A script developed by Biola University Cinema and Media Arts (CMA) sophomores Andy Aragon, James Feller, Rachel Lin, Anna Matz, and Emilio Mazariegos’ was selected for the DJI “Campus Stories” short film contest. Out of 5,500 submissions, the Biola students’ script was one of five entries chosen for the contest.

With three entry categories — drama, documentary, biographical — the contest was open to all college students across the nation, regardless of previous film experience. The CMA students entered into the drama category. The competition provides entrants with hands-on filming and producing experiences with DJI equipment and offers them the chance to win the equipment for themselves. Grand prizes for category winners include some of DJI’s top-of-the-line products, including the Phantom 4, Osmo Mobile, and Ronin MX.

“I am a huge fan of DJI’s products and a suggested post on Facebook came up for a short film competition through DJI called Campus Stories,” said James. “One thing I really want to walk away from Biola my senior year with, is a group of people to create films like this with.”

James was the executive producer and technical director on the project, along with producer Rachel Lin, director of photography Andy Aragon, director Emilio Mazariegos, and writer/co-director Anna Matz.

The team’s film follows the storyline of an elderly painter who gains insights to the means of his inspiration — his long lost childhood friend. By means of his dreams, the painter continues to have adventures with her that only imagination could allow. However, with the help of another protagonist, he works to make the painter’s dreams come to life.

The team did not win the grand prize, but James expressed gratitude for the experience.

Written by Sam Smith, digital communication coordinator for Cinema and Media Arts department. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, media relations manager, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.