Stonestreet Studios celebrated a major milestone at this year’s Big Apple Film Festival (BAFF), with eight new films screening across the November 2025 festival programme. T
All eight films were produced under the Stonestreet banner by co-founders Alyssa Rallo Bennett and Gary O. Bennett, marking an extensive showcase of the studio’s ongoing commitment to developing new filmmaking talent. Several titles were written and directed by the Bennetts themselves, while others were made by directors emerging from Stonestreet’s long-running residency and mentorship programme.
According to the studio, this year’s slate highlights a mixture of socially aware drama, intimate character stories, genre explorations, and experimental storytelling—from speculative fiction to psychological drama and coming-of-age narratives.
Below is a breakdown of the films featured at BAFF.
‘SCHRÖDINGER’S CAT’
Directed and produced by Alyssa Rallo Bennett and written by Gary O. Bennett, ‘SCHRÖDINGER’S CAT’ follows a group of young people navigating questions of identity, connection, and purpose in an uncertain world. The short blends character-driven drama with a contemporary look at the pressures and expectations facing young adults today.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features performances from Natalie Yale, Amit Bachani, Sophia Bunnell, Ashley Alexandre, and Yoong Ahn.
Behind the camera:
Cinematography: Mariano Flores
Editing: Amelia Annen
Sound: Luis Quero Amaducci
‘EL DORADO’
Written and directed by Gary O. Bennett, and produced by Alyssa Rallo Bennett, ‘EL DORADO’ follows ambitious actress Fiona, who arrives at her agent’s office expecting to negotiate a raise and push her career “closer to the stars.” Instead, she receives unexpected bad news when her latest role is cancelled. What begins as a routine discussion shifts into a tense stand-off as professional ambition, uncertainty and personal pride collide.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features performances from Audrey Hochman, Jessica Caputo, and Tim Dennis.
Behind the camera:
Cinematography: Toon de Melker
Editing: Amelia Annen
Produced by: Alyssa Rallo Bennett
‘HARVARD’
Written, directed and produced by Gary O. Bennett, ‘HARVARD’ centres on a headstrong mother who clashes with her son’s college advisor during what begins as a routine discussion about his prospects at Harvard. The meeting quickly escalates as long-standing family tensions and personal secrets come to the surface.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features performances from Alyssa Rallo Bennett, Jordan Chin and Kaya Simmons.
Behind the camera:
Cinematography: Mariano Flores
Editing: Amelia Annen
Written, Directed & Produced by: Gary O. Bennett
‘CHARLOTTE’S TURN’
Written and directed by Clara Spannaus, ‘CHARLOTTE’S TURN’ explores the shifting dynamics between four childhood friends who reunite for dinner. At the centre is Charlotte—quiet, observant, and long positioned at the edges of the group. What once seemed like harmless teasing has grown into something more uncomfortable. Over the course of the evening, the balance between them begins to change, and Charlotte finally steps out of the margins.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features performances from Lily Aman, Jessica Lavoie, Chase Junchaya and Natalie Yale.
Behind the camera:
Cinematography: Toon de Melker
Produced by: Alyssa Rallo Bennett
Written & Directed by: Clara Spannaus
‘EMO’
Directed by Mariano Flores and written by Toon de Melker, ‘EMO’ follows a man who, two weeks after a breakup, reinvents himself in an attempt to impress a new woman. His efforts begin to unravel when his straightforward roommate exposes the truth, forcing him to confront his own identity and the person he is trying to become.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features performances from Gail Belety, Julia Laje and Vish Ishaan.
Behind the camera:
Directed by: Mariano Flores
Written by: Toon de Melker
Produced by: Alyssa Rallo Bennett
‘HEAVEN HELP ME’
Written, directed and edited by Amelia Annen, ‘HEAVEN HELP ME’ follows a young woman who is tormented by recurring dreams and turns to a priest for guidance. As their conversations unfold, she discovers that the line between reassurance and fear is much thinner than she expected.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features performances from Amit Bachani and Sophia Bunnell.
Behind the camera:
Written, Directed & Edited by: Amelia Annen
Cinematography: Toon de Melker
Produced by: Alyssa Rallo Bennett
‘BIRDS DON’T SEE ME’
Written and directed by Malcolm Mills, ‘BIRDS DON’T SEE ME’ follows a group of aspiring superheroes who are preparing to unlock their dormant powers. But for one member of the group, the discovery takes an unexpected turn when their ability appears to involve birds, challenging their assumptions about what it means to be extraordinary.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features performances from Patricio Ovando, Adriana Mercedez Ramirez, Stella Wunder and Jada Saxton.
Behind the camera:
Written & Directed by: Malcolm Mills
Cinematography: Mariano Flores
Produced by: Alyssa Rallo Bennett
‘DEVOTED’
Written and directed by Michael Warner, ‘DEVOTED’ is a story about the unshakable warmth of devotion — the reassurance and comfort that comes from knowing someone will always be by your side. The film explores the bond between two women whose connection provides strength, grounding and emotional clarity during a difficult moment.
Cast and Creative Team
The film features performances from JoHannah James and Vanessa Grace Horan.
Behind the camera:
Written & Directed by: Michael Warner
Cinematography: Mike Munari
Produced by: Alyssa Rallo Bennett
