USC Student Showcase
Curious Keas
Presented by: Diana Duvanskaya
Clowns of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, the mischievous Kea birds are nothing short of fascinating. Their clever brains outscore Gibbons, an Ape from the primate family, show their understanding of the concept of probability, and as a foraging omnivore, will not hesitate to explore any curious task at hand – or, at beak. But just how do they manage to have the IQ of a 4th grader? And how did they take the internet by storm with their quirky and witty personality? Audiences will follow Keas’ survival in the frosty Alpine ecosystem as they battle endangerment, be mesmerized by their problem-solving skills, and learn a fresh perspective to the term “bird brain”.
Rwanda’s City of Dreams
Presented by: Memphis Grace MacPherson
Rwanda, often celebrated as the 'land of a thousand hills,' captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and the welcoming nature of its inhabitants. This exceptional nation offers unparalleled adventures, not only enriched by its remarkable biodiversity but also distinguished by its leading role in technological innovation across Africa. Its diverse ecosystems, from volcanic mountains and montane rainforests to expansive plains, provide a sanctuary for an incredible variety of wildlife, while its commitment to digital advancement adds another layer to its unique allure.
A Student in the Wild
Presented by Andrew Gerstenblatt
"A Student in the Wild” is an IMAX exercise designed to experiment with the fundamentals of framing, composition, and editing for large format cinema. The short film parodies nature documentaries, and follows the journey of a student struggling to do her homework on campus.
Wayfinders of the Sun
Presented by: Anna Shaposhnik
Wayfinders of the Sun is a story of two voyages that help us better see ourselves. Polynesian Voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa crosses the great Pacific with a revival of cultural navigation techniques. Meanwhile, multigenerational mission Solar Gravitational Lens Telescope plans to slingshot a solar sail further than even Voyager to look back at the sun and reveal a detailed image of an Earth-like exoplanet behind it. "Are we alone?” For those who lift their heads in wonder, SGLT makes the choice to look.
The documentary explores themes of multigenerational curiosity and cultural values, natural beauty, and the exploratory spirit to traverse unimaginable distances. You will Meet Lehua Kamalu, the Hōkūleʻa’s First Female Captain and Navigator, pioneer of ethnomathematics Linda Furuto, as well as SGTL lead scientist Slava Turyshev and his childhood dream to find life in the universe.
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When Homo Erectus Ruled the World
Presented by: Rohan Khehar
When Homo Erectus Ruled the World transports audiences one million years into the past to the savanna of East Africa to explore the story of a young Homo erectus child navigating his transition to adulthood. The story provides a vessel for the visual exploration of H. erectus’s daily activities and their fascinating achievements, investigating what they ate, how they hunted, and more. These hominids will be brought to life in live action through makeup and prosthetics. With accurate scientific evidence driving the story, this film will be the most accurate representation of early hominids in cinema. When Homo Erectus Ruled the World aims to inspire, prompting audiences to reflect on our long history as a species and wonder what it means to be human.