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The Reception

The Reception follows Alexis, a reluctant receptionist at an exclusive underground escort service, who is thrust into a world she thought she was leaving behind. When an escort, Starla, encounters a dangerous and unhinged client, Alexis is forced to fight for survival in a night that tests her loyalty and resolve. This short film explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the sacrifices one must make in the face of chaos.

  • Sabrina Aziz
    Director
  • Sabrina Aziz
    Writer
  • Sabrina Aziz
    Executive Producer
  • Dave Marken
    Executive Producer
  • Quentin Gonzalez
    Producer
  • Kevin Li
    Producer
  • Darren Tun
    Producer
  • Darren Tun
    Director of Photography
  • Sabrina Aziz
    Key Cast
  • Genevieve Shi
    Key Cast
  • Jason Paul Tate
    Key Cast
  • Arika Larson
    Key Cast
  • Izzy Marinucci
    Key Cast
  • Arielle Tillett
    Key Cast
  • RayMartell Moore
    Key Cast
  • Kevin Li
    1st Assistant Director
  • Quentin Gonzalez
    2nd Assistant Director
  • Alexis Aguilar
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Hippolyte Charlut
    2nd Assistant Camera
  • Jesse Mailings
    Sound mixer & Boom Operator
  • Pavlo Varchuck
    Gaffer
  • Noah Engle
    Best Boy Electrician
  • John Parroquin
    Key Grip
  • Eric Villanueva
    G&E Swing
  • Sabrina Aziz
    Art Director
  • Danielle Booker
    Set Dresser
  • Aria Ferrara
    Makeup Artist
  • Kayla Ega
    Hair Stylist
  • Esther Wong
    Wardrobe Supervisor
  • Jason Tate
    Fight Choreographer
  • Estela Cohetero
    Craft Services
  • Justin Arment
    Production Assistant
  • Sabrina Aziz
    Editor
  • Kevin Li
    Editor
  • Sabrina Aziz
    Colorist
  • Jesse Mailings
    Sound Editor
  • Grady Tesch
    Composer
  • Nikko Noel
    Camera Operator Steadicam (CO)
  • Lloyd Hembrador
    Camera PA
  • Isaac
    Camera PA
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Crime, thriller, action
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 13 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 5, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 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:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Sabrina Aziz

Sabrina Aziz is a Brooklyn-born and based director, actress, and writer. She has made her directorial debut with The Reception. Drawing from her experience in TV, film, and theater, Sabrina crafts bold, character-driven narratives that explore power, survival, and resilience.

Her transition into directing stems from a deep love for high-stakes storytelling and a desire to create dynamic, female-led narratives. The Reception, a neon-noir thriller in the vein of Pulp Fiction meets Kill Bill, marks the beginning of her journey as a filmmaker.

As an actress, Sabrina has appeared in Three Women (HBO, 2023) and Blue Bloods (CBS, 2023). She made her TV debut on The Drew Barrymore Show (CBS), where she honored her third-grade teacher for inspiring her to step into her full power—a theme she continues to explore in her work.

Her Off-Broadway theater credits at The Public Theater include the she's (2019), The Fall of All Atomic Angels (2018), and The Stripper-ers (2018). She has also been featured in major commercial and print campaigns for L'Oréal MATRIX, KEF, Bustle x CVS, UPS, Michelob Ultra, Altice, and Applebee’s (Super Bowl).

With The Reception, Sabrina cements her voice as a filmmaker, bringing her unique perspective and dynamic storytelling to the screen for the first time.

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Director Statement

I created The Reception out of a deep desire to build opportunities for myself and my fellow artists—actors, fighters, designers—who are just as talented as those we admire but often go unseen. This film is a love letter to the kind of work we’ve always wanted to do and the ways we’ve always wanted to be seen.

As an actress, I’ve often been cast in roles that didn’t fully showcase my range or the depth of my characters. Stepping into writing and directing was my way of changing that. The Reception is a neon-noir thriller that lives in the space between grit and elegance. Inspired by the kinetic energy of Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, and the neon-drenched tension of films like Kate, this story is built for characters who thrive in high-stakes storytelling and action that pulses with intention.

At its core, this is a story about a woman pushed to the edge. Alexis, the receptionist, works the front desk of a discreet companionship service. When a violent client crosses the line, she rises up to protect the ones who are unable to protect themselves. The Reception explores the shadow self—the part of us that protects, even when we can’t. It's about trauma, transformation, and the cost of reclaiming control in a world that demands your silence.

Directing this film was my way of not waiting for permission. And this is just the beginning.