63 AAFF - Intern Spotlights (Ellie N., Sara, Alexsey, MJ)
February 7, 2025
I am once more thrilled to introduce to our AAFF community the wonderful cohort of interns we have joining us for the 63rd festival this year!
One of AAFF’s guiding principles is “We build on our strong tradition of COMMUNITY relationships, support and partnerships.” Our interns are such an integral part of this community, in helping the festival thrive, and in continuing to grow our connections throughout generations.
During our bi-weekly meetings, interns are familiarized with the rich history of AAFF and logistics of festival production, but also come to understand their important role in making the festival actually happen. Our team is small, and though mighty, largely supported by our super volunteers, dedicated committee members, returning contractors, and interns.
Our bi-weekly meetings serve as more than just information loading, but also as an opportunity to connect with one another on a deeper level as individuals. Understanding one another’s communication styles through our “language of appreciation” exercise early on will become apparent as strong foundational support for our group’s interdependence during festival week.
Continuing to embrace last year’s self-proclaimed scrappiness, the trademarked group name, “The Scrapyard™” lives on. Without further ado, I am excited to introduce this year’s Scrapyardians™!
Kailey Radwan, Ann Arbor Film Festival operations manager
Ellie Ngassa - Event Production Assistant
Ellie is a senior studying Film, Television, and Media at the University of Michigan and is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices in all aspects of media. She co-founded a/squared Magazine, a student-led fashion publication, serving as their COO and Head of Video Production. Aside from TV and film, she enjoys crafting, board games, and going to concerts.
What aspect of the 63rd AAFF are you most excited for?
I'm looking forward to watching all the amazing films on the big screen and the opening night party! I got to attend opening night last year for press and it was super cool to be amongst the talented filmmakers and meet some of the wonderful people who make the festival happen.
What genre and style would a film about your life be?
I think a film about my life would probably be a comedy or a comedy drama.
What’s the first film you remember watching that left a lasting impression on you?
The first one that comes to mind is Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox. I remember watching that for the first time as a kid and being equally creeped out and fascinated by the animation. I loved the book and I feel like this was my first time seeing an adaptation that felt spot on and exactly what I had imagined. I also remember falling in love with the art direction and how it felt like fall. To this day, I have it on my Letterboxd 'Top 4' and I love to watch it every fall!
Sara Fang - Design Assistant
Sara Fang is a Business and Fine Arts major at the University of Michigan, focusing on marketing and graphic design in her studies. In her spare time, Sara enjoys looking at pictures of her dog and working with other creatives to bring her projects to life.
What genre and style would a film about your life be?
I'm a pretty grounded and realistic person so a film about my life would probably be in the style of a documentary. As an artist, I also enjoy experimenting with different mediums so it would be interesting to incorporate experimental animation into this documentary.
If someone were to visit Ann Arbor for the film festival, what is something they should make sure to do in town?
Definitely check out the selection of teas and treats at Teahaus! I highly recommend the Peaches and Cream loose leaf as an iced tea.
What’s the first film you remember watching that left a lasting impression on you?
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. As a kid, I remember watching it by myself in my room, when all of a sudden, the TV froze on a particular scene of the Evil Queen in her Witch form. It was the part right before the Queen offers Snow White the apple, in which she appears in the cottage window, and that absolutely traumatized me as a child.
Alexsey daCosta - Design Assistant
Alexsey is currently a senior at the University of Michigan studying Graphic Design. She is from Ann Arbor, enjoys reading, taking walks, and is looking forward to the festival this year!
What genre and style would a film about your life be?
Maybe a slice of life movie in a Wes Anderson style. I really like the framing and colors that he does. I remember there was a trend online where people were making Wes Anderson inspired videos and I thought that was really fun!
What is your favorite film you have ever seen in the Michigan Theater?
My family and I saw the film Yesterday in the Michigan Theater when it came out in 2019. It was a cute movie and I really enjoyed seeing it in that space.
If someone were to visit Ann Arbor for the film festival, what is something they should make sure to do in town?
Whenever people come to visit I always take them to Jerusalem Garden. I would also recommend taking a walk through Bandemer park! It's beautiful year round but especially in the spring.
MJ Johnson - Operations Assistant
MJ is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan and currently works in film production in Los Angeles. She loves working with the Ann Arbor Film Festival and engaging with filmmakers from all walks of life and is excited for everything to come together for the 63rd festival!
If someone were to visit Ann Arbor for the film festival, what is something they should make sure to do in town?
The film festival alone is absolutely worth it, but before coming to see a program, a stroll through the Arb is always enjoyable. There is plenty to see out in nature there, and on the way back to the Michigan Theater you can pop into the Slurping Turtle for a hot bowl of ramen to satisfy your appetite!
What is your favorite film you have ever seen in the Michigan Theater?
I saw Alien for the first time when the Theater did a Halloween screening a few years back; I had never seen it and wasn't sure I'd like it, but I ended up really enjoying it! Having that cinematic experience on the big screen in the main auditorium truly made the film come to life for me.
What aspect of the 63rd AAFF are you most excited for?
I'm excited to be back in Ann Arbor and see the Michigan Theater transform for the festival. It's always such a lively week and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get back into the energy of it all!
We’ll be introducing our interns in rounds. Stay tuned for more spotlights coming soon!
