the feature film team
VALERIE BUHAGIAR (THE DIRECTOR)
Valerie Buhagiar is an award winning actor and filmmaker. She first came to prominence as the star of Bruce McDonald’s Indie films Roadkill and Highway 61. She has appeared in scores of films, TV series, has introduced films for The Showcase Revue, all the while continuing her stage career with recent hits including a Dora nomination for Botticelli in the Fire and Sunday in Sodom at Canadian Stage, the Dora award winning production of Lulu at Buddies and Bad Times Theatre, Peter and Valerie at the National Theatre Studios UK and the Dora awarded production of Scorched.
Valerie has also carved out a parallel career as a filmmaker. She has made several award winning short films that have toured internationally and award winning feature films that have worldwide distribution, The Anniversary (2014), It’s Hard to be Human (2018). Valerie has just completed her third feature film, Carmen, shot in Malta and starring Natascha McElhone.
Valerie Buhagiar is an award winning actor and filmmaker. She first came to prominence as the star of Bruce McDonald’s Indie films Roadkill and Highway 61. She has appeared in scores of films, TV series, has introduced films for The Showcase Revue, all the while continuing her stage career with recent hits including a Dora nomination for Botticelli in the Fire and Sunday in Sodom at Canadian Stage, the Dora award winning production of Lulu at Buddies and Bad Times Theatre, Peter and Valerie at the National Theatre Studios UK and the Dora awarded production of Scorched.
Valerie has also carved out a parallel career as a filmmaker. She has made several award winning short films that have toured internationally and award winning feature films that have worldwide distribution, The Anniversary (2014), It’s Hard to be Human (2018). Valerie has just completed her third feature film, Carmen, shot in Malta and starring Natascha McElhone.
JAMES WEYMAN (LEAD PRODUCER)
AL BERNSTEIN (ACTOR, WRITER and EXECUTIVE PRODUCER)
After graduating from York University in Toronto, Al set his sights on New York City to become a working actor and a good actor. His training began at Circle in the Square and moved to Uta Hagen’s HB Studio. He has worked and performed on the New York stage for many years until he was accepted into his dream program, Actors Studio Drama School at the New School University where he received my MFA. Al Bernstein appeared on numerous television shows including: Sue Thomas FBEye, Doc, the Series, Showtime’s Street Time (with Rob Morrow, Terrence Howard and Scott Cohen), Nip/Tuck, Everybody Hates Chris. Most recently, he guest starred on Nikita. Currently, Bernstein will be shooting his powerful short film WalledIN, about a trouble potential high school shooter and looks forward to joining the dialogue about mental health in our youth and the role of the educator with his film. Some of his film credits include: Godsend (with Robert DeNiro), How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days (with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey), Joao (directed by Mauro Limo). Bernstein has been featured in an international commercial for Audi, along with many other US and Canadian ad campaigns. A native Torontonian, Bernstein currently resides in Los Angeles.
After graduating from York University in Toronto, Al set his sights on New York City to become a working actor and a good actor. His training began at Circle in the Square and moved to Uta Hagen’s HB Studio. He has worked and performed on the New York stage for many years until he was accepted into his dream program, Actors Studio Drama School at the New School University where he received my MFA. Al Bernstein appeared on numerous television shows including: Sue Thomas FBEye, Doc, the Series, Showtime’s Street Time (with Rob Morrow, Terrence Howard and Scott Cohen), Nip/Tuck, Everybody Hates Chris. Most recently, he guest starred on Nikita. Currently, Bernstein will be shooting his powerful short film WalledIN, about a trouble potential high school shooter and looks forward to joining the dialogue about mental health in our youth and the role of the educator with his film. Some of his film credits include: Godsend (with Robert DeNiro), How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days (with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey), Joao (directed by Mauro Limo). Bernstein has been featured in an international commercial for Audi, along with many other US and Canadian ad campaigns. A native Torontonian, Bernstein currently resides in Los Angeles.
the short film team
DAVID MORRISON (DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)
David Morrison is an award-winning Cinematographer and Director/DP with a diverse and extensive career in visual storytelling. Inspired by a high school photography class, David leaned into his creative impulse at Savannah College of Art and Design, studying Photography and Film while cutting his teeth as a shooter and editor at the local NBC news station. Arriving in Los Angeles he continued in the world of motion, lending his eye to independent films and music videos, with a roster that has today expanded to Eazy-E, Heavy D, Ghostface Killah, En Vogue, Regina Spektor, U2, Velvet Revolver and Beck’s iconic video, “Girl.”
Commercials followed for brands such as Microsoft, Budweiser, Visa, Target, Ford, MLB, McDonald’s, Pampers, Fat Tire, Mastercard and the Uncle Drew miniseries for Pepsi Max featuring Kyrie Irving. David’s Always campaign for Lauren Greenfield, #LikeAGirl, took top Super Bowl honors, becoming a cultural touchstone and Emmy award-winner with over 100million online views to date. Partnering with and learning from a collection of talented commercial and film directors (Stacy Peralta, Margo Weathers, Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Anne Fletcher, Dime Davis, Damian Marciano, Tony Kaye, Matthew Rolston) fueled David’s transition into the role of director/DP. His ads for UVA, Toro, GQ, Pfizer and Professional Bull Riders marry his emotive and arresting photographic aesthetic with a love for performance-driven storytelling.
David’s narrative experience includes Katherine Dieckmann’s feature “Strange Weather” starring Holly Hunter and Hilary Brougher’s film “Stephanie Daley”, winner of the Haskell Wexler Cinematography award. Director Marc Forster brought David onto his first series, Amazon’s “Hand of God”, which led to further television opportunities on the Lena Waithe produced “Boomerang” for BET/Paramount and the dance-centric “Step Up” series for Starz/Lionsgate. Still photography continues to be a through line in his creative life - a means for experimenting with light and composition for translation into moving pictures. His musicianship and meditation practice likewise inform his work and unique directorial style. David is currently a member of the DGA and ICG and resides in LA with his wife of 25+ years. And his children remain his favorite muse.
David Morrison is an award-winning Cinematographer and Director/DP with a diverse and extensive career in visual storytelling. Inspired by a high school photography class, David leaned into his creative impulse at Savannah College of Art and Design, studying Photography and Film while cutting his teeth as a shooter and editor at the local NBC news station. Arriving in Los Angeles he continued in the world of motion, lending his eye to independent films and music videos, with a roster that has today expanded to Eazy-E, Heavy D, Ghostface Killah, En Vogue, Regina Spektor, U2, Velvet Revolver and Beck’s iconic video, “Girl.”
Commercials followed for brands such as Microsoft, Budweiser, Visa, Target, Ford, MLB, McDonald’s, Pampers, Fat Tire, Mastercard and the Uncle Drew miniseries for Pepsi Max featuring Kyrie Irving. David’s Always campaign for Lauren Greenfield, #LikeAGirl, took top Super Bowl honors, becoming a cultural touchstone and Emmy award-winner with over 100million online views to date. Partnering with and learning from a collection of talented commercial and film directors (Stacy Peralta, Margo Weathers, Kyle Patrick Alvarez, Anne Fletcher, Dime Davis, Damian Marciano, Tony Kaye, Matthew Rolston) fueled David’s transition into the role of director/DP. His ads for UVA, Toro, GQ, Pfizer and Professional Bull Riders marry his emotive and arresting photographic aesthetic with a love for performance-driven storytelling.
David’s narrative experience includes Katherine Dieckmann’s feature “Strange Weather” starring Holly Hunter and Hilary Brougher’s film “Stephanie Daley”, winner of the Haskell Wexler Cinematography award. Director Marc Forster brought David onto his first series, Amazon’s “Hand of God”, which led to further television opportunities on the Lena Waithe produced “Boomerang” for BET/Paramount and the dance-centric “Step Up” series for Starz/Lionsgate. Still photography continues to be a through line in his creative life - a means for experimenting with light and composition for translation into moving pictures. His musicianship and meditation practice likewise inform his work and unique directorial style. David is currently a member of the DGA and ICG and resides in LA with his wife of 25+ years. And his children remain his favorite muse.
HARPER KENNEDY CULLEN (LEAD ACTOR)
Harper Cullen is an actress from Los Angeles California. After studying at Terry Schrieber school for Theatre and Film NYC, she moved back home to LA to pursue her acting career. Having two parents as actors she has been around the film industry her whole life where she grew to learn and love the craft. Harper plans not only to act but to direct, write and produce as well.
Harper Cullen is an actress from Los Angeles California. After studying at Terry Schrieber school for Theatre and Film NYC, she moved back home to LA to pursue her acting career. Having two parents as actors she has been around the film industry her whole life where she grew to learn and love the craft. Harper plans not only to act but to direct, write and produce as well.
KIRILL YUSIM (PRODUCER)
Kirill Yusim immigrated to United States from Odessa, Ukraine at the age of 9 with big dreams. Starting young at age 12 he became fascinated by the theatre where he landed his first job helping with lighting design and sound engineering for several plays. His love of theatre and arts continued through high school, where he worked on everything from plays to music videos, quickly setting his path for Film School.
Kirill received his BFA at the University Of California State Northridge School of the Television, Radio and Arts, with a concentration in Cinematography. As soon he graduated he devoted himself to his career as a Director of Photography and a Producer. Working across the industry since 2002 Kirill has produced, shot and directed in various genres including film, TV, music and even short film. From 2007 to 2015, Kirill worked at New York Film Academy as a Cinematography and Producing instructor.
Kirill Yusim is a member of the local 600 Union and has been working in the industry for almost 15 years as a freelance cinematographer and producer. His work includes feature and short films, music videos, commercials and events. He has worked on unscripted shows including Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, Bad Girls Club and Giada at home and across networks including ESPN, Discovery, Speed Chanel, G4, Showtime, Oxygen and Food Network.
Kirill's recent accomplishments include producing two feature films - Lights and Quarries - both available on the major on demand Platforms like iTunes, Google Play, Xbox among many others. is vast experience across various genres has allowed him to seamlessly cross back and forth between TV, Theatre and Film. Most recently Kirill has taken on his next feature as the Executive Producer which will shoot later this year.
Kirill Yusim immigrated to United States from Odessa, Ukraine at the age of 9 with big dreams. Starting young at age 12 he became fascinated by the theatre where he landed his first job helping with lighting design and sound engineering for several plays. His love of theatre and arts continued through high school, where he worked on everything from plays to music videos, quickly setting his path for Film School.
Kirill received his BFA at the University Of California State Northridge School of the Television, Radio and Arts, with a concentration in Cinematography. As soon he graduated he devoted himself to his career as a Director of Photography and a Producer. Working across the industry since 2002 Kirill has produced, shot and directed in various genres including film, TV, music and even short film. From 2007 to 2015, Kirill worked at New York Film Academy as a Cinematography and Producing instructor.
Kirill Yusim is a member of the local 600 Union and has been working in the industry for almost 15 years as a freelance cinematographer and producer. His work includes feature and short films, music videos, commercials and events. He has worked on unscripted shows including Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, Bad Girls Club and Giada at home and across networks including ESPN, Discovery, Speed Chanel, G4, Showtime, Oxygen and Food Network.
Kirill's recent accomplishments include producing two feature films - Lights and Quarries - both available on the major on demand Platforms like iTunes, Google Play, Xbox among many others. is vast experience across various genres has allowed him to seamlessly cross back and forth between TV, Theatre and Film. Most recently Kirill has taken on his next feature as the Executive Producer which will shoot later this year.
CARLA RODA (PRODUCER)
Carla Roda was born in Barcelona, Spain and raised by a family of artists. From a young age she was surrounded by theater and cinema and at 18 years old started her journey of getting her BFA in Cinema and TV in Barcelona, Spain. She graduated with honors, and two Film Festival nomination for her short films; "Tristesa" (Stiges Film Festival 2011) and "Extraños" (Premi Sole i Tura, 2010). Since then she has devoted her career to becoming a Producer and Editor not only in Spain, but also internationally - working in France, Canada, Australia and now the US.
In 2014 Carla moved to Los Angeles to get her Masters Degree in Film. Since then she has produced over 15 projects and edited more than 20 projects. Her short film "Camila" which she Produced, Directed and Edited was accepted to Cannes Film Festival 2016, has won a Silver Award for the best cinematography in LA Film Awards. It was also a Official Selection Los Angeles Cine Fest and Official Selection in Austin international Film festival. Her other project "Klaazor" was also awarded Platinum Awards at the FAME'US International Film Festival, World premiere at Dances with Kidz, Official World Premier at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Official Selection at SCI-ON Festival at Reno, Nevada, Official Selection at Hollyshorts Film Festival in Los Angeles and Official Selection at Burbank International Film Festival.
Carla's recent accomplishments include directing a short film " Happy Birthday" that is circulating in Festivals. Most recently Carla has start the pre-production of her first Opera Prima " Let it Go", a movie that rebels deep questions about love, friends, family and yourself.
Carla Roda was born in Barcelona, Spain and raised by a family of artists. From a young age she was surrounded by theater and cinema and at 18 years old started her journey of getting her BFA in Cinema and TV in Barcelona, Spain. She graduated with honors, and two Film Festival nomination for her short films; "Tristesa" (Stiges Film Festival 2011) and "Extraños" (Premi Sole i Tura, 2010). Since then she has devoted her career to becoming a Producer and Editor not only in Spain, but also internationally - working in France, Canada, Australia and now the US.
In 2014 Carla moved to Los Angeles to get her Masters Degree in Film. Since then she has produced over 15 projects and edited more than 20 projects. Her short film "Camila" which she Produced, Directed and Edited was accepted to Cannes Film Festival 2016, has won a Silver Award for the best cinematography in LA Film Awards. It was also a Official Selection Los Angeles Cine Fest and Official Selection in Austin international Film festival. Her other project "Klaazor" was also awarded Platinum Awards at the FAME'US International Film Festival, World premiere at Dances with Kidz, Official World Premier at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Official Selection at SCI-ON Festival at Reno, Nevada, Official Selection at Hollyshorts Film Festival in Los Angeles and Official Selection at Burbank International Film Festival.
Carla's recent accomplishments include directing a short film " Happy Birthday" that is circulating in Festivals. Most recently Carla has start the pre-production of her first Opera Prima " Let it Go", a movie that rebels deep questions about love, friends, family and yourself.
ALIKI PARASCHIS (CONSULTING PRODUCER)
As an award-winning producer with many years of both office and on field experience in all types of productions, Aliki is committed to creating visually compelling projects with strong stories. Completing her Masters’ Degree in Media Studies from NYU, she has managed the production of numerous independent films, commercials, music videos, documentaries, and projects for Broadcast Television, which have received multiple awards, nominations and mentions at prestigious international film festivals, as well as enjoyed theatrical release.
Paraschis’ films include GET HAPPY! starring Chris Riggi, which won Best Romantic Comedy 2015 at The Manhattan Film Festival, Best Romantic Feature Film Award at the 2016 Universe Multicultural Film Festival, and the Gold Remi at the 49th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival this April 2016; THE SUSPECT starring William Sadler, James McCaffrey, and Mekhi Phifer currently streaming on NETFLIX; and DARK starring Whitney Able and Alexandra Breckenridge (winning Best Supporting Actress for Dark at The Milan International Film Festival 2015), now out on DVD & VOD.
Aliki’s goal is to continue making powerful films with strong messages that deeply influence their audiences and have a worldwide impact, as well as stunning videos for the TV and the web.
Her dream? MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE WORLD TO SEE.
As an award-winning producer with many years of both office and on field experience in all types of productions, Aliki is committed to creating visually compelling projects with strong stories. Completing her Masters’ Degree in Media Studies from NYU, she has managed the production of numerous independent films, commercials, music videos, documentaries, and projects for Broadcast Television, which have received multiple awards, nominations and mentions at prestigious international film festivals, as well as enjoyed theatrical release.
Paraschis’ films include GET HAPPY! starring Chris Riggi, which won Best Romantic Comedy 2015 at The Manhattan Film Festival, Best Romantic Feature Film Award at the 2016 Universe Multicultural Film Festival, and the Gold Remi at the 49th WorldFest Houston International Film Festival this April 2016; THE SUSPECT starring William Sadler, James McCaffrey, and Mekhi Phifer currently streaming on NETFLIX; and DARK starring Whitney Able and Alexandra Breckenridge (winning Best Supporting Actress for Dark at The Milan International Film Festival 2015), now out on DVD & VOD.
Aliki’s goal is to continue making powerful films with strong messages that deeply influence their audiences and have a worldwide impact, as well as stunning videos for the TV and the web.
Her dream? MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE WORLD TO SEE.
GEORGE KALLIS (COMPOSER)
George Kallis is a prolific film & TV composer based in Los Angeles. He has scored over 20 feature films, Emmy and BAFTA award-winning TV programs. His trademarks are lyrical melodies and full-bodied score arrangements. He is nominated for an African Academy Film Award (2017) in Cape Town for his score for ‘93 Days’ starring Danny Glover. He is currently scoring Walt Disney's local language film "The Last Warrior"
George Kallis is a prolific film & TV composer based in Los Angeles. He has scored over 20 feature films, Emmy and BAFTA award-winning TV programs. His trademarks are lyrical melodies and full-bodied score arrangements. He is nominated for an African Academy Film Award (2017) in Cape Town for his score for ‘93 Days’ starring Danny Glover. He is currently scoring Walt Disney's local language film "The Last Warrior"
THERESA RADKA (SOUND)
Teresa Radka is also a life long performing musician with an interest in experimental industrial and deconstructionist sound.
Born in the northwest USA in 1963. Ms. Radka attained a Masters Degree from Columbia University in Architecture. She designed a number of prominent buildings including a notable police station in Brooklyn. Desiring a career change in the mid-1990s she began working boom and sound in various independent films and commericials including "Kissing Jessica Stein"(2001).
Teresa Radka is also a life long performing musician with an interest in experimental industrial and deconstructionist sound.
Born in the northwest USA in 1963. Ms. Radka attained a Masters Degree from Columbia University in Architecture. She designed a number of prominent buildings including a notable police station in Brooklyn. Desiring a career change in the mid-1990s she began working boom and sound in various independent films and commericials including "Kissing Jessica Stein"(2001).