Hyphen

Hyphen is a magic realist, short fiction film based on the director's own memories and experiences. It follows four character versions on a transformative chronicle: Mimi, Maia, Mia, Ria. They learn to use imaginative forms of art, dance, and music to realize each of their dreams, fears, and achievements. Conjuring the impalpable power of creativity, they are able to overcome different challenges to create their own identities past cultural and gender expectations.

  • Maria Servellon
    Director
  • Maria Servellon
    Writer
  • Maria Servellon
    Producer
  • Tim Wojcik
    Producer
  • Lissa Deonarain
    Producer
  • Anjana Quintana Gonzalez
    Key Cast
    "Mimi"
  • Nayeli Cintron
    Key Cast
    "Maia"
  • Rosanna Jimenez
    Key Cast
    "Mia"
  • Maria Servellon
    Key Cast
    "Ria"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Coming of Age, Inspirational, Fantasy, Biography, Short, Student, Female, POC, Music, Dance, Animation, Adventure, Romance, Women, Latino, Fiction
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 10, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Iceland, United States
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Emerson College
Director Biography - Maria Servellon

Maria Servellón is an award-winning filmmaker, multimedia artist, educator, and arts advocate from Boston, MA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from UMass Boston, and her Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Art from Emerson College. Her focus is film and digital media, including projection, installation, photography, and design. Maria's work often explores synesthetic relationships between art, music, and dance within identity formation.

Maria's work has exhibited and screened in Massachusetts, New York, California, Oregon, the UK, and Mexico thus far. One of her most lauded works to date is the magic-realist short film, Hyphen (2018). In recent years, she was named one of 2018's "Latinos 30 Under 30" by El Mundo Boston; a 2019 New England Film Star Award finalist; a 2020 Amplify Latinx "Latina Leader" and a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Leader honoree; and has won grants, fellowships, and residencies from the Mayor's Office Of Arts & Culture, Boston Arts & Business Council, Boston Public Schools, Danza Orgánica, and Mass MoCA.

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Director Statement

I am a visual explorer and storyteller who uses film, photography, design, music, and dance to express stories, theories, and truths. From a young age, I have created complex characters, movement, and visual concepts to satisfy my curiosity about the world and help me understand my relationship with it.

My artwork is a conscious and intuitive exploration of an intersectional self-identity using different visual and historical influences. Using memories and dreams, I pay homage to many culturally fluid inspirations and ideologies that I feel strong connections to.

My artmaking odyssey aims to continue transcending pre-established norms and to reincarnate itself between different physical forms. These culminations solidify the bridge of mutual understanding and connection between myself and audiences.