Teens with a Movie Camera:
Program Team  

Tevvon Hines (he/him) is a filmmaker from Dallas, Texas, born 1998. He employs the film medium as a means of examining community, identity, and American culture through visual narrative storytelling. Since his graduation from University of North Texas in Denton, Texas in 2020, he has directed and produced numerous short fiction films including the thriller short Nightfall (2023), which has screened at festivals and exhibitions in Texas, New York state, and New Jersey. After completing his MFA at Syracuse University in 2024, he aspires to maintain a career as a working writer and director in his own film productions as well as teaching film courses.

As an international artist navigating diverse cultural landscapes, Dian Ling has learned the power of listening and connecting with those whose backgrounds differ from her own. This appreciation for collaboration and empathy has deeply influenced her approach to visual storytelling for human-centered stories. 

Dian previously served as the Video Director for the Syracuse University Fashion and Design Society, where she led creative direction for fashion shoots and produced a 300-attendee fashion show featuring over 70 looks with her peers. 

Currently, as an Urban Video Project assistant, she helps artists from around the world showcase their work on the façade of the Everson Museum and at community nights. Dian is dedicated to creating platforms that amplify marginalized voices, producing promotional materials and documentary videos that highlight underrepresented groups. 

Morgan Lynn Albano (they/them) is an aspiring historian, educator, and artist. They are currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Film at the College of Visual and Performing Arts, as well as a B.A. in History at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Morgan is passionate about historical imagination and using art to bridge gaps between space, time, and memory. Their historical research and creative work mostly engages with transnational relationships between the United States and Morocco, specifically in reference to themes of medical tourism, orientalism, and LGBTQ+ human rights. Morgan’s collaborative photographic work was recently featured in the 2023 exhibition ‘Not Gay,’ curated by Jonathan David Katz and Ryan Patrick Kreuger at the Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery at SUNY Fredonia.

Aspen Qualles (she/her) is a screenwriter and director from North Brookfield Massachusetts, currently in the process of pursuing a B.F.A in Film and Media Arts. Aspen is in her sophomore year as a film major and creative writing minor at Syracuse University. 

"I primarily work in narrative fiction as well as small scale documentary. I would consider myself a people person. I also love learning new things which is great because the film industry is always changing. My high school never prioritized the arts, especially film. So, I am so excited to provide for these young adults a chance to explore this amazing medium of expression and storytelling. Let’s go have some fun!"

Tevvon Hines (he/him) is a filmmaker from Dallas, Texas, born 1998. He employs the film medium as a means of examining community, identity, and American culture through visual narrative storytelling. Since his graduation from University of North Texas in Denton, Texas in 2020, he has directed and produced numerous short fiction films including the thriller short Nightfall (2023), which has screened at festivals and exhibitions in Texas, New York state, and New Jersey. After completing his MFA at Syracuse University in 2024, he aspires to maintain a career as a working writer and director in his own film productions as well as teaching film courses.

Em Baker (they/she) is a writer, director, and cinematographer from Syracuse, New York. After attending high school in the Syracuse City School District, Emma was able to realize and pursue their goal of studying filmmaking in college through the Say Yes to Education program. They are currently completing their B.F.A. in Film at Syracuse University with a minor in Art Photography. While attending SU, Emma has had access to various opportunities such as the SU Pre-College program where they assisted in teaching filmmaking to high school students. Additionally, it has allowed them to study abroad in Prague and get hands-on experience with 35mm film. As a queer filmmaker, Emma has explored the topic of identity in their films utilizing surrealism and non-linear narratives.

Ryan Bode (he/him) is a writer, editor, and director from Colorado currently pursuing a B.F.A. degree in Film and Media Arts at Syracuse University, with a minor in Animation and Visual Effects. Through both live-action and animation, his work explores social problems and philosophical conflicts utilizing dramatic narrative. His sophomore year film, “Final Cut” was selected for numerous festivals and was featured on the streaming service Mometu. Recently, Ryan had the opportunity to work with high school students as an instructional assistant at the SU Pre-College Summer Film Academy, as well as in the Spring 2024 pilot edition of Teens with a Movie Camera. 

Rayan Mohamed (she/her) is a junior majoring in Film at Syracuse University with a minor in anthropology. She is interested in expanding access to filmmaking, and redefining who filmmakers are and what stories they are expected to tell. She is a 2020 Narratio Fellow and 2023 Imagining America fellow. Additionally, she co-coached multiple programs at the North Side Learning Center such as the speaking circle program for Syracuse youth associated with SU’s Engaged Humanities Network and has facilitated other programs as well. Her work has been featured or screened by National Geographic Photo Camp, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Syracuse University, The Daily Orange, Richmond Virginia Museum of Art, Connecticut gallery and the North Side Learning Center.