Experiencing Interruptions?

College Kills

If college “kills,” then so must you… College can drive people mad, sometimes pushing them to do immoral, borderline KILLER things. For Violet, Emily, Layla, and Anna, the pressure of college finances forces them to question what they are willing to do to pay for their education. They encounter Michael, an equally desperate student, who demonstrates the extreme lengths he’s willing to go to in order to fund his college dreams. The film playfully yet dramatically questions whether the cost of college is truly worth it, and what prices young minds are willing to pay for their education.

  • Fuad Zughayer
    Director
  • Fuad Zughayer
    Writer
  • Fuad Zughayer
    Producer
  • Diego Mora
    Producer
  • Marcin Wojciak
    Producer
  • Samantha Arguellez
    Key Cast
    "Violet "
  • Julia Obyrtal
    Key Cast
    "Emily"
  • Adriana Macias-Villagomez
    Key Cast
    "Anna "
  • Ronia Khairallah
    Key Cast
    "Layla"
  • Christopher Kieta
    Key Cast
    "Micheal "
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Thriller, Horror, School, Fiction, College
  • Runtime:
    28 minutes 2 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    500 USD
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony a7s 3
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Reavis High School
Director Biography - Fuad Zughayer

Fuad Zughayer is an 18-year-old aspiring director, writer, and actor with a passion for storytelling in both film and theater. Born in Gretna, Louisiana, and raised in Burbank, Illinois, Fuad's creative journey began at a young age, deeply influenced by his love for performing LIVE on stage. He is currently pursuing a BFA in Theatre Studies at Texas Christian University in Dallas Fort Worth, where he continues to develop his craft. Fuad’s first venture into filmmaking came during his sophomore year of high school, when he founded a short films club. His debut independent film "A Painless Pleasurable Life" took 5th place in the Illinois High School Association State Series Short Film competition, setting the stage for his future success. He followed up with two other films, "The White-Eyed Witch", which placed 3rd, and "Clandestine", which also earned a 3rd place finish the following year. Although Fuad’s roots are in theater, where he believes the rawest form of storytelling takes place, he has found his voice in the world of film as well. His unique approach blends the immediacy and authenticity of live performance with the nuanced artistry of cinema. His most recent project, "College Kills", was inspired by the immense pressures he and his peers faced while navigating the financial burdens of higher education. The film also attests to Fuad's style as a storyteller/filmmaker. He chooses to make films as a callout to what he struggles with in his everyday life. Known for his hard work, creative vision, and distinctive directing style, Fuad has been making films since the age of 15 and shows no signs of slowing down. With every new project, he brings a fresh perspective to the screen, seeking to challenge audiences and explore the human experience. As he continues his studies, Fuad looks forward to a promising career in film, where he is eager to make his mark on the industry. He is determined to share stories that resonate with audiences, provoke thought, and inspire change.

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Director Statement

With College Kills, I wanted to explore the often overlooked struggles that every single young adult faces as they transition into college life, specifically the overwhelming financial pressures that can push people to their limits. As someone who has experienced the challenges of balancing education with the anxiety of student debt, this story was deeply personal for me. It was important for me to bring a sense of urgency and authenticity to the screen, reflecting the high-stakes decisions many students are forced to make. While bringing a certain element of lightness and humor to the subject. Thematically, the film delves into the lengths people will go to for survival, and the moral dilemmas that arise when society’s systems seem to be stacked against you. Through a mix of dark humor and tension, I wanted to capture the absurdity of this reality, while keeping the characters grounded and relatable. Visually, I collaborated with our DP, Diego Mora, and aimed for a gritty, real-world feel with stark lighting and tight, claustrophobic framing, reflecting the emotional and financial pressures crushing down on the characters. I was inspired by the raw energy of films like "Uncut Gems" and "Parasite", both of which balance anxiety with dark humor. I wanted to immerse the audience in that same tension, constantly asking: “What would you do in this situation?” My approach to storytelling is to focus on the humanity at the heart of the conflict. I believe that any compelling narrative starts with characters who feel extremely real, extremely flawed, and extremely layered. I say extreme because I mean it. There is no time nor space for created facades in my world of writing and storytelling. In College Kills, it was important to me that the characters’ choices felt like extensions of their personalities and circumstances, rather than plot-driven decisions. The tension, then, doesn’t just come from the external conflict, but from the internal battles these characters face. Ultimately, I hope this film challenges viewers to reflect on their own relationship with higher education and societal expectations. While College Kills is a fictional tale, it speaks to very real issues that affect countless people today. It’s a story about survival, resilience, and the often uncomfortable choices we make when cornered.