Domestic Animals Wins at International Film Festival The Hague

I'm thrilled to share that Domestic Animals, which I co-directed with the extraordinary Sandy Siquier, has been awarded at the International Film Festival The Hague in the "Women in Focus: Social, Political and Spiritual Stories" category.

Sandy Siquier receiving the award at the International Film Festival The Hague.

This project has been a deeply meaningful collaboration. The film explores the raw reality of abuse through two characters who are both victims and perpetrators, caught in cycles of pain and survival. Drawing inspiration from real survivor testimonies, we sought to create a story that demonstrates the power of cinema to illuminate difficult truths.

Domestic Animals awarded in the "Women in Focus: Social, Political and Spiritual Stories" category.

The film was made possible through support from Syracuse University's Faculty Creative Activities Research Grant and the College of Visual and Performing Arts Research and Creative Grant. This support allowed us to bring our vision to life and tell this important story with the care and respect it deserved.

During the festival, Sandy also led a Master Class titled "Bringing Performances to Life: Directing Actors for Film," where she shared insights on script analysis, creative collaboration, and building respectful director-actor relationships that elevate screen performances.

Master Class with Sandy Siquier"Bringing Performances to Life: Directing Actors for Film.

This recognition at The Hague is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges not just the craft of filmmaking, but the importance of the stories we choose to tell. We're grateful to the festival for platforming work that engages with social and political realities, and honored to be part of their "Women in Focus" program.

Thank you to the Syracuse University film students who served as crew members on this film for their involvement in meaningful creative work, and to everyone who supported this project.