SEASON 3

UP RIVER

Up River is a Mark Twin inspired film about two unlikely boat mates who find commonality as the outside world closes in, but will it be enough to save them?

This short was filmed on location on the Wisconsin River and was a collaboration with F.L.O.W. (Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway). The film was an official selection for the Gila Valley Film Festival, Venice Shorts Film Festival, and the MLC Awards.

Sweet Home Viroqua

It's winter in Wisconsin and John is worried about his sister, Sarah, who lives in the country, in a small town named Viroqua. John left their hometown for the big city, but something has brought him back and a guiding hand from beyond has a journey in store for them both. This short is about the power of family and the abundance we find in relationship.

Filmed in Viroqua, Wi with area youth, adults, businesses, and a cameo by the Viroqua PD. Directed by first time film director Bridget Kelly

Jilly Goats Gruff

“College Crew Series” all crew and director are college film students.

Directed by Sophia Hlavac

This all girls version of the famous Norwegian fairy tale was filmed near Mt. Horeb, Wi with area youth. It was in the Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival, KIDS FIRST! Festival, Atlanta Children’s Film Festival, Star City Film Festival, and won “Best Short,” at the Best Short Competition.

SEASON 2

Little Bird

Written and Directed by Madison Uphoff

Starring Madison Uphoff, Kat Hawkins, and Freya Oler

2022

Written, directed, and starring Madison West High School student Madison Uphoff. This film was an official selection at Milwaukee Shorts International, All American High School Film Festival (where it screened in Times Square), 1:11 High School Film Fest, and the Door County Kinetic Arts Festival.

What I Did For Love

Directed by Chaunte Thorpe

Starring Keasion Griffin

2021

Starring Madison East High School student Keasion Griffin, this short film was shot in Baraboo, Wi in the Summer of 2021. It premiered at Port of Fear Film Festival in Racine, Wi and was an official selection of the Sawdust City Freight Fest in Oshkosh, Wi as well as an official slection for A Night of Misfit Films in Phoenix, Az.

TRANSASTER

Directed by Dana Pellebon

Written by & Starring Daniel Ratcliff

2021

Written by and starring Monona Grove High School student Daniel Ratcliff, this short film premiered at the Wisconsin Film Festival, won Best LGBT short film from the MidWest Slam Fest, and Best Long Format from The Golden Lion Awards, as well as an official selection of North x North Film Festival. Filmed in the Spring of 2021

SEASON 1

Make A Wish

Dir. Elijah Edwards
2020

"Make A Wish" is a film by Memorial High School student Elijah Edwards, shot in 2020. Elijah wrote, directed, and starred in this short film. The Film was official selections in the Wisconsin Film Festival and Golden Lion Awards High School Film Festival where it won Best Screenplay and Long Narrative. Elijah was also featured on Director's Cut, a Wisconsin PBS show, about his experience filmmaking. Over 30 youth from the greater Madison area participated in making this film.

Greenies

Dir. Fritzy
2020

"GREENIES" was shot on location in Spring Green, Wi. This short film involved 6 youth from Spring Green and the Madison area and was filmed in 2020. Colleen Madden, core company member at American Players Theater, brought her professional work and ethos to set, giving the students an opportunity to experience a professional, collaborative environment. Greenies won an award for "Most Potential For a Series" from the MLC Awards Film Festival.

The Child

Dir. Becky Osman
2020

"The Child," starred our youngest actor to date, Billy Hatcher Peter, at 8 years old. Other youth were involved behind the scenes and it was filmed in 2020. This film won "Best Actor" at the Milwaukee Shorts International Film Festival, "Best Made MidWest Film" and "Best Score" from the MLC Awards Film Festival, and was an official selection in the Red Cedar Film Festival. It was filmed entirely in Madison, WI.