Challenge: For this project, we were tasked with creating a short film on a topic of our choice, allowing for complete creative freedom within a defined thematic framework. Each student in the team was required to pitch a unique concept that aligned with the overarching theme. These pitches needed to showcase not only the core idea but also the envisioned narrative structure, stylistic approach, and potential impact on the audience. After all the ideas were presented, the class engaged in a democratic voting process to select the winning concept. This collaborative approach encouraged us to think critically about storytelling, persuasion, and the elements that resonate most with an audience, ultimately fostering both individual creativity and collective decision-making.

Creation: AMARA SOMNIA marked my directorial debut in visual storytelling and stands as my most ambitious project to date. Spanning approximately a month from pre-production to post-production, the process was both demanding and transformative for me and my team. It required meticulous planning, from script development and storyboarding to casting, location scouting, and coordinating the technical aspects of filming. The production phase tested my leadership and problem-solving skills, as I navigated the complexities of directing actors, managing a crew, and ensuring the visual narrative aligned with my creative vision. Post-production involved editing, sound design, and color grading, where we refined the film’s emotional tone and atmosphere.

This journey was as challenging as it was rewarding, significantly strengthening my storytelling abilities and deepening my passion for filmmaking. AMARA SOMNIA follows the story of Luna, a university student returning for her second year of studies, burdened by emotional baggage that threatens to unravel her life. In her first few days back, Luna is haunted by intense nightmares and symptoms of PTSD, which gradually spiral into a state of psychosis and addiction. Through Luna’s descent, the film explores the fragile boundaries between reality and the subconscious, highlighting the often-overlooked struggles of mental health.