This film is called "Sunrise Aphrodite". The video linked is a past project that I directed called "Checked In". I have yet to shoot this new project, but I am very excited and look forward to this whole process. 

About the Film

"Sunrise Aphrodite" is an international short film about a destitute painter who is pressured to finish a painting due to an upcoming deadline from a magazine publication. He dives into a bar, hoping to get drunk in order to escape the harsh reality. While drinking a wine called 'Sunrise Aphrodite', he encounters someone who will change his life.

The theme is to never give up your dreams because you will find inspiration at the most unexpected times. When you are at a low point in your life, see the possibility for a better future and stay faithful to your dreams.

Our Talented Cast

Thomas Mendolia recently graduated from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro with his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. He has also studied at The Neighborhood Playhouse summer intensive. His most recent New York credits include Junior at The Manhattan Repertory Theatre, and Coming Home at Theatre for the New City. His passion for film is as big as his passion for the stage, enthralled by the challenges and the rewards film acting presents. He can be seen in a number of commercials, including a regional spot for Sheetz. Along with that he has appeared in many student films all over North Carolina, excited for the chance to fully explore a new character, a new world, and to tell a new story on each journey. He is thankful and proud to be a part of this beautiful story. For every single human being, this is for you.

Angela Gao is a Chinese American actress, born and raised in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City in 2009 and enrolled in New York University. Angela Gao has had experience in several films, TV shows and magazines in mainland China. In 2011, she won the title of Miss Photogenic in the Miss Chinese New York beauty pageant.

Britany Monserrate studied acting at Pace University where she received a Bachelors degree in Theater. She has trained in Improv, and Shakespeare. Her favorite role to date was playing Jessica in "This is Our Youth". She's currently living and working in New York City.

Jennifer recently graduated from Boston College and soon after attended the prestigious T. Schreiber Studio. Since then she has appeared in numerous independent projects. She is now filming an ensemble role in a new dramatic television series that has been optioned by a major network. She continues her training at Stella Adler Studio through their advanced master classes and looks forward to future acting, singing, and hosting projects in 2013!

Julia is currently finishing up her Senior year at Pace University where she'll graduate with a BFA Musical Theatre. She is originally from Albany, NY where she grew up in a crazy and wonderful family of all performers. Julia is excited to be part of this project!

Pooya Mohseni, a graduate of the Maggie Flanigan Studio is a film and stage actor and singer in New York. Pooya sees every project as a new journey, complete with its own set of challenges and rewards; because of that child-like curiosity, she enjoys all the steps involved from the first reading to the last curtain call or "that's a wrap". After all, "there's no business, like show business".

The Amazing Crew

Growing up in an entertainment family, Frank's life has revolved around the film industry. His dad has been his role model and as he strives to succeed on his own accord in the filming world, Frank has chosen "Sunrise Aphrodite" as a starting point to launch his career. His dream is to be a successful Director and a positive influence for future filmmakers.

Catherine is a graduate from NYU Stern School of Business, majoring in Finance and Management. Although film is a different world, she grew to become very interested in film through Tisch students. She looks forward to seeing the success of this film and is very grateful to be a part of this experience. 

Born and raised in the state of Hawaii, Dan majored in Film at the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a minor in Physics. He characterizes cinematography as his creative form of expression. He is also a certified Steadicam Operator - a device used in films to generate free flowing images.

With his skill set in both producing and directing, Julian brings a logistical and creative focus to Sunrise Aphrodite. He produced and served as UPM on the NYU thesis film Caught, directed by Bruce X. Li. His original shorts include The Shadow King, Paranoia, and Unfortunately.  He also works at entertainment video agency Getty Images, and currently runs his production company of 8 years specializing in live events and editing.

Jim is from New Jersey, and came to NYU in 2010 and graduated in 2012. His intermediate film placed 3rd at New Visions and Voices film festival, and he is currently in post-production for his thesis film.