INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS
Working on the film “But Not Forever” (Photo – Joshua Chen
The coming-of-age short film “But Not Forever” will premiere virtually on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 6:00 pm. You can view the short film at axiaproject.org/butnotforever.
Collaborative Piece
But Not Forever was created by students from Marshall Fundamental Secondary School who were involved in an after-school enrichment film class. The eight minute film took two years to complete with students taking part in writing, producing, directing, and acting.
Plot
But Not Forever tells the story of a high school junior who seeks out her former best friends in an attempt to make amends before she moves away. This film is about friendship and eventual separation. As the characters mature, they grow apart and through life’s lessons they learn there will always be room for people you truly love in your heart.
The story started as an assignment in the Marshall film program’s screenwriting enrichment class which was led by award winning Minari director Lee Isaac Chung and Axia Project founder Joshua Chen. In the Fall of 2017, students were instructed to write a twenty-page script on whatever topic they wanted and were informed one of the scripts would be selected as the program’s project the following school year. The adopted script was written by Marshall Fundamental, Class of 2020 graduate Kapolo Kuhia, who at the time was a sophomore.
On the set of “But Not Forever” (Photo – Joshua Chen)
Industry professionals and faculty members
The film production students would like to give special thanks to the industry professionals and faculty members who mentored, instructed, and guided them throughout the entire of project:
- Joshua Chen, the founder of Axia Project, a Pasadena nonprofit organization that enriches the lives of students and broadens their horizons by connecting industry professionals and schools to offer enrichment programs, like Filmmaking.
- Samuel Lin, a freelance writer and producer who has worked with JK Films and WongFu Productions.
- Ajoké Adebesin, producer and writer who has worked in the entertainment business for several years. She started as a production assistant in 2006, was a Directors Guild of America trainee in 2008, and has written/produced for Indie Projects.
- Mel Brian Patrón, professional actor, writer, and director who has performed in theatrical productions of RENT and Godspell. He is also the co-founder of Congress Films and Third Culture Studios.
- Ms. Daarina Abdus Samad Middle School Art Teacher and Enrichment Advisor.
Cast and Crew
The primary cast and crew members include students Steven Amador, Cole Brown, Madeleine Chen, Vanessa De La Cruz, Sophia Franco, Vianney Hermosillo, Samantha Leung, Mahina Ludwig, Martha Makundi, and Millie Root. The Filmmaking group met every Wednesday in room A10 from 3:15 pm to 4:45 pm.
The amount of time, work, and dedication needed to complete the film was more than anticipated. With practically no budget and a relatively small cast and crew, the film class put in countless hours. Many of the students had multiple roles and made a significant impact on the direction of the film. However, by working together, sharing ideas, and collaborating, the individual and collective talents brought it all together.
One of the students said, “We all suffered some loss of time with friends due to the Covid 19 pandemic and may all now have a deeper understanding of the message in, ‘But Not Forever.’ We’re hoping you make that deeper connection knowing there will always be room for people, when you have love in your heart.”
Group shot of cast, crew and teachers (Photo – Marshall Fundamental)
Marshall Fundamental Class of 2020 graduates:
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- Kapolo Kuhia: Screenwriter: plans to major in Business Administration
- Steven Amador: will attend Chico State with plans to major in Journalism
- Samantha Leung: will attend UC Riverside with plans to study Film and Digital Production.
- Martha Makundi: will attend USC with plans to major in Psychology Pre-med and minor in Philosophy.
- Mille Root: will attend UC San Diego with plans to major in Visual Arts Media.
- Vanessa De La Cruz: UC Los Angeles.
- Vianney Hermosillo: Cal State Northridge.
Virtual Premier Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. View at org/butnotforever
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