My Senior Thesis Film

Hi family and friends!
It is my final semester here in the SDSU film program, and I'm so excited to be writing & directing another film, this one being my senior thesis! (For those of you who were unable to see my previous film, feel free to message me directly.) 

This film is about a man named Carlos, who is faced with the moral dilemma of desparately doing whatever it takes to pay for his 6 year old daughter's transplant surgery, even if that means putting his own freedom at risk. 

I was inspired to write this story after seeing "The Sentence", a Sundance Film Festival documentary about a woman arrested with drug related charges, and sentenced to a mandatory minimum. I hope that this film can not only bring light to the issue of overcriminalization and harshness in punishments of non-violent / minimal involvement crimes, but also tell a heartwarming story of a loving family in the process. 

Our hopes to make this film as professional, and film festival worthy as possible heavily relies on the budget. Often times, it is underestimated how expensive short films can be! Here's an idea of some of the aspects we will be raising money for: 
-Union actors and actresses
-Food for the cast and crew on set
-Equipment rentals
-U-Haul to safely transport equipment
-Location fees
-Wardrobe
-Set decoration
-Festival entry fees

I will be updating the gofundme with more info, progress, and rewards for certain ammounts of donations. Until then, we have about a month and a half until our shoot dates, and could really use your help! Any ammount of donations are extremely appreciated. Thank you! :)
MEET OUR LEADS: 
Tony Sago, playing Carlos

Carolina Hoyos, playing Sophia

MEET THE CREW:

Mitsu Miyashima - Writer / Director
Mitsu is currently finishing up her bachelors degree in Television, Film and New Media Production at San Diego State University. Hailing from the state of Utah, her interest in film production began at a young age from witnessing her father on set. She writes and directs films that bring attention to current social issues. She recently wrote and directed a short film titled “Under the Law”, which was selected to premier at the National Black Film Festival, this May in Houston, Texas.

Valerie Bush - Producer
Valerie is a currently a senior at San Diego State University. Upon receiving admission to the film production program she had interest in becoming an editor doing post production work. As she has progressed in the major her interest switched to producing. She has found a passion in producing that has accelerated her motivation to succeed in the film industry. She enjoys all aspects of producing from planning the minute details to forming a team environment for the entire crew. After completing her schooling at SDSU she hopes to move to Los Angeles and find a career in the industry. She has produced multiple films for the SDSU film department and is beyond excited to be apart of this team.


Michael Abshear - Cinematographer
Michael is a Junior at San Diego State, studying Television and Film Production. Since being accepted, he has worked in the camera department as director of photography on all of his projects, and primarily has a narrative background. In the past, he has been awarded two student awards from the Emmy Foundation – both for his cinematography. He has worked with several of the other people on this team before, and looks forward to collaborating with those he hasn’t worked with prior.

Conner Anderson - Editor
Conner Anderson is a senior at San Diego State University. Mr. Anderson pursues a double major in Computer Science and Television, Film, and Media with an emphasis on editing and sound design. Conner is known for his hardwork in tackling and overcoming new challenges and projects. Although not originally from San Diego, he considers the beautiful city his new home and enjoys the ocean as often as he can.


Julianna McIntosh - Production Designer
Julianna is a twenty two years old senior at SDSU. She is a Television, Film and New Media major with an emphasis in Production Design and has been in the film department since 2016. She has been a part of a television cooking show that airs on PBS since she was 10 years old and is currently an assistant to the producer, assistant to the art director and oversees social media production. She is working to someday be a bigger part, not only with this show, but in her career as a whole. Having worked on multiple set at SDSU as production design, she is excited to end her academic career with this team.

Sal Navarro Jr. - Art Director
Sal is a senior at San Diego State University focusing on production design for film and television. Going into the film program, he found his love for production design when he volunteered as a designer for a scene recreation project. From then on, he’s worked with a team of designers to bring films to life through settings and environments. His biggest accomplishment by far has been working as a set dresser for a feature film. His hopes are to become a professional art director for fantasy films.

Jack Fahey - Assistant Director
Jack is a 3rd year Film Student at San Diego State University. He has many hobbies outside of school and some include making music and movies with his friends. He has been a part of many different sets throughout the past 5 years of his filmmaking career. From music videos to shorts to features, he has worked with a multitude of people he thought he would only be able to dream of working with. This is only the beginning of Jack’s career and as apart of this film he has taken on the challenge of being 1st Assistant Director. He looks forward to this set and making the story of this piece come to life.