who always stands by her husband, no matter how many times he fucks up or hurts and humiliates her.

But wouldn't it be so much more…fun to see her strike back? Valentina is surrounded by snakes; liars and backstabbers, including her husband, but she’s got venom too.

Director’s Statement

As an AfroLatina first-generation college student, my thesis film at NYU is more than a film to me. It is an opportunity to reclaim the lost stories of my ancestors. It is an opportunity to stand behind the camera and tell stories the way my mom and grandmothers do — with wit, insight, and grace. It is an opportunity to represent women on camera that are complicated, and authentic. It is not just to tell stories, but to make them. To commune with and learn from a diverse cast and crew who embody the future. To gain experiences and face challenges that will make me a better storyteller and collaborator.

Most of all, this film is a way to contribute my vision to the legacy of the marginalized artists that came before me and those that will come after. I hope to push our stories a bit further, and subvert the norms a bit more, so each generation's language cries louder for liberation, equity, and of course — a bit of viciousness and suspense.

Why We Need Your Help

Making movies is really expensive, and as students, we need your help.

Here is a general breakdown of how your donation will be put to use:

Production Design - $500

Wardrobe and Makeup - $350

Locations - $2,000

Food and Craft Services - $800

Personnel and Equipment Transportation - $400

Film festival submission fees - $500

Contingency (10%) - $455

Thank you so much for your time and continued support — we can't wait to take this to the finish line with you!

*Disclaimer: No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.