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Thumper

A beat of her own.

  • Jack Winemiller
    Director
  • Jack Winemiller
    Writer
  • Lauro Rocha
    Producer
    The Samuel Project (2018)
  • Ariel Asatryan
    Key Cast
    "Jenna Storojkova"
  • Ana da Costa
    Key Cast
    "Nadia Storojkova"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 44 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 22, 2019
  • Production Budget:
    6,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35 (SCOPE)
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • Palm Springs International Short Film Festival
    Palm Springs
    United States
    June 22, 2019
    World
    Official Selection
  • Humano Film Festival
    Tijuana
    Mexico
    September 27, 2019
    Mexico
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Jack Winemiller

(English) Jack Winemiller is a young filmmaker who recently graduated from San Diego State University with an MFA degree in Film and Television production.

(French) Jack Winemiller est un jeune cinéaste récemment diplômé de l’Université de San Diego avec un master en film and télévision.

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Director Statement

"Thumper", a student short film from San Diego State University, is a fictional narrative that attempts to show a realistic relationship between instructor-parent and student-child. The story’s protagonist, Jenna, is the 8-year-old daughter of Nadia, a single Russian-American mother. Nadia is also Jenna’s ballet instructor. While Jenna is still curiously seeking out what is subjectively fun to her, to Nadia dance is life.

How does this relate to me personally? Well I never took ballet lessons, but my father was and is very passionate about sports and coached me in baseball and basketball. He built a basketball court at my middle school and my childhood friends still address him today as Coach Winemiller. As I grew into my own identity he remained supportive of my dissimilar interests, and for that I am truly grateful.

Our talented 8-year-old actress, Ariel, is the daughter of two former professional ballerinas, Sayat Asatryan and Olga Tchekachova. Her parents are extremely supportive of her dreams no matter where they may take her. The actress playing Ariel's Mother, Ana da Costa, is the prima ballerina of California Ballet. Ana makes a large portion of her income teaching ballet classes as she pursues her many ambitious creative feats.

We appreciate this opportunity to showcase our talents.

Sincerely,

Jack Winemiller