About the Film

Open Mind Open Heart is my senior thesis at the School of Visual Arts. The short film takes place in a universe where everyone is gifted with a different superpower. The film is a meet-cute story about Liza, a transfer sophomore at an all-girls high school who can read minds, and Phoebe, a fellow sophomore who has the ability to teleport. When Phoebe accidentally disrupts Liza’s studying one day, she thinks that Liza is cute, a thought that Liza overhears. Upon realizing that Liza can read minds, Phoebe attempts to start fresh with Liza, setting out to befriend her.

Recipient of the 2024 SVA Alumni Society Scholarship

Recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Achievement Award

Official Selection for the 2024 WIA NYC Animation Festival

Official Selection for the 2024 New York Shorts International Festival

Finalist for the September 2024 Independent Shorts Awards

Exceptional Merit for the Spring 2025 LGBTQ Unbordered International Film Festival

Official Selection for the 2025 Safflicks LGBT History Month Film Festival

Semi-Finalist for the Winter 2025 New York Short Animation Festival

Official selection for the 2025 Oasis Film & Digital Media Festival

Silver Winner in the Student Category for the 2025 Collision Awards