LAGFF and LMU build a close collaboration, where everyone wins!
We are happy to be collaborating with the LMU student-interns as part of our decade-long LMU-LAGFF community partnership with Prof. Katerina Zacharia’s course on Representations of Greece: Ancient and Modern.
Simon Blaustein is a junior (’25) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University studying Film and Television Production with a minor in Business Administration. With a focus on Cinematography and Creative Producing, Simon works through both pre-production and on set to bring impactful storytelling to life. Outside of LMU, he also has experience through creative development internships, production assistant work, as well as working in sports broadcasting.
Ariana Escobar is a junior (’25) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University, majoring in film production with a special interest in directing. The magic of film and its ability to take viewers to various worlds and perspectives constantly inspire her. She hones her craft through hands-on experience, working on various film projects from pre-production to on-set production to post-production editing. Ariana is always eager to learn more and expand her skill set to bring creative visions to life.
Lilly Horne is a graduating senior (’24) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Classics and Archeology. Lilly is involved in various on-campus organizations including Delta Gamma and Phi Delta Phi and she enjoys connecting with people from various backgrounds. In the fall, Lilly will attend Marquette University Law School in hopes of working in sports law upon her graduation. In her free time, she enjoys working out, going to concerts, and spending time with her friends and family.
Samantha Lim is a graduating senior (’24) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University majoring in English. Literature and the many ways it can be interpreted has been her passion since childhood, and this love took her to the United States from Indonesia. She aims to learn as much as she can from the literary world so she can better understand others, and so she can pursue a career in academia.
Brian Lotierzo is a graduating senior (’24) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University majoring in Film Production. Brian spent the past 20+ years working in various platforms in the entertainment industry including Unscripted, Studio, Roadshow, Live, Digital, and Commercial/Advertising. As an entertainment executive with a strong business acumen, he is currently transitioning to a finance and accounting driven career. Featured credits include American Ninja Warrior, Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsay, Real World / Road Rules, Shark Week, and Thursday Night Football in 3D.
Alexandra Mertes is a rising senior (’24) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University, majoring in Screenwriting and minoring in Classics and Archaeology. With a passion for creative writing, film, art, art history, and ancient history, Alex aspires to use her knowledge and creative skills to the fullest at the LAGFF. She is always eager to seek out new art and experiences for inspiration for her many writing projects.
Julia Pinto Ribeiro Sereno is a sophomore (’26) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University, majoring in Screenwriting, with minors in both Classics & Archeology and Animation. Born and raised in Brazil, she has always loved reading, viewing, and writing stories. She has worked on various LMU sets in her time here – finding an unexpected passion for continuity work. She hopes to work in the film industry in LA.
Monet Thompson is a graduating senior (’24) undergraduate student majoring in Screenwriting and minoring in Elementary Education. Born and raised in Oakland, California, Monet is an aspiring educator and screenwriter who is passionate about finding the intersections between storytelling and education, in ways that enrich and engage audiences. Monet plans to become a primary grade teacher, while developing her screenwriting portfolio.
Allyson Weisel is a junior (’25) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University, majoring in Screenwriting with a minor in Business Administration. She aspires to become a producer for television and documentary films in the entertainment industry. She has over 6 years of film and television experience and currently works at Sony Music as a video production intern.
Nick Wittcoff is a graduating senior (’24) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University, majoring in Theater with extensive public service and leadership experience as a former USC Public Safety Officer, and as a volunteer theater leader with Young Storytellers. At LMU, he produced, wrote and starred in Overnight and he lead the Theater students’ efforts to preserve the Senior Showcase. He will continue acting while working in entertainment marketing.
Damian Wong is a junior undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University, majoring in film production major with a minor in screenwriting. He recently completed his junior thesis film, worked as a development intern, assistant-edited on a documentary, and camera operates for live sports. He has a passion for storytelling and dreams of working as a screenwriter in the future.
Cleofe DeLucia is a graduating senior (’24) undergraduate student at Loyola Marymount University with a major in screenwriting and a minor in history. She hopes that, through her writing, she will be able to portray honest and realistic portraits of human connection. She enjoys discussing current events, pop culture and watching period pieces.
Thomas Klapp is a 1st year graduate student at Loyola Marymount University, majoring in Film and Television Production. Prior to LMU, he graduated from Syracuse University, majoring in Film and French, with a minor in theater. For the past 7 years, Thomas has worked on various projects as a director, producer, screenwriter, editor, and actor. He is looking forward to collaborating with his fellow interns and expanding his knowledge about the film festival circuit.
Katerina Zacharia is a Professor of Classics and Chair of Classics & Archaeology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Her research explores classical antiquity in visual and performance culture, in Greek ethnic identity formation, and in cultural politics. Prof. Zacharia is an award-winning educator with expertise in inclusive pedagogy, and cross-cultural exchange in local and global partnerships. She produced theatrical performances and workshops for the Michael Cacoyannis Foundation in Athens (2006-present), and the Stanford Repertory Theatre (2012-18). As Director of Education for the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival, she has created a vibrant student internship program (2014-present). She wrote, directed and produced the short documentary Blessings and Vows (2018). She co-created Enthralled, a new conversation game for higher education (2022). Prof. Zacharia is the recipient of the 2018 LMU President’s Fritz B. Burns Distinguished Teaching Award, and the 2023 Society of Classical Studies for Excellence in Teaching Classics at the University level.