Three alumni, CSU senior to appear in Cleveland International Film Festival

The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) kicked off this week and three CSU alumni and a current student were selected to screen their films.

Showtime

Beni Calo’s (BFA ’24) film Showtime follows the rise and subsequent fall of local prizefighter Ricky "Showtime" Quiles, who trained at the famed Freddy’s Boxing Gym in Lorain. 

“Some of the main themes of the film deal with redemption, failure, success, and the strong grip substances may have on even the most successful of people,” Calo said. 

“Some of the darkest places in one's life may eventually lead to some of the highest highs. When that bell rings, and you're tired in life, keep punching. Finish the fight.”

Charger

In Charger, CSU senior Richard Bryer explores “the grip technology has on modern-day relationships and knowing when unhealthy habits are no longer sustainable.”

Riley, the film’s protagonist, flees for a friend’s house after an argument with their partner, consequently leaves their phone charger and wrestles with whether to return to retrieve it.

“CIFF has always been a major bucket list item for me,” Bryer said.

“I am extremely proud to have my work, as well as all of my peers who helped created it, be represented on such a large scale.”

He’s currently in post-production of his next short film, “What’s My Sign Again? a coming-of-age y2k-inspired teen comedy.

Hand Job

Davis Cameron Chu (BFA ’22) was with a friend at a bar in the fall of 2023. As a blues band played, he began dancing with his hand as his friend recorded it. He didn’t know it then, but it would form the basis for his film Hand Job.

In his words, it’s “a light-hearted comedy that explores a serious topic in a nonconventional way.”

A hand awakens to find the body it’s attached to is unconscious, having attempted suicide. What follows is its quest to save and revive its owner.

Chu says the film, an exploration of mental illness, tackles themes of isolation, perseverance and hope. 

“It’s genuinely an honor [to be featured in CIFF],” Chu said.

“I have many memories of attending while I was in school, and I am excited to be a part of such a stellar festival.”

Marshmallows

After a failed relationship, Maris Wirt (BFA ’24) was left with questions.

What really is chemistry without timing?

Is there something I could have done differently or better?

Was I just as closed off as he was?

In her film Marshmallows, two strangers meet, have that unmistakable spark and form an unexpected connection. But they get in their own way and implode what might have been a meaningful relationship.

Throughout the film, “there's an unconscious discussion happening about the feelings of love vs the verb "to love,” Wirt said.

Being selected for the film festival is one of the highlights of her burgeoning film career.

“I am even more excited to share the stage and screen with some of my close friends from university.”