CONSERVATORY SHOWCASE 5 AFI Conservatory Showcase

JOE HUNT
USA 18 MIN
DIRECTOR Matthew Genecov
SCREENWRITER Matthew Genecov
PRODUCER Muqing Evelyn Tang
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Yoshihisa Toda
EDITOR Yiming Wang
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Zixi Roey Zhang
After his father’s mysterious death, thirteen-year-old William turns to his imaginary hero, Joe Hunt, for guidance. As they search for answers, the line between protector and menace blurs, forcing William to question who he can truly trust.

TĀ 他
USA 17 MIN
DIRECTOR Jiyuan Ler
SCREENWRITER Jiyuan Ler, Jack Ruefli
PRODUCER Jack Ruefli
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Arman Meinecke
EDITOR Anushri Srinivasan
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Jing Chen
In a bleak, dystopian modern city, an agent of the underworld intersects with the lives of those lost in despair — guiding them on a surreal, transformative journey into death and beyond.

PAPER BOY
USA 14 MIN
DIRECTOR Saulius Baradinskas
SCREENWRITER Saulius Baradinskas, Juan-Arturo Maldonado
PRODUCER Ella Danna
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Nyssa Glück
EDITOR Wenzhe Brandon Li
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Bing Yi Liao
An artist escapes into a fragile paper world. As his imagination grows into vast cities and impossible creatures, fantasy blurs with reality. As it collapses, he must face the truths he’s hidden and the weight they carry.

DANDELION
2025 USA 19 MIN
DIRECTOR Fiona Obertinca
SCREENWRITER Corey Pinchoff
PRODUCER Tori Ichikowitz
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Bruce Wang
EDITOR Jing Ace Wang
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Ana Visuetti
In 1970s Los Angeles, rebellious queer teen Margaret gets thrown out of yet another foster placement and finds herself in the company of a social worker tasked with finding her a new home.