University of Southern California, School of Cinematic Arts

Inspired by a true scandal, a devoted female researcher risks everything to earn the approval of a world-renowned stem cell scientist only to uncover the dark secrets behind his miracle cure that promises to end human disability.

In 2014, 24-year-old USC graduate student, Xinran Ji, was beaten to death by four teens when returning home from a study session. A lawyer, Rose Tsai, took it upon herself to tirelessly advocate on his behalf and represent his parents, as they attempt to understand the senseless tragedy together.

Unable to decipher reality and delusion after his son and wife die, a successful businessman struggles to find peace with his own conscience.

A young gifted athlete who practices ballet in secret must confront his dad the night he receives a scholarship to Juilliard.

Vicky (Xingyu) Gu explains the complexities of being immersed in a new culture and learning to communicate in another language.

Jesse, a seventeen-year-old Iranian-American girl, musters the courage to tell her high school best friend, Roxanne, that she's in love with her. But when Roxanne invites out new girl Evelyn, Jesse's perfect night takes an unexpected turn.

After an American-born Chinese struggles to fit in his new Chinese class, he confronts his mom about why he was never taught the language.

After mistreatment at her law firm, a black female lawyer disguises herself as a white man.

With his reputation and a potential record deal on the line, Khalil confronts his opponent, Yung Reap, and defends his secret during a freestyle competition.

A Japanese soldier who has suffered from humiliation by his officer, is captured by Soviet soldiers in Mongolia and being thrown into a well, where he meets his worst enemy before his inevitible death.

Through spiritual encounters with a mystery man, a piano-playing boy learns a song in hopes of reconnecting with his grieving father.

Born and raised in the cult of the Chosen Colony, 16-year old Rebecca desperately wants to see the outside world. She plans an escape with the prophet Amos’ son, her lover, but is incidentally selected to be Amos’ new bride. Faced with the added pressure of the situation, the two attempt to commence their plan when they run into a new obstacle: Amos’ power to possess.

"Ladies Knight" is Joe Rothenberg's undergrad senior thesis project from USC's Hench Division of Animation and Digital Arts.

A rookie Air Force drone pilot finds himself increasingly attached to a target he watches from halfway around the world.

A young man in Oakland, California wakes with a heavy heart and decides to take a walk through the neighborhood to the local barbershop.

After basketball practice, a group of high school girls get ready to go home. Between conversations about next week's match and boys, June must navigate her budding attraction towards one of her teammates, Clementine.

A woman's journey as she navigates through the fact that her unborn child may have Down syndrome and what it means to truly become a parent.

Lyric Hayes, an Afrocentric podcast host, goes on a quest to find his idol, Harambe Cornell, but is stuck taking care of his young son who wants to participate in a singing contest dressed as a blueberry.

Miles, a troubled 17 year old, morphs into an ape, while navigating a turbulent relationship with his possessive and strong-willed mother, Lucy. She helps him unleash and embrace his inner wild animal.

Tired of getting pushed and punished by his own parents, Wei-Lai, an 11-year-old Chinese American boy, decides to show up at his best friend's family and offers himself up for their adoption.