PHILADELPHIA (May 2, 2025)—A women’s hockey playoff, a ghost hunt, an aquatic dream world, a pet’s death and a job at a funeral home are subjects of five films that Moore College of Art & Design ("Moore") will present at its 2025 Film & Digital Cinema thesis screenings. The events will take place on Saturday, May 3 from 6 to 7:30 pm in Graham Auditorium at Moore College of Art & Design and Monday, May 5 from 5:30 to7 pm in the Skyline Room of the Parkway Central Library.
This year’s graduating seniors have created a compelling range of thesis projects spanning documentary, narrative, experimental and scripted work. Gremlins, by Morgan O’Halloran, is a documentary about a Philadelphia-based women’s hockey team fighting for their first playoff spot. Bria Parks’ Fright Club follows two best friends whose ghost-hunting YouTube channel takes an unexpected turn when one of them falls for the ghost they’re trying to capture. In Tides of Youth, Haniyah Booker explores escapism through a girl’s descent into a surreal aquatic dreamscape. Andrea Pineda’s Goodbye, Fishy brings two former best friends together to bury a childhood pet and confront their strained relationship. Jamie Seip’s Hoiman’s is an animated sitcom pilot set in a funeral home, where a new hire discovers she can resurrect after death.
The Film & Digital Cinema major launched during the 2021–2022 academic year at Moore, immersing students in the art and craft of cinematic storytelling. Through hands-on coursework in directing, editing, cinematography and sound, they develop a professional toolkit grounded in narrative techniques, concept development and creative expression.
“Each of these thesis projects demonstrates the incredible talent and diverse perspectives of our graduating seniors,” said Stephanie Barber, program head and associate professor of Film & Digital Cinema, Moore College of Art & Design. “These students pushed the boundaries of storytelling, and their work represents the future of cinema, blending creativity, technical skill and a keen understanding of the human experience.”
Together, these projects reflect a diversity of voices and storytelling approaches—at turns poignant, humorous and socially insightful. The artists will be in attendance at the screenings to present their work, and a small reception will follow each screening.
About Moore College of Art & Design
Founded during the original industrial revolution to advance women in new fields, Moore College of Art & Design is the first and only historically women’s college for art and design. Our mission is more relevant than ever, as technology, sustainability and diverse cultures drive and disrupt new and existing industries. Through dynamic BFA and co-educational Graduate Studies programs, educational programs for creatively curious youth and professional adult learners, and our own public and dedicated space for contemporary art—The Galleries at Moore—we are influencers and advocates for breakthrough artists and designers of all ages and backgrounds. The world needs Moore. For more information about Moore, visit www.moore.edu and follow us on social media @moorecollegeart.
For press inquires, contact:
Gabi Stevenson
Communications Manager, Moore College of Art & Design
gstevenson@moore.edu | 610.551.8231
Juliana Rosati
Sr. Director of Strategic Communications, Moore College
jrosati@moore.edu | 215.965.4065
Film still courtesy of Morgan O'Halloran '25, Film & Digital Cinema.
