International StudentFEST

International StudentFEST

We are dedicated to supporting the growth of young talent in film and media production. These emerging filmmakers have the potential to shape the future of cinema as today’s aspiring student filmmakers evolve into tomorrow’s award-winning directors, visionary producers, and skilled videographers. As part of our commitment, we proudly present International StudentFEST. We take immense pride in spotlighting these filmmakers and amplifying their voices by exclusively dedicating this section within our festival to them.  It is our hope that ReadingFilmFEST inspires students to continue developing their skills and continue producing exceptional content.

This year, we also made a special effort to include local high school students through our Five Minute FilmFEST competition. The winners of that competition will be a part of our StudentFilmFEST screening!  

Five-Minute FilmFEST

Kook

A walk in the woods turns into a strange conversation.

Director:  Chase Ryan

4:04

Lanakila Martial Arts

A mini documentary about Lanakila Martial Arts, it’s instructors and students.

Director:  Connor MacMillan

3:04

Runner-up

A high school senior struggles to keep her life together after her friend goes missing.

Director:  Brynn McKeown

4:58

International StudentFEST

Within Our Reflections

After her older sister returns home from college for the first time, a younger sister struggles with feelings of abandonment as they get ready together for a Diwali party.

Director: V. Harshini Buddhiraju
5:51 minutes

Foam Memory

A young boy explores a mysterious, magical world where he encounters an unexpected reunion with his mother.

Directors: Mingwei Ma & Jiayi Christina Fu
1:30 minutes

Second Chance

An inspired young filmmaker who witnessed a disturbing incident at school looks inside Juvenile Hall and Court, through the moving account of a juvenile offender and his parents, as well as the insights of the judge, attorneys and probation officer. Second Chance takes a step towards better understanding, compassion and ultimately, hope for juveniles who are some of the most vulnerable in our society, and who are also part of its future.

Director: India Anne Mitchell
8:40 minutes

Organic Chemistry

A kiss in the woods shifts two high school girls lives forever.

Director: Buffy Cautela
4:30 minutes

Ghost Solitude

Ghost Solitude follows the quiet journey of a young woman’s spirit as she wanders through the familiar places she once loved — her home, a fading winter park, a library, and an empty theater stage. In the stillness of the afterlife she reflects on who she was and what remains, she begins to understand that solitude doesn’t mean absence — it means presence in a different form.

Director: Hector Malave
6 minutes

The Ikarians

After two brothers decide to resolve their feud through violence, a sensible friend pleads a more peaceful solution to save them from their impending fall.

Director: Andrew Darlak
8:30 minutes

The Wheel Keeps On Turning

In this documentary, long time potter, Wesley Muckey, discusses how he used art to process the death of his business partner.

Director: Thorton Zieber
6 minutes

Hephaestus and Aphrodite

In the Ancient Greek myths from old antiquity, many songs were sung of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. Their fraught marriage, full of jealousy and wrath, spurred each other Into lies and betrayal. But the muse’s whisper of another tale. An unexpected love, between the hurt and the lost finding solace in each other
This re-imagining takes a new spin on one of most unexplored relationships in all of Greek Mythology, delving into the untold romance of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. Being the god of craftsmanship and artisans, Hephaestus embodies passion for one’s work. This is a form of love, and one not often associated with Aphrodite. But it is a connection they share. This is the story of the unexplored connection.

Director: Daniel R Allen
8:07 minutes

Brothers

A cautious teen struggles to pull his reckless brother back from the edge, but as their turbulent night unfolds, he’s forced to question whether some wounds can ever truly heal.

Director: Jay Lape
15:27 minutes

Before You Go

Riley has been attending college for a year and a half, and has solidified a friend group with the popular girls Margo and Simone. However, she starts getting haunted by visions of a former friend, Ava, who had taken her own life. She is now forced to come to terms with a death that she may not be so innocent in, and how her life has unfolded up to this point.

Director: Mariana Jaramillo-Bienvenido
10:27 minutes

In My Mind’s Eye

Based on the true story of Philadelphia area professional wedding photographer, Al Filippone, and inspired by his heartfelt poem written for his first love, beloved wife, and professional partner who passed away on Feb 18, 2024 .”In My Mind’s Eye” is a collaboration between Al Filippone and an upcoming director, Sophia Zalipsky meant to offer those suffering the loss of a loved one a glimpse into the cycle of grief that through time can deliver serenity, hope, and the beautiful anticipation of a reunion.

Director: Sophia Renata Zalipsky
4:14 minutes

Broad Street Line

In the bustling streets of downtown Philadelphia, a young couple misses their last train home, plunging them into a high-stakes journey through the city’s maze, where every wrong turn could mean losing their way—and each other.

Director: Emmanuel Day Beatty
10:45 minutes