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Being yourself is magical...
Torn between attending senior homecoming and her family’s reunion, a teenager stumbles upon a mysterious gateway to navigate both worlds at once.
This story was created to tell a story about coming-of-age as a young woman, and the bumpy road this can take at times as one seeks to live an authentic life. I hope for it to resonate with any young adults who struggle or have struggled with insecurity in their identities, and to provide them with a happy ending to look forward to.
As my senior thesis production, I have written, directed, and executive-produced this passion project. Joined by an incredible crew and cast of friends, we created a story about positivity and self-confidence.
At Temple's BFA Senior Showcase Preview Screening, we were thrilled to receive unbelievable love and support from an audience of peers, family, and friends.
We're happy to announce that Bleachers made its official festival world premiere at the Garden State Film Festival in March 2025, winning Best College Home Grown Drama Short!
Bleachers will have its next screening at FirstGlance Film Festival Philadelphia in May 2025.
Stay tuned for updates on more upcoming festival screenings!
Instagram: @bleachers.film
Garden State Film Festival
World Premiere
BFA Senior Showcase
Crew Bios
Writer-Director-EP:
Sophie Aguila is a bicoastal director, specializing in film production. Sophie graduated in 2024 with a BFA in Directing and double major in Music from Temple University. She uses storytelling to create multi-dimensional and empowered female and queer characters, and to discuss universal themes of humanity. She is excited to put her experience and passions to work in her senior thesis film, Meet Me Under the Bleachers!
Producer:
Salvatori Camarote a producer and filmmaker from Philadelphia. In 2024 he received a BA in Producing and minor in Advertising from Temple University. Salvatori has worked in all aspects of film production and broadcasting giving him a variety of experience that assist on his productions. Over the last few years he has greatly increased his skills as a producer having films win awards at numerous festivals across the country. Salvatori finds himself commonly working on productions he believes will have a positive impact on viewers and help bring certain issues to light.
Director of Photography:
Kerri Sage graduated in 2024 with a BA in Cinematography from Temple University. She plans to work her way up to being a director of photography for feature films, specializing in capturing expressive colors with energetic camera movements. Combined with her photography background, she seeks out powerful stories that are women led and body positive.
Editors:
Gabriella "Shun" Hsu is a Taiwanese-American filmmaker with a soft spot for relationship centered films with pretty animations and energetic graphics. She graduated from Temple University in 2023 having studied film and media production and general business studies. Overall, she hopes to increase Asian representation both behind and on screens.
Lyss Marrero is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker focusing in post production. Lyss is currently pursuing a BA in Editing at Temple University. She aims to tell fun and engaging stories with a wide range of diverse experiences and characters.
Production BTS
Pre-Production BTS
This project has been supported by The Philadelphia Independent
Media Fund administered by Scribe Video Center
with funds provided by the Independence
Public Media Foundation.
Partial Funding by the Dean's Grant, Center for Performing and Cinematic Arts, Temple University
Produced in the BFA/BA Programs of Film and Media Arts,
Temple University