Neela Gerayli is headed to the Chapman University Dodge College of Film and Media Arts this fall. The acceptance rate for the film production program is 7% and she was the very first student accepted for the fall incoming class. What sets Neela apart from her peers is her vision for how cinema can evolve to be more inclusive. The art of filmmaking is barely more than 100 years old and each film made reflects the hopes, fears, and biases of those in power. Unfortunately all too often those people behind the scenes greenlighting productions, approving screenplays, and hiring cast and crew fail to create the diverse film industry we so desperately need in order to tell stories authentically.

Neela is looking to use her career to create a more equitable and inclusive film industry by becoming a film director.

Max Page is committed to the Loyola Marymount School of Film and Television this fall.

His infectious enthusiasm for screenwriting means that every time he steps foot in my classroom or onto a film set he has a genuine smile on his face. Filmmaking is all about the ability to smile in the face of problems then pivot so you can still get the job done. To shoot a film without a sense of humor and a smile is to make one film and then find yourself without a cast and crew for the next film. A good director takes care of people, solves problems, holds onto a unique creative vision, and speaks from their heart. Max does this in his life as well as in his filmmaking and it shows in the loyalty of his cast and crew.

Keep an eye out for Max as he uses his love of storytelling to make us smile.