Inez, a film by Kayla Skipper

Inspired by her grandmother, Kayla Skipper’s short film Inez explores memory, loss, and the journey toward peace. The Academy at American High was proud to support Kayla’s vision through financial assistance and production guidance, helping bring her story from concept to screen.

By contributing toward the project’s budget, we were able to help empower an emerging filmmaker to tell a deeply personal story while gaining real hands-on experience throughout the filmmaking process.

Festival Recognition: Official selections at both the AfroSouth Film Festival and the 13th Charlotte Black Film Festival in 2023.

Germaphobia, a film by Vince Walker

At Syracuse Studios and The Academy at American High, we encourage our staff not only to support filmmaking, but to pursue their own creative passions as well. Building Manager Vincent Walker brought that philosophy to life through his original short film Germaphobia, which he helped write, produce, and bring to screen using the studio facilities he helps oversee every day.

Two janitors are tasked with cleaning their high school over winter break, but the building isn’t as quiet, or as empty, as it seems.

Starring J. Gaven Wilde, Luke Burke, Tommy Armstrong, and Vincent Walker, the film blends comedy and horror in a uniquely local production that highlights the creativity growing within our own walls.

Festival Recognition & Awards: Best Comedy and Best International Short Film at the London Film Club Shorts Festival 2025, Best NY Made Short Film at the Syracuse International Film Festival 2025, Award Winner at The Dunwich Horror Fest 2025, Official Selection at Laugh After Dark Comedy Fest 2025, Honorable Mention at Lit Scares International Horror Festival 2025.

The Sentinel, a film by Joe Cunningham

The Sentinel is an independent feature film written, produced, and directed by Joe Cunningham, President & Co-Founder of the Syracuse Actors Studio. During production, The Academy at American High hosted several of the film’s most pivotal scenes, including its finale, within our studio spaces as part of our continued commitment to supporting local filmmakers and independent productions.

Filmed throughout Central New York from 2021-2025, The Sentinel highlights the strength of the region’s growing creative community both on and off screen, featuring hundreds of local actors, artists, and crew members.

A combat veteran struggles to care for his young son while navigating the lasting effects of severe PTSD. The film stars Joe Cunningham alongside his son Harrison Cunningham and features an extensive ensemble of Syracuse Actors Studio performers and Central New York creatives.

“American High could not have been more welcoming and accommodating in making this an easy and creatively satisfying process.”
— Joe Cunningham, Director of The Sentinel

Your Best Friend, a film by David Rubin

Written and directed by former Academy Creative/Production Intern David J. Rubin, Your Best Friend was produced with support from The Academy at American High following David’s time working on our American High productions such as Pizza Movie and our American High Shorts.

Using Academy spaces, props, equipment, and support, David assembled a small local crew of fellow interns and students to bring his vision to life, creating hands-on learning opportunities and gaining early on-set experience under Academy guidance.

An accident forces a gaming-addicted teen to confront his gratitude toward his mother. Inspired by the French song Avant qu’elle parte (Before She Leaves) by Sexion d’Assaut, the film explores themes of gratitude, family, and the often-overlooked relationship between a child and their mother.

The project has since entered the festival circuit, earning multiple awards and official selections with live screenings in New York City.

The Visionary, a film by Daniel Mezzalingua

During his time interning with The Academy at American High while attending Syracuse University, filmmaker Daniel Mezzalingua developed his short film The Visionary, which he wrote, directed, and starred in himself.

As part of the project, Daniel constructed a full bar set within our studio space, bringing his creative vision to life through hands-on production design and filmmaking experience.

A successful writer, director, and actor must confront his past decisions and sacrifices when he spots an alternate version of himself sitting in the audience during a talk show appearance.