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 expertise lies in film and digital media, including projection, installation, photography, and design. Maria's work explores the synesthetic relationships between art, music, and dance in shaping identity.

Maria's work has been recognized through numerous screenings and exhibitions 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", a 2020 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce “Outstanding Young Leader” honoree, and has won grants, fellowships, and residencies from the Boston Mayor's Office Of Arts & Culture, Boston Arts & Business Council, Boston Public Schools, Boston Dance Theater, Danza Orgánica, and Mass MoCA. Maria is a part-time faculty member at Emerson College and Northeastern University.

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Director Statement

I am a visual explorer and storyteller who uses film, digital media, design, music, and dance to express truths and possibilities. I utilize experimental and narrative approaches to create authentic stories and immersive experiences. Through my work, I attempt to satisfy my curiosity about the world and understand my relationship with it.

My artwork is a conscious and intuitive exploration of intersectional identity in utilizing magic realism. In using abstract and archival visuals, I pay a color-rich homage to the fluidity of culture, gender, history, memories, and dreams.

My art-making odyssey aims to continue transcending pre-established norms that exist in both the physical and digital spheres. These realizations solidify the bridge of mutual connection between myself and the audience.