Father McKenzie

The film follows through the eyes of college freshman, McKenzie, as she witnesses her roommate's toxic relationship and struggles with the decision to intervene.

  • Leyla Maria Marusa
    Director
  • Leyla Maria Marusa
    Writer
  • Leyla Maria Marusa
    Producer
  • Leyla Maria Marusa
    Key Cast
    "McKenzie"
  • Salik Smith
    Key Cast
    "Rigby"
  • Maddy Atkinson
    Key Cast
    "Ella"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 19 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 8, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Temple University
  • Temple University Foundations Festival
    Philadelphia
    United States
    May 8, 2023
Director Biography - Leyla Maria Marusa

Leyla Marusa has been no stranger to creativity and storytelling, growing up through competitive dance and theater, but since starting film school at Temple University she has been able to take this skill to a new medium. Through storytelling, she hopes to show audiences pieces of naturalism to let viewers know they are unique in their life stories but never alone.

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Director Statement

Father McKenzie was my big second semester short. I strived to push myself to create a piece about a deeper subject using minimal positive space on the screen. I utilized my knowledge of the naturalism genre of theater while writing the script and deciding to only have the protagonist shown on screen.