In April of 2026, my short film “Vicarious” was selected and screened as part of CineYouth, a film festival for young filmmakers ages 18-22 presented by Chicago International Film Festival. “Vicarious” was shown twice as part of the “Check Your Local Listings” block, a collection of local-to-Chicago productions— and every single one was a blast.

From left to right: Cameron Eader (Key Grip extraordinaire), Payton Ramsey (Lead Producer, Actress), Zachary O’Connor (me), Luke Dufilho (Actor, all around cutie-pie).

This was by far the largest live audience I’ve ever shown my work too, so far. With ~100 in the audience for the opening night screening, and another ~50 or so for the closing night encore, I got to have the surreal experience of watching people watch my art. An audience who didn’t know me, yet was rooting for me and all the other young filmmakers. Once again, a blast.

Vicarious was shot in January of 2025, with a few pickups in that March. It was shot on a soundstage at Cinespace Studios for the interiors, and on the streets of Chicago for the exteriors. The film’s pallet was inspired by the pink reflections of the Western Pink line station, and the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets in the city. The film’s identity is forever tied to Chicago.