Meet Our 2025 Mentees

Noah is a talented person with a unique perspective who is dedicated to bringing accurate disabled representation onto the silver screen!

Jesse is currently enrolled in the UofA film program and the SOAZfilm society membership program. He has many years of experiencing working and creating multiple creative projects like film, music videos, documentaries, photoshoots, and his work has been shown in local film festivals!

Faith is a filmmaker based in Yuma, Arizona. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Filmmaking Practices from Arizona State University in 2022. With a strong passion for storytelling and visual art that reflects and uplifts her community, Faith has spent the past five years collaborating on numerous independent short films in a variety of roles—including Director of Photography, Production Designer, Writer, Director, and Casting Director. She is thrilled to be part of this mentorship program and deeply grateful for the opportunity to grow and connect with fellow creatives!

Earl strongly believes in the Japanese business philosophy “Kaizen.” This principle demands consistent progress each day, even at a 1% improvement level. He enjoys reading, writing, and practicing at the least an hour each day outside of his first job. He is born and raised in the suburbs of east Mesa, AZ. He is half Native American and half French and some of his favorite works include Robert Greene, Quentin Tarantino, and Metallica!

Alexis is from Tucson, AZ. Movies have always been a great part of her life, as they served as conversation starters between her and her family. Her favorite film is Mysterious Skin dir. Gregg Araki. Besides film, she makes music and plays in a band called MALLS. She has been on three tours, one of them being a month long where she traveled from Tucson all the way to Vancouver, BC!

Xavier is a filmmaker with experience in positions ranging from PA to Producer. He is based in Tucson, AZ!

Andrea is an aspiring screenwriter and editor from Tucson, Arizona. Having graduated from the University of Arizona in 2025 with a BA in Film & Television, she hopes to write professionally in the industry and dabble in editing for music videos. She has an interest in writing thrillers, sci-fi, and dramas!

Mykaela Douglas is a multi-faceted artist who has a strong passion for writing and authentic expression. Using her knowledge of psychology, human behavior, and art, she writes to share the rare told perspective of the young Black woman experiencing grief and love!

With over a decade behind the lens as a creative photographer, Tealjoy has seamlessly transitioned into the role of producer and director, bringing a sharp visual eye and storytelling instinct to every project. Known for crafting striking imagery and bold narratives, they now lead productions that blend cinematic vision with editorial edge, spanning fashion, music, and branded content!

Haas is a genderqueer movement artist, curator, facilitator and writer who utilizes other mediums, such as film, in their work. They received a B.A. in Dance from Columbia College Chicago and a M.F.A. in Dance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. They are particularly drawn to raw, experimental and introspective works that challenge us to move beyond ourselves and take risks!

Serra is a proud Tucson native and aspiring filmmaker currently studying film at Pima Community College.

Karina is a filmmaker based in Arizona. She is a graduate of Scottsdale Community College School of Film & Theatre. Currently, she is a freelance sound mixer/boom operator and production assistant!