Big Lens Film Festival

Welcome to the 38th annual Big Lens Student Showcase! 

We’re so glad you’re here to celebrate our student filmmakers. The films you’ll see tonight are the result of more than a year of creativity, dedication, and perseverance. That’s no small feat—and an even greater one to bring across the finish line.

At the heart of what we do is helping students discover and develop their unique voices as storytellers. That work is made possible by the generosity of our donors and partners, along with the steady support of friends and families who help bring these projects to life.

A heartfelt thank you to the faculty and staff of the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures—Nenad Jovanovic, Selena Burks-Rentschler, Amy Faust, Parker Bowling, Kyle Forquer, Alvoro Leite, Bobby Morgan, and Caroline Stine—for all that they do to support our students every day.

And thank you for being part of this community! It truly matters to these filmmakers to have you in the audience as they take their next steps.

Please join us in the lobby afterward for a reception with the filmmakers.

Note: Tonight’s films may contain adult themes and flashing lights.

Enjoy the show!

Nichol Simmons

Director, Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures  

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The Films 

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The Filmmakers 

 
Luke Buell (writer/director, "It's Kind of a Love Story"; cinematographer, "Stagnant"; colorist on "It's Kind of a Love Story", "Artifice", and "Stagnant") is a Dayton-native cinematographer and writer-director. He is passionate about collaborative storytelling and the creative partnerships that bring visually compelling narratives to life. Luke was exposed to photography at an early age by his grandparents and father, and he found his love of shared storytelling through Dungeons & Dragons. 
 
Ethan Ishmael (writer/director, "Artifice"; cinematographer, "It's Kind of a Love Story"; 1st AD "Stagnant") is a director, writer, and musician from Dayton with a passion for films that tackle social issues and critique unjust systems through character-driven stories and grounded narratives. Off set, he remains rooted in his hometown, supporting Dayton's local music community as both an artist and a patron.  
 
Joseph Meyers II (writer/director, "Stagnant"; production designer, "Artifice"; 1st AC, "It's Kind of a Love Story") is a cinematographer, writer, director, and production designer based in Dayton. He is recognized for his collaborative approach to problem-solving and his ability to deliver decisive, on-the-spot solutions under the pressures of production. His journey into filmmaking began with stop-motion animation — where he also discovered a surprisingly convincing talent for Shaggy and Scooby-Doo impressions. 
 
Josh Rapson (editor, "Stagnant" and "It's Kind of a Love Story"; producer, "Artifice") is an editor and musician born and raised in Dayton. A self-taught drummer, he translates his innate sense of rhythm directly into a keen eye for pacing in the cutting room. Since attending Wright State, his focus has expanded to include visual effects. After graduation, he plans to pursue local editing work while continuing to gig with his bands on the side. 
 
Emilia Rinalli (sound designer, "Stagnant", "Artifice", and "It's Kind of a Love Story"; producer, "It's Kind of a Love Story" production sound mixer, "Stagnant" and "Artifice") grew up in Cincinnati with a passion for musicals, cooking, sports, and film. By junior year, she had discovered a love for sound design, going on to handle sound for every senior class production. Her dream is to one day work on musical films. When she's not in the studio, you can find her eating popcorn and petitioning her manager to serve cream sodas in the popcorn buckets. 
 
Lauren Schack (production designer, "It's Kind of a Love Story"; production design assistant, "Stagnant"; cinematographer, "Artifice") builds worlds. As a production designer, she's shaped the look of multiple short films — costumes, props, sets, every detail across every genre. Most recently, she's stepping behind the camera, adding cinematography to her arsenal.  
 
Bradley Stewart (editor/script supervisor, "It's Kind of a Love Story"; producer’s assistant, "Stagnant") is an ambitious and resourceful filmmaker from Darke County and a graduating senior in Wright State University's motion pictures program, where he has consistently earned Dean's List honors. With a focus on directing and writing, he has helmed a diverse range of short films spanning documentary, radio drama, and experimental genres. He is currently in production on his next project, "The Covalents", a DIY sci-fi throwback. 

The Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures gratefully acknowledges the support of: 

• The Begley Motion Picture Fund 
• The Darlene Bayless Production Fund 
• Mark Black 
• Carol and Richard Lundin 
• The Camera Dept. 
• Midwest Grip and Lighting 

And other generous corporations and individuals committed to providing opportunities for students in motion pictures.