Help CSUN film production students fund Lilies, a senior thesis short film written and directed by Ally Becerra that is about family, following your dreams, and overcoming fear!

The Story

Lilies is a heartfelt short film that follows a 16-year-old girl who has spent part of her life in the foster care system. It follows her story at her newest placement with a distant uncle named Elias, whom she has never met before. As the story unfolds, both Elias and the audience learn about her dream of becoming a ballerina. 

Meet the Team

Our CSUN senior thesis project, Lilies, is a team of nearly 30 devoted film students who are using their skills and heart to bring this production to life. These students are dedicated and passionate individuals who care deeply about telling a great story. Together, we are determined to tell an uplifting and compelling story that will invoke empathy within its audiences. By supporting our film, you are contributing to this team and giving us the opportunity to create something special. 

Director/Writer - Ally Becerra; Producers - Valentina Akopyan, Brianna Espinoza Bernabe; Post Producer - Rhys Shaw; UPM- Nyla Eugenio; 1st Assistant Director - Samantha Duncan; 2nd Assistant Director - Logan Schmidt; Editor -Gabriela Castillo, Itzel Perez; Sound - Jorge Alvarez, Lanfar Catania (Peppe), Jenica Felicitas; Production Designer - Cynthia Wortmann Tenorios; Art Director - Kayla Perez Ramsay; Director of Photography - Matthew Tribble; Camera Operator - Jerzy Mialkowski; 1st Assistant Camera - William Otero Lima; 2nd Assistant Camera - Albert Rutledge; Gaffer - Sky Gommeren; Composer - Miles Huerto; and more!

Why We Need Your Help

Even with all our passion and resourcefulness, making a quality short film is an expensive endeavor. Here’s where your contributions will go:

Costumes: Within the film, there are scenes that feature several characters in dance wear. To make these scenes feel authentic and believable, we need to source proper dance wear, including pointe shoes, leotards, tights, and more.

Equipment: Camera, lighting equipment, sound gear, and other essential equipment rentals are important in creating the look and feel of the film. Working with rental houses also allows CSUN students to understand the process of obtaining professional equipment outside of an academic setting.

Other expenses: Crew meals, permits, insurance, transportation, and post-production expenses (editing, sound mixing, color grading) to polish the final film.

No matter the amount, your donation will bring us one step closer to making Lilies possible. By assisting in the financing of this film, you’re not only helping a student project, but you are also supporting the arts. We truly cannot do this without you!

Contributions to Lilies are 100% tax-deductible. The California State University Northridge Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) public benefit California corporation.

Follow our journey on our Instagram page: @liliesshortfilm