This week, Simi Film Fest returns to Studio Movie Grill in Simi Valley from Sept. 5-8, offering an experience for local filmmakers to showcase their projects and network with industry professionals.
Among the lineup, Moorpark College’s Film, Television and Media Arts’ short film “Grafiti” will have its first screening on Sept. 7 at 3:15 p.m. Simi Film Fest has also officially selected “Grafiti” as a nominee for best comedy.
Tallahassee Heys, a third-year business major at Moorpark College and a line producer for “Grafiti,” expressed her appreciation for the film’s nomination.
“We all put in a ton of effort, and it’s amazing to see our work getting acknowledged. It’s a huge morale boost and makes all those late nights and long days feel totally worth it,” Heys said. “We’re all really proud of what we achieved together, and this recognition just backs that up.”
“Grafiti” follows the theater and film clubs at Parkmoor High, a school of the arts, competing for the Principal’s Cup award. Due to their rivalry, the clubs claim their own territories throughout the school.
The film’s ensemble will immerse viewers in familiar blends of comedy, drama and storytelling. Cory Stone, an FTMA Moorpark College student, producer and writer for “Grafiti” talked about his inspiration for writing the script for the Film Production Portfolio class.
“I was inspired by early filmmakers and their ensemble high school comedies like Richard Linklater’s ‘Dazed and Confused’ and George Lucas’s ‘American Graffiti,’” Stone shared. “The film also pays homage to grand epics like ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet.’”
Overseeing the team as an executive producer, FTMA professor Nicole Block advocates for student involvement in short film productions as the strategic collaboration enhances students’ experiences as filmmakers.
“Being a part of these films gives them hands-on experience making projects in a way that is made in Hollywood,” Block explained. “So, once they get into the industry, they know what they’re doing, at least they have an idea of how everything works and they understand the skills that are required.”
Those interested in attending Simi Film Fest’s screenings, panels and final award ceremony can purchase tickets through their website. The festival offers a selection of all-access, daily and genre-based tickets that vary in price.
“Grafiti” will be shown in the “Friends Of the Fest” screening with four other short films. The screening has a total runtime of one hour and 26 minutes and is $15 per ticket.
Stephanie Hickman, FTMA major at Moorpark College, producer of “Grafiti” encourages fellow Raiders to check out the film and shares how the audience would engage with the comedy.
“People should watch “Grafiti” because it’s fun, classic and full of characters,” Hickman shared. “I would like to quote a friend of mine who said it’s like if Kevin Smith directed ‘The Breakfast Club.’”
To purchase tickets for “Grafiti” in the “Friends of the Fest” Simi Film Fest screening, click here.
