Cinefest 2025 Filmmakers
Graduating Cinefest Filmmakers
Katja Berardino
Katja Berardino is a senior at Fairfield University with a major in Film, Television & Media Arts, a minor in French Language Studies, and a part of the Honors Program. She is honored to be the 2025 recipient of the Mary Louise Larrabee Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film, Television, & Media Arts. Her love for storytelling started from a young age when she taught herself how to shoot and edit films with her friends and siblings. In her time at Fairfield, she has had the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of roles in film production, and has developed particular knowledge and interests in cinematography and directing. She hopes to pursue both interests post graduation and would love to continue to make films with her friends.
Contact: katjaberardino@gmail.com
Website: www.katjaberardino.com
Kevin Collazo
Kevin Collazo is a graduate of Fairfield University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Television Media Arts with a minor in Marketing. Raised in Stratford, Connecticut, Kevin was drawn to the energy of New York City's film scene from a young age. Through Fairfield’s FTMA program, he pursued that passion wholeheartedly, working on over 30 student films in a wide range of roles. This hands-on experience has equipped him with the practical skills and creative adaptability to transition confidently into professional production work.
Contact Info: 203-800-1988 I Keckec2003@gmail.com
Sophia Giordano
Sophia Giordano is a senior Film, Television, and Media Arts major from Stamford, Connecticut, with minors in Graphic Design and Communication. She is passionate about producing and directing, and has recently begun exploring cinematography as well. Sophia has worked on numerous student films, with a strong focus on collaboration—most notably contributing to several senior capstone projects in various production roles. She is especially proud to have her own capstone film, Keep Your Eye Out, screening at this year’s Cinefest. She hopes you enjoy her noir-style film and the mystery it brings to the screen.
Jacen Januseski
Jacen Januseski is a graduating senior at Fairfield University, majoring in Film with a minor in Psychology. His passion for videography began early, managing multiple Youtube channels and creating content across a range of genres. This evolved into a deeper love for filmmaking and a drive to explore his full creative potential. Jacen aspires to make his mark as a director, cinematographer, and actor. Some of his favorite films include Uncut Gems and Another Round, which continue to inspire his artistic vision.
https://jacenjanuseski.myportfolio.com/jacen-januseski
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacen-januseski-383985210/
Lily Kingdon
Lily Kingdon is a senior Film, Television, and Media Arts major, who also minors in Sports Media and Sociology. From Natick, Massachusetts Lily has had a passion for filmmaking since she was a child making video star music videos with friends and creating YouTube videos with her brothers. Throughout her four years at Fairfield, she has developed a love for screenwriting, editing, and set design. Additionally, her time working for the Stags Sports Network has fostered her love of sports broadcasting specifically working in the control room. She was able to apply what she had learned about live television to her NBCUniversal Paris Olympics internship, where she worked as a digital commercial operations intern. She plans to continue working in live television and sports in the future.
Theo Laflamme
A dedicated senior, pursuing a Film, Television and Media Arts (FTMA) major, is driven by an insatiable desire to create. With a deep passion for filmmaking, photography and graphic design, Theo blends artistic vision with technical expertise to craft compelling narratives and striking visuals. His innovative approach and keen eye for detail enable him to produce work that not only engages, but also inspires.
John Anthony Rivadeneira
John Anthony Rivadeneira is a passionate storyteller and filmmaker who is graduating this year with a Bachelor in Arts from Fairfield University, where he majored in Film, Television, and Media Arts, and a minor in Marketing. With hands-on experience in every stage of production- from concept development to post-production- he has developed strong skills in storytelling, project management, and problem-solving under pressure. John Anthony thrives in creative and collaborative environments, always striving to bring compelling stories to life. Raised in Connecticut with roots deeply connected to Ecuador, John Anthony brings a distinctive cultural perspective to his filmmaking. This bicultural upbringing has shaped his narrative voice, allowing him to explore themes of identity, heritage, and connection through a lens that bridges cultures. He hopes to inspire, entertain, and tell authentic stories with his own unique style.
Contact: johnanthony2610@gmail.com
Portfolio: https://johnanthony2610.wixsite.com/portfolio/about
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-anthony-rivadeneira-538494341
Justin Sabogal
Justin Sabogal is a senior at Fairfield University, double majoring in Film, Television & Media Arts and Business Analytics, with a minor in Marketing. Originally from East Windsor, NJ, he has always had a passion for storytelling, spanning both narrative and documentary filmmaking. After college, he hopes to combine his dual studies and pursue a career in the media and entertainment industry.
Kayla Smith
Kayla is a senior at Fairfield University, double majoring in FTMA and Computer Science. She thrives at the intersection of creativity and technology, always finding innovative ways to bridge the two. This year, she has developed a strong interest in film sound—exploring everything from on-set recording to post-production sound design and scoring. As she looks ahead to her career, Kayla hopes to make a meaningful impact in the media industry by combining her artistic vision with technical expertise.
Continuing Cinefest Filmmakers
Christian Gerardi
Christian Gerardi is a junior majoring in Film, Television, and Media Arts (FTMA) and Business Analytics, with a minor in Mathematics. He is passionate about experimental film, period pieces, and visual storytelling that captures specific emotions, feelings, and experiences. Christian has been making YouTube videos for over half his life, using the platform as a creative outlet and space to explore his ideas. He currently serves as president of the Music Discussion & Analysis Club. Looking ahead, he hopes to blend his love for film and music with business to support independent artists and bring fresh perspectives to the industry.
Ryan Morgenstern
Ryan Morgenstern is a junior at Fairfield University, double majoring in Film, Television, and Media and Psychology, with a minor in Mathematics. Originally from Salem, Massachusetts, Ryan first discovered his love of movies in high school, but it was through his classes at Fairfield that he found a deeper passion for filmmaking. He enjoys every part of the filmmaking process, from concept to post-production, and his eagerness to learn has grown with each year. Ryan hopes to one day combine his interests in psychology and storytelling to pursue directing, screenwriting, and other creative roles in the media industry.
Michael Sessa
Michael Garcia Sessa is a junior at Fairfield University majoring in Film, Television, and Media Arts. He has a deep love of film that has only grown with time and believes it to be an irreplaceable means of understanding and connecting with others. He looks forward to shooting his capstone production later this year.
Lexi Sewell
Alexa Sewell is a junior at Fairfield University majoring in Film, Television, and Media Arts, with a minor in Communications. While she loves all aspects of film, Alexa has a particular passion for editing and post production. This will be her third time producing and hosting Cinefest. She also creates the Cinefest trailer each year. Alexa looks forward to creating her senior capstone film next year and continuing to work with the talented individuals of Fairfield’s FTMA program.
Contact: sewelllexi2004@gmail.com
Portfolio: https://sewelllexi2004.wixsite.com/alexasewellportfolio
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-sewell-054329221
Melina Silvestro
Melina Silvestro is a sophomore Film major, and Education and French double minor from Mamaroneck, New York. Her passion for film has been fostered by a caring community of filmmakers who have become her dear friends and family. Melina looks forward to continuing working with other dedicated and driven creatives to share stories that inspire and offer nuanced perspectives on our ever-changing world.