NEW HORROR COMEDY SHORT FILM ZOUL
Check out the More Info button below to learn more about the film. I've posted cast and crew bios and photos.
Zoul Teaser Trailer from Tom Cassese on Vimeo.
Tom Cassese Director's Reel from Tom Cassese on Vimeo.
NEWS
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March 18, 2019 - Zoul Venus Italian International Film Festival Official Selection
Happy to announce that Zoul has been accepted into the Venus Italian International Film Festival in Las Vegas! This is an IMDb Award festival focused on showcasing the impact Italian American culture has had on the film industry. As an Italian American filmmaker, I am honored that Zoul has been selected, especially since it was shot in the house my great grandparents lived in after immigrating to the US. The award ceremony will take place at the Italian American Club in Vegas with appearances by Danny Aiello, Al Sapienza, and The Barry Manilow Band. |
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March 12, 2019 - Zoul Manhattan Film Festival Official Selection
Huge Zoul news! I am pleased to announce that Zoul received its first festival acceptance and will screen at the 13th Annual Manhattan Film Festival! MovieMaker Magazine ranks MFF on their lists of "25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee" and "The Coolest Film Festivals in the World." Official schedule and details to come, and I hope to see you there. Fingers crossed this will be the first of many festivals! 
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January 20, 2019 - The Malfunction Short Film
Starting the year off with a fresh new project! I had the absolute pleasure of producing and storyboarding The Malfunction, a new sci-fi short film directed by Tom Festo (Director of Photography on Zoul). I can compare the story to an episode of the Twilight Zone or Black Mirror. We still have one more day of shooting exteriors when it gets a tad warmer outside, so keep on the look out for more updates!
Starting the year off with a fresh new project! I had the absolute pleasure of producing and storyboarding The Malfunction, a new sci-fi short film directed by Tom Festo (Director of Photography on Zoul). I can compare the story to an episode of the Twilight Zone or Black Mirror. We still have one more day of shooting exteriors when it gets a tad warmer outside, so keep on the look out for more updates!
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January 17, 2019 - More SVA Classes
Just registered for another SVA class starting at the end of the month! I originally planned on taking this semester off, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity. The class is dedicated to the art and technique of pitching television series to executives. How relevant!
Just registered for another SVA class starting at the end of the month! I originally planned on taking this semester off, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity. The class is dedicated to the art and technique of pitching television series to executives. How relevant!
January 1, 2019 - Happy New Year!
2018 was an amazing year. I finished my newest film Zoul and finally went back to school to study animation. I already have a number of exciting projects in the works for 2019, so stay tuned for updates!
2018 was an amazing year. I finished my newest film Zoul and finally went back to school to study animation. I already have a number of exciting projects in the works for 2019, so stay tuned for updates!
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October 12, 2018 - Zoul Private Screening at the IFC Center
Last night, I had the absolute honor of hosting a private screening of Zoul for family, friends, and crewmembers at the legendary IFC Center. A huge thank you to everyone who braved the rain and showed their support. This film has been over a year in the making, and I'm so glad I was able to finally share it on the big screen with the people who made it happen. Thank you to everyone who worked on Zoul, from the talented actors to the dedicated crew, and to anyone who supported the film in any way throughout this process. We all made this together! Visit the Zoul Screening page for more photos from last night. 
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September 24, 2018 - More School of Visual Arts Classes
Not missing a beat, I'm returning to SVA to take more classes -- this time in 2D animation using the widely-used industry software Toon Boom. I've been wanting to learn this program for years, and so I can't wait for this class to start!
Not missing a beat, I'm returning to SVA to take more classes -- this time in 2D animation using the widely-used industry software Toon Boom. I've been wanting to learn this program for years, and so I can't wait for this class to start!
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September 13, 2018 - Tom Cassese Studios Rebrand
It may seem like a slight change from Tom Cassese Productions, but I've decided to update the name of my company to Tom Cassese Studios. I believe this new name more accurately reflects my goal of creating high-quality original live-action films, animated films, comics, and illustrations. The "TC" logo has also been updated to be sleeker and sharper. Starting with Zoul, expect to see more originals from me. |
June 4, 2018 - School of Visual Arts
For the past year or so, I've been considering going back to school. There was so much more I wanted to learn. Today I'm thrilled to announce that I have started classes at SVA. It's a lot to juggle with a full time job at AMC Networks and multiple film projects happening at once, but I'm up for the challenge. For the summer semester I'm taking a 3D computer animation course in Maya, as well as a course focusing on visual media property development with former executive editor of Marvel and Epic Comics Carl Potts. I couldn't be more excited, and I can't wait to see how my art and writing skills improve.
For the past year or so, I've been considering going back to school. There was so much more I wanted to learn. Today I'm thrilled to announce that I have started classes at SVA. It's a lot to juggle with a full time job at AMC Networks and multiple film projects happening at once, but I'm up for the challenge. For the summer semester I'm taking a 3D computer animation course in Maya, as well as a course focusing on visual media property development with former executive editor of Marvel and Epic Comics Carl Potts. I couldn't be more excited, and I can't wait to see how my art and writing skills improve.
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April 14, 2018 - Two Weeks Notice Talk Show Appearance
Two Hofstra-related posts in a row! I was honored to have been asked by my alma mater The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University to appear as a guest on their late-night style talk show Two Weeks Notice. I spoke about my career after graduation, my experience in the festival circuit with Concurrence, and the progress I'm making with my newest film Zoul. |
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March 21, 2018 - Stop the Presses! My Interview with Hofstra University
My alma mater The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication at Hofstra University interviewed me and published this article, where I talk about Concurrence, Cannes, my experience in the media industry, and my upcoming short film Zoul. Check it out HERE! |
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March 5, 2018 - Zoul Picture Lock Announcement
Great news, everyone! After long hours of editing, and as a birthday present to myself, I’m pleased to announce we officially have a picture lock of Zoul! We’re one huge step closer to the finished film. Onward to the next phases of post! |
December 30, 2017 - Zoul Teaser Trailer
2017 is closing out with a bang! The teaser trailer for Zoul is now online! Click HERE to see it! Happy New Year!
2017 is closing out with a bang! The teaser trailer for Zoul is now online! Click HERE to see it! Happy New Year!
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November 4, 2017 - Concurrence at YoFiFest and Its Retirement from the Festival Circuit
As Zoul is being edited, I have one last update for my previous short film Concurrence. Yesterday, Concurrence screened at YoFiFest, aka the Yonkers Film Festival, its 12th and final film festival. To my friends who worked on Concurrence in that one frantic week back in April 2015, I can't thank you enough. The film we shot for $21 took us from Hofstra, to Hollywood, to the south of France, and to many other film festivals in the years that followed. Now the time has come to finally retire Concurrence from the festival circuit. Thank you everyone who supported us on this journey. Stay tuned for more Zoul news, but for now, why not check out Concurrence again for old times' sake HERE. |
October 1, 2017 - That's a Wrap on Zoul
On Sunday, my latest film Zoul wrapped principal photography. Thank you so much to the talented cast and crew. It was a hell of a lot of fun, and I can't wait to edit it all together. Stay tuned for more updates!
On Sunday, my latest film Zoul wrapped principal photography. Thank you so much to the talented cast and crew. It was a hell of a lot of fun, and I can't wait to edit it all together. Stay tuned for more updates!
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September 8, 2017 - Concurrence at YoFiFest
Pleased to announce that while my next film Zoul is in preproduction, Concurrence is still going strong with its latest film festival acceptance! #yofifest2017 #yo5fest |
August 3, 2017 - Zoul Preproduction Announcement
Well, it's official! My newest short film Zoul is now in preproduction! It's a horror comedy about a sharp-dressed demon who drinks souls out of a flask. Dissatisfied with the recent subpar quality of souls, he decides to find a good soul to consume. When his assistant's niece comes to live with them, he sees a good soul in her ripe for the taking. Stay tuned for updates!
Well, it's official! My newest short film Zoul is now in preproduction! It's a horror comedy about a sharp-dressed demon who drinks souls out of a flask. Dissatisfied with the recent subpar quality of souls, he decides to find a good soul to consume. When his assistant's niece comes to live with them, he sees a good soul in her ripe for the taking. Stay tuned for updates!
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July 11, 2017 - Concurrence Nominated at the Long Island International Film Expo
Just got word that Concurrence has been officially nominated for Best Student Film at this year's Long Island International Film Expo! And with this announcement, I am officially out of room on the poster for laurels. |
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May 3, 2017 - Hofstra University News
My alma mater Hofstra University was named to Variety's 2017 list of “stellar” film programs worldwide. Read the full article HERE and check out the video featuring my films Wanted and The Wrong Side of the Universe.
My alma mater Hofstra University was named to Variety's 2017 list of “stellar” film programs worldwide. Read the full article HERE and check out the video featuring my films Wanted and The Wrong Side of the Universe.
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April 28, 2017 - Concurrence at the Long Island International Film Expo
Concurrence has officially been accepted into the 2017 Long Island International Film Expo! It will screen Tuesday, July 18th! |
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March 27, 2017 - New Job at AMC Networks
I am beyond thrilled to announce that today was my first day working at AMC Networks, the home of Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Mad Men, just to name a few. Specifically, I'm working for AMC and SundanceTV (formerly known as the Sundance Channel) in their international program operations department. It's such a dream come true to be a part of this amazing company, and I can't wait to find out what's in store. |
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March 16, 2017 - Concurrence Nominated at the Blackbird Film Festival
The Blackbird Film Festival has just announced that Concurrence has been officially nominated for their Originality in Cinema Award! |
February 25, 2017 - Concurrence Screening at the 2017 Winter Film Awards
Tonight, I presented Concurrence to a nearly sold out screening of the 2017 Winter Film Awards at the Cinema Village Theater in New York City. It was such an honor to be selected among such great films from all over the world! The after-party wasn't too bad either.
Tonight, I presented Concurrence to a nearly sold out screening of the 2017 Winter Film Awards at the Cinema Village Theater in New York City. It was such an honor to be selected among such great films from all over the world! The after-party wasn't too bad either.
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February 3, 2017 - Concurrence at the Blackbird Film Festival
More great news! Concurrence just got accepted into the 2017 Blackbird Film Festival, one of FilmFreeway's "Top 100 Best Reviewed" Festivals! The festival takes place April 21-23 in Cortland, New York! |
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January 22, 2017 - DreamWorks Pitch
Today I was fortunate enough to pitch my original animated feature The Wrong Side of the Universe to DreamWorks executives. The expanded feature idea is based off my 2014 animated short film of the same name (available for viewing HERE on this site). To see concept art that I used in the pitch, click HERE. |
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January 22, 2017 - Concurrence Nominated at the Deep in the Heart Film Festival
Excited to announce that Concurrence has officially been nominated for Best SciFi/Fantasy Short Film at the Deep in the Heart Film Festival! |
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January 20, 2017 - Weekend Warriors
After almost a year of hard work, the comedy webseries that I produced Weekend Warriors is finally up online! Check it out HERE! |
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December 26, 2016 - Wanted at the Comics in Film Festival and Comic Con
Just got word that my senior thesis film Wanted was officially accepted into its first festival since Cannes! It will screen in the Comics in Film Festival and Comic Con this January in Albuquerque, NM! |
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December 20, 2016 - Concurrence at the Deep in the Heart Film Festival
Wow, two film festival acceptances in three days! Concurrence just got accepted into the inaugural class of the Deep in the Heart Film Festival in Waco, Texas! It will screen in the historic Waco Hippodrome, a former vaudeville theater over a century old. |
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December 18, 2016 - Concurrence at the
2017 Winter Film Awards Happy to announce that Concurrence got accepted into its first film festival of the new year with the 2017 Winter Film Awards 6th Annual Indie Film Festival! More info to come! |
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December 4, 2016 - Concurrence at the New York Film & TV Festival
On Sunday, I presented Concurrence at the New York Film & TV Festival in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the Wythe Hotel. I held a short Q&A session afterwards.
On Sunday, I presented Concurrence at the New York Film & TV Festival in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the Wythe Hotel. I held a short Q&A session afterwards.
November 10, 2016 - We Are Moving Stories Interview
After the Big Apple Film Festival, I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by We Are Moving Stories. Read the full interview HERE!
After the Big Apple Film Festival, I was fortunate enough to be interviewed by We Are Moving Stories. Read the full interview HERE!
November 9, 2016 - New York Film & TV Festival
Right after a busy weekend, I'm thrilled to announce that Concurrence has been officially accepted into the 2016 New York Film & TV Festival as a "Festival Favorite." Screening details to come! |
November 5-6, 2016 - A Crazy Weekend with the Big Apple Film Festival and 30under30 Film Festival
This weekend, I presented Concurrence at two festivals. On Saturday, it screened to a sold-out theater in Manhattan at the Big Apple Film Festival. Then on Sunday, it screened to another packed house at the 30under30 Film Festival. Both had Q&As afterwards, and it was great meeting a bunch of talented filmmakers from all over the world!
This weekend, I presented Concurrence at two festivals. On Saturday, it screened to a sold-out theater in Manhattan at the Big Apple Film Festival. Then on Sunday, it screened to another packed house at the 30under30 Film Festival. Both had Q&As afterwards, and it was great meeting a bunch of talented filmmakers from all over the world!
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October 25, 2016 - 30under30 Film Festival
This morning I got news that Concurrence has been officially accepted into the 2016 30under30 Film Festival in New York City! The goal of the festival is to highlight emerging talent in the filmmaking industry by showcasing 30 films with directors all under the age of 30. The festival also promotes social change and awareness in the world. |
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September 25, 2016 - FirstGlance Film Festival Philadelphia
Both Concurrence and Wanted have been named semi-finalists at the FirstGlance Film Festival in Philadelphia!
Both Concurrence and Wanted have been named semi-finalists at the FirstGlance Film Festival in Philadelphia!
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September 20, 2016 - Concurrence at the
Big Apple Film Festival Happy to announce that Concurrence was officially accepted to screen at the Big Apple Film Festival in New York City this November! I'm still waiting to hear specifics on the screening, so stay tuned! |
September 14, 2016 - Toronto International Film Festival Creative Minds
I had entered Wanted into the Toronto International Film Festival through Creative Minds, and it is now a finalist!
I had entered Wanted into the Toronto International Film Festival through Creative Minds, and it is now a finalist!
September 5, 2016 - Woods Hole Film Festival Best of Fest
I am pleased to announce that after screening Concurrence at the 25th Annual Woods Hole Film Festival, it was selected to screen again at the their "Best of Fest" screening at the Cotuit Center for the Arts on September 18th.
I am pleased to announce that after screening Concurrence at the 25th Annual Woods Hole Film Festival, it was selected to screen again at the their "Best of Fest" screening at the Cotuit Center for the Arts on September 18th.
September 3, 2016 - Vote for Concurrence for Sundance Ignite
Today, I entered Concurrence into Sundance Ignite. View and vote for it HERE!
Today, I entered Concurrence into Sundance Ignite. View and vote for it HERE!
September 2, 2016 - Newspaper Cover Story
I was interviewed by Hicksville News newspaper about my film screenings at Cannes.
CLICK HERE to read the full article!
I was interviewed by Hicksville News newspaper about my film screenings at Cannes.
CLICK HERE to read the full article!
August 1, 2016 - TruTV Comedy Knockout
Recently, I have been working for TruTV as a postproduction
assistant on season 1 of Comedy Knockout. After months in the making, it finally aired tonight!
July 31, 2016 - Woods Hole Film Festival
This past weekend, I had the honor of presenting Concurrence on the opening night of the 25th Woods Hole Film Festival. Thanks to everyone who attended the screening and the Q&A afterwards. The festival was ranked in MovieMaker's list of "50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, 2016," and I can definitely see why. In the short time I was there, I met some great people and saw some amazing films.
This past weekend, I had the honor of presenting Concurrence on the opening night of the 25th Woods Hole Film Festival. Thanks to everyone who attended the screening and the Q&A afterwards. The festival was ranked in MovieMaker's list of "50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee, 2016," and I can definitely see why. In the short time I was there, I met some great people and saw some amazing films.
June 21, 2016 - Picture This Poster Contest, Sponsored by Adobe
Thrilled to announce that the poster I made for Concurrence has won second place in the Picture This poster contest, sponsored by Adobe. Last weekend, it was displayed at TERMINUS, a film festival/convention in Atlanta, Georgia. The poster is now hanging in the Adobe offices through the month of July.
Thrilled to announce that the poster I made for Concurrence has won second place in the Picture This poster contest, sponsored by Adobe. Last weekend, it was displayed at TERMINUS, a film festival/convention in Atlanta, Georgia. The poster is now hanging in the Adobe offices through the month of July.
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June 8, 2016 - Concurrence at
Woods Hole Film Festival Concurrence has officially been accepted to screen in competition at the 25th Woods Hole Film Festival this summer! It will premiere on the opening night of the festival. |
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May 23, 2016 - Cannes International Film Festival
Today I finally returned home after spending two life-changing and eventful weeks at the 69th Cannes International Film Festival. There I met talented industry professionals and celebrities from all over the world and showcased my work. I went to the red carpet premieres of Steven Spielberg's BFG, The Nice Guys with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, Hell or High Water with Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, and Ben Foster, and Mel Gibson's Blood Father, among others. The experience was incredible, and I hope to return again in the future! Check out pictures from the festival below!
Today I finally returned home after spending two life-changing and eventful weeks at the 69th Cannes International Film Festival. There I met talented industry professionals and celebrities from all over the world and showcased my work. I went to the red carpet premieres of Steven Spielberg's BFG, The Nice Guys with Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling, Hell or High Water with Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, and Ben Foster, and Mel Gibson's Blood Father, among others. The experience was incredible, and I hope to return again in the future! Check out pictures from the festival below!
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March 31, 2016 - 2 for 2 at Cannes
This morning I received news that my senior thesis film Wanted has also been accepted to Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner. With Concurrence, that makes two of my films at Cannes!
This morning I received news that my senior thesis film Wanted has also been accepted to Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner. With Concurrence, that makes two of my films at Cannes!
March 1, 2016 - GoFundMe Campaign
As Cannes Film Festival draws near, my friend and Concurrence director of photography Joe Plescia and I have started a GoFundMe campaign to fund our trip to France. This is an incredible opportunity for us. Please check out the link to the page here: https://www.gofundme.com/sss43bdw
As Cannes Film Festival draws near, my friend and Concurrence director of photography Joe Plescia and I have started a GoFundMe campaign to fund our trip to France. This is an incredible opportunity for us. Please check out the link to the page here: https://www.gofundme.com/sss43bdw
December 9, 2015 - Forbidden
Since the summer, I have been working on a short animated film called Forbidden, and tonight I was lucky enough to pitch it via Skype to executives at Frederator Studios. To see what I submitted -- artwork, storyboards, and a finished script -- check out "Forbidden" under the Storyboards Tab!
Since the summer, I have been working on a short animated film called Forbidden, and tonight I was lucky enough to pitch it via Skype to executives at Frederator Studios. To see what I submitted -- artwork, storyboards, and a finished script -- check out "Forbidden" under the Storyboards Tab!
October 23, 2015 - Discovery Channel Pacific Warriors
Since July, I have been a post production assistant at Original Media working on an incredible new show called Pacific Warriors. I'm so excited that all the hard work is paying off and that the show is finally airing its first episode tonight at 10/9C on the Discovery Channel. Check out the show's Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pacificwarriorstv
Since July, I have been a post production assistant at Original Media working on an incredible new show called Pacific Warriors. I'm so excited that all the hard work is paying off and that the show is finally airing its first episode tonight at 10/9C on the Discovery Channel. Check out the show's Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pacificwarriorstv
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July 12, 2015 - Campus MovieFest Hollywood
This week in Universal Studios Hollywood, I attended the screening of my short film Concurrence. After the screening, I took questions about the film from the audience, and the following night, we won the award for Best Drama at a red carpet event. I can't begin to describe what an honor it was to be chosen out of thousands of other great films! Here's hoping it's the first of many wins. Thank you to everyone who worked on and supported the film! Now it is officially eligible for Cannes Film Festival next year! It is also featured in-flight on Virgin Airlines in August and September of this year. |
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July 1, 2015 - LA Cinefest
My senior thesis film, Wanted, has officially made it into its first post-college film festival. As of this morning, it is an official selection for LA Cinefest!
My senior thesis film, Wanted, has officially made it into its first post-college film festival. As of this morning, it is an official selection for LA Cinefest!
May 15, 2015 - Wanted
My senior thesis film, Wanted, premiered at the Hofstra Film Festival tonight and won the award for Best Cinematography. The script is posted under the Projects page, and the finished film will be uploaded shortly!
My senior thesis film, Wanted, premiered at the Hofstra Film Festival tonight and won the award for Best Cinematography. The script is posted under the Projects page, and the finished film will be uploaded shortly!
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April 24, 2015 - Concurrence
I am excited to announce that the short film I directed, Concurrence, is on its way to be screened at a festival in Los Angeles! The film was conceptualized, written, shot, and edited in a less than a week as a part of Campus Moviefest. At the university level, it won awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress. In Los Angeles, it will be screened alongside winners from other universities from all across the nation. |
RESUME
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