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On December 18, 2024, Almendra Kovač Akel ’24, Film, received the Grand Prize for Best Latino Student Filmmakers at the 30th annual DGA Student Film Awards, in New York. Kovač Akel was recognized for her student thesis film, ROT, a haunting psychological horror short film. The film follows Azul, a young woman plagued by recurring nightmares about her family’s farm in Argentina. When she travels from Buenos Aires to the remote Chaco region to confront these visions, she uncovers a dark reality more terrifying than her dreams. Set against the stark backdrop of rural Argentina, the film explores how grief can transform a family and the thin line between memory and madness.

ROT was set in a remote area of Argentina, but filmed entirely in and around Sarasota, at a few very specific locations. Producer Alejandra Cintron Rivera ’24, Film, secured and managed the film’s crucial location, transforming a working cattle ranch at Big Red Cattle Company in Myakka City into a convincing Argentine farmhouse, with extensive set decoration and prop work led by production designer Sam Russell ’24, Film. 

In post-production, editor Gabriel Lopez ’24, Film, who is also a director, brought his keen sensibility and Spanish-language expertise to supervise the storytelling process, along with Argentine cinematographer Milena Montero ’24, Film. All of the film’s dialogue is spoken in Spanish, and all of the core creative team members were Spanish speakers. Greenlight Film funds enabled the team to hire professional casting director Clifton Guterman from Atlanta, who sought out professional SAG actors. The Los Angeles-based cast were all Argentine actors who spoke an Argentine dialect. 

Kovač Akel couldn’t be a more appreciative or deserving award recipient. “I always knew telling stories was what I was meant to do, and I did so before I knew how to read or write. Little Almendra would be so proud to see how far our stories have taken us. Around the world, there are amazing creatives bustling with ideas and passion, but chances to bring them to life can be hard to come by,” she shared. “That’s why awards like this, focused on furthering representation and diversity are extremely important.”

Behind the scenes on the set of ROT. Photo: Matthew Peterson ’24, Film

The project received crucial support from Ringling College’s Office of Advancement team and Film Circle donors, enabling the production to achieve its ambitious scope while maintaining authenticity in every detail. The ROT team received a lot of support from their Film faculty, including Department Head Patrick Alexander. Alexander described Kovač Akel’s unwavering commitment to her creative vision: 

“When most would have compromised due to the enormous challenges of recreating Argentina in Florida, she instead built an exceptional team and found innovative solutions,” he said. “Her persistence in securing professional actors, finding the perfect location, and collaborating with Argentine cinematographer Milena Montero, demonstrates not just attention to detail, but a deep understanding that these details are what make a story ring true. The result is a film that transcends its horror genre roots to tell a universal story about grief and family with haunting authenticity.”

Each year, the Directors Guild of America spotlights dozens of African American, Asian American, Latino, and women filmmakers. The Student Film Awards winners receive cash prizes.