SASFest: A Festival to Showcase Syracuse Independent Films

Interested in locally written and produced Syracuse films? Join the Syracuse Actors Studio for its own version of the Sundance Festival.

Join the Syracuse Actors Studio on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, 12 PM-9 PM, for the First Annual SASFest! Think Sundance Festival, but here in Syracuse, as a local film festival for and by Syracuse Actors Studio (SAS) members to showcase their own independent films. We are proud and excited to show our work to the local community, encourage filmmakers to work with us, and encourage our members to make their own films.

SAS prides itself on offering free and open events to the public. Friends, family, and the general public are encouraged to attend. Still, we are encouraging people to donate in advance or at the door to support our organization and our generous partner, The Palace Theater, for this creative local festival. We hope to raise money to help them keep the theatre going for local filmmakers and incredible shows, and to support SAS so we can keep hosting outstanding programs open to all.

The Palace Theater will have a full bar and concessions with snacks, candy, and popcorn. Please enjoy responsibly, and help us support them by being gracious hosts. We are also looking to partner with food trucks so everyone can stay the whole day and enjoy!

We seek financial support from individual or corporate sponsors for our event, to help sustain these two great beacons of art in our community: The Palace Theater & Syracuse Actors Studio! We have listed the sponsorship levels as a "Ticket Option" associated with this Eventbrite page. Please go to the tickets for more information.

We are also looking for volunteers to serve as door people, ushers, and to help sell merchandise. Please contact Laura Stisser at lastisser@gmail.com

Get excited now! You don't have to go to Colorado to see excellent indie films at a festival; SASFest 2026 is in your own backyard.

DISCLAIMER
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The organizer for this activity welcomes all players. By joining this activity, all participants are deemed to have agreed to the terms and conditions contained in this disclaimer, and decided to exonerate the organizer and any other participants in the activity from any liabilities, claims, including but not limited to liabilities and claims as a result of any injuries, deaths, or damages arising thereof.

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The participant understands that during the activity, certain events may occur, including, but not limited to, accidents or illness, damage or theft, and natural forces. The participant agrees to assume all risks associated with the activity and indemnifies the organizer and hosts against all claims arising from his/her participation.

Joe Cunningham and Laura Light Stisser, co-founders, Syracuse Actors Studio. Joe Cunningham is President of SAS, and Laura Light Stisser is Vice President.

Adria Dawn is an Emmy-nominated multi-hyphenate who grew up in the Midwest and broke into Hollywood working as a Levi's model. As a filmmaker, Adria is most known for her award-winning films for social change. She has made over twelve social change films, receiving a Chicago Emmy Nomination, three Telly Awards, and many film festival awards.

Topics explored in her work have included gender identity, cyberbullying, gun violence, mental health, and resilience. She operates Tarleton/Dawn Productions with her husband, partner, and collaborator, David Tarleton.

As an actor, Adria has appeared on numerous television shows for FOX, CBS, NBC, Nickelodeon, the WB, etc., as well as appeared in many films. You may have seen her on Chicago Med, Nip/Tuck, My Name is Earl, Felicity, NCIS, or Popular (as April Tuna), to name a few. Adria continues her career, both in front of and behind the camera.

She is an adjunct teacher in the drama and film departments at Syracuse University and an acting coach. Adria serves on the advisory board of the Syracuse International Film Festival and is also a member of the advisory council of the WCNY Entertainment Academy.

If you asked Adria what the best project or role she’s ever worked on was, she’d tell you it's being a mom to her 17-year-old son. Check out her IMDb to learn more about Adria: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0205990/...

David Tarleton is an Emmy-nominated producer, director, and editor whose work spans narrative features, documentaries, television, theatre, and social-impact media. He co-founded Tarleton/Dawn Productions with his wife, actress and filmmaker Adria Dawn, and the company has produced over forty films, a streaming series, plays, and music videos.

He has created work for Sony Pictures, Apple TV+, Walt Disney Pictures, Syfy, Comedy Central, Netflix, and many others. His breakthrough film as producer, director, and editor was the gothic fairy tale "Dinner," which premiered at Slamdance and was distributed worldwide. Other highlights include the supernatural thriller "Hunter," the groundbreaking 3D sci-fi series "Dark Secrets," the Webby Award-winning Muppets series "Statler and Waldorf From The Balcony," the award-winning improv comedy series "Dorkumentary," and the award-winning documentary "What Babies Want," narrated by Noah Wyle.

As a partner at Revealing Media Group, David produced and co-directed the Emmy-nominated short film series "Kids Matter" with Adria Dawn, distributed worldwide. He is also Chair of the Department of Film and Media Arts at Syracuse University, a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and a former programmer for the Slamdance Film Festival. Check out his IMDb to learn more about David: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003063/...

Johanna Beale Keller is the filmmaker behind the film "The Perfect Match."Johanna Beale Keller is a playwright, screenwriter, professor, journalist, and filmmaker! She was one of 30 international playwrights showcased in the Concord Off Off Broadway Festival. Her plays have been produced in Brooklyn, Houston, San Diego, Lake Tahoe, Nova Scotia, and elsewhere. Her first film - The Perfect Match - screened at eight festivals (SASFest makes 9), winning awards for BEST COMEDY and BEST SCREENPLAY. She’s at work on (post-production of) her second film.

Charlie Berch is the documentary filmmaker behind the film "The Rods."Not only is Charlie Berch a director, but he’s also a producer, writer, narrator, and videographer. Video is a new venture for him. His specialization is still photography as a freelance sports and entertainment photographer. His resume is impressive and extensive.

He has over 38 years of experience in NASCAR photography. Also experienced in photographing the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and NCAA sports. Was a part of the AP photo staff for Super Bowls 39-44. Published in USA Today, Sports Illustrated, NY Times, and newspapers and magazines worldwide. Also, Charlie has years of experience in entertainment photography, capturing some of the best Rock and Country artists.

In addition to producing the Rods documentary, Charlie has been involved with the movie “My First Miracle,” starring Quiten Aaron. Charlie assisted with still photography for the movie and served as an extra with his wife, Tammy. This movie is available on YouTube or Amazon Prime.

James Marlowe is showing his very first Trent Lockwood film: the award-winning "Trent Lockwood and the Doomsday Machine."

A writer, actor, and award-winning filmmaker, James Marlowe is the creator and titular character of the "Trent Lockwood Adventures", a silent film series blending globe-trotting adventure with Chaplin-esque humour, the first episode of which won the Judge's Award at the Syracuse International Film Festival.

The fifth and latest episode of the series will premiere this year at Trent Fest at The Palace Theatre, along with all previous episodes. James is also a talented photographer and cinematographer, which enhances his enjoyment of purely visual storytelling. His other endeavours include a principal role in an upcoming, locally produced Spider-Man fan film and a "Trent Lockwood Adventures" comic book adaptation.

To find out more about James and his adventures in film, see his extensive IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10983108/,

Joe Cunningham is an actor, writer, and filmmaker from Syracuse, NY. He grew up as an artist, directing skits with friends and puppet shows with his siblings. He has always loved movies and dreamed of becoming an actor and director after seeing films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and On The Waterfront. In college, he made his first short film, Writing, and also wrote a documentary, a novel, and five original plays. He graduated from SUNY Empire State with a degree in creative writing. He appeared in The Mountain with Jeff Goldblum and Ty Sheridan and later worked on American High films Sid Is Dead and Never Change.

In 2019, Joe co-wrote and produced the short Under The Mercy and played the lead Chad Loos. The film won awards at film festivals in Prague & LA. He then wrote a feature, The Sentinel, which he also produced and directed, playing the lead character, Joe Barnes, with his son, Harrison, playing his son, which was filmed for 5 years. During that shoot, Joe wrote, produced, and directed 3 other films: Funny Man, Amariah, and American Claudius. Joe is also an associate producer on several other films.

In 2024, Joe co-founded the Syracuse Actors Studio (SAS) with actress and collaborator, Laura Stisser. He also started his own film company Amy Loos Films. He has several projects in development: Midnight Rider, Son of a Preacher Man, Downer Street, What I Like About You, Reservations, and an Untitled Chet Baker project.

Nichole is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, and emerging filmmaker whose work is informed by a background in performance, psychology, and visual storytelling. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and a Master’s degree in Human Behavior and Mental Health, which shapes her approach to character, emotional truth, narrative tension, and visual aesthetics.

She began her career working professionally as an on-camera talent in editorial print and television commercials throughout Upstate New York, and was later cast in the independent feature Sophomore (2012), starring alongside Amanda Plummer and Patrick Warburton. She has since collaborated on a number of independent and student-led film projects with Syracuse University and Rochester Institute of Technology.

Alongside her creative work, Nichole spent much of her professional life in the mental health field—experience that deeply informs her writing and directorial perspective. In 2024, she wrote her first short film, It’s Me Again, completed production in 2025, and is preparing for its screening at SASFest in April 2026.

Jeff Bryant grew up with a deep love for music, photography, and film. Despite a long-standing appreciation for movies and great actors, he initially felt too shy to get involved with filmmaking himself. In his younger years, he performed as a drummer in various bands and taught himself guitar to write and record his own music. He began his career as a professional photographer shortly after high school.

In 2024, Jeff was invited to take behind-the-scenes photos for Joe Cunningham’s film, The Sentinel. Jeff loved the opportunity to peek behind the curtain and see the work involved in filmmaking. A few months later, Joe asked Jeff to take photos for a film being produced by Sally LoMonaco. During a break from that shoot, Joe revealed that acting helped him "break out of his shell," which Jeff could completely relate to. Joe asked Jeff if he would be interested in joining the Syracuse Actors Studio. This motivated Jeff to become fully involved in all aspects of filmmaking, including writing, acting, directing, cinematography, lighting, and sound.

Peter Mahan is a multi-faceted artist from Oswego, New York. Among other things, he taught art for 29 years at Hannibal High School, and has exhibited his photography in numerous galleries across New York state, performed in over twenty community theater productions, written several film scripts, authored an as-yet-unfinished 750-page novel, and is the producer/director of three documentaries showcasing Central New York cultural organizations.

Primary among the three documentaries Peter has done is “Midway Drive-In: A Reason to Celebrate,” which screened four times over Labor Day weekend in 2015 at the Midway Drive-In itself; was selected for inclusion at SBE’s 9 th Annual Hamilton (New York) Film Festival in June of 2016; and was broadcast from WCNY television studios on September 25, 2016.

A Utica native, Aaron Williams is a writer/director based in Syracuse, NY. He's been involved with several local productions and is a proud advocate of SAS. He's currently shopping two scripts and writing a biopic with an LA-based producer about an ultrarunner. His previous writing credits include Amityverse and What You Know.

Aaron appeared on our Writers Panel in 2025 and moderated our Directors Panel this year. As a SAS Liasson, he was instrumental in connecting us with American High and with other prominent local figures in the film industry. He is also one of our original members and was a frequent contributor at Peter Mahan's Help Words Come Alive at The Art Scene at CNY Arts Center in Fulton, as well as Joleene DesRosiers's screenwriters group in Syracuse.

His film, "Secret Santa," is a crime drama, co-directed by DesRosiers, and stars Brian Hunziker, Stephen Paunovski, and Catherine Grace. The film also features SAS actors Laura Stisser-Actor, James Marlowe, Peter Mahan, Andrew Skinner, and Aaron's children, Aiden & Amelia Williams.

Jack Auger is a screenwriter, director, and editor whose work runs the gamut from serious dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies. He finds ways to creatively explore how men can use their privilege in meaningful ways across any genre. He seeks to initiate conversations with men about their role in both enabling their peers and holding them to account. As a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, he also incorporates themes of addiction and recovery into his work.

Auger’s films have been screened around the United States, premiered at acclaimed festivals, and have won several audience and juried awards. His newest film, BRIGHT FUTURE, had its world premiere at the prestigious Austin Film Festival & Screenwriters’ Conference. His first comedy, BAD THERAPIST, won the Audience Award at the 2025 Denver 48 Hour Film Project, and his first film, RELAPSE, won the juried Best Short Film award at The Art of Recovery Film Festival.

Auger is a Florida Man turned Mountain Man and partial Central New Yorker as he lives in Denver, CO, and pursues an MFA in Film from Syracuse University. He received his BFA in Film from the University of Central Florida. Auger now has several short films in development to be filmed in both Syracuse and Denver: a comedy short, PORTRAIT OF AN APOLOGETIC MAN, is wrapping up post production and looks to hit the festival circuit by Fall 2026; his first documentary short, co-directed by creative partner Hope Yohn, will be focusing on police accountability in our ever-volatile police state and will be filmed Summer 2026; and a polyamorous romantic comedy short film, titled WHAT WE ARE TO EACH OTHER, to be filmed late fall 2026. 

Sally Kristen LoMonaco was born in Jacksonville, Florida. Growing up in Orlando with a love for filmmaking, LoMonaco started making short films and writing as early as her middle school years. Always yearning to act, LoMonaco finally got the chance when she joined a theater troupe at her local high school, being the only freshman in her school invited to the Florida State Thespian Festival to compete. In her sophomore year, she attended another competition, not only as a thespian but also competing as a playwright for her first full-length script, receiving medals for both.

Sally attended film school in LA and then co-wrote and starred in her first leading role in a comedy, earning her first nomination for 'Best Actress' at the 2019 48 Hour Film Festival Comedy Project for 'Boom Berries'.

Since then, Sally has starred in a wide variety of theatrical productions and films, including Trent Loockwood and Tsar’s Legacy, The Sentinel, Raw, Chrysanthemum, Stain-Free, and The Hangry Dead, among many others.

Sally wrote, produced, directed and stars in the title role in "The Amazing Mary Jane," a Spider-Man fan film from the perspective of Mary Jane Watson, years after being fan casted while she was a regular contributor on "Reel Rejects," a popular YouTube pop culture/film show, to join Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man as the famous comic book character. The film is shot mainly in Syracuse with some scenes in LA and NYC. Sally is nearing the end of post-production, but will give SASFest a sneak peek of and a Q&A about the exciting film!

Sally was also one of the original members of SAS!

Stephen Long is a Syracuse-born and based filmmaker who has shot content for STX, NIKE, Jet Blue, and our own homegrown television show - Spatchcock Funk!; lit A Quiet Place II, Mob Wives, Snooki & J Wow, videos for Tori Amos and Red Man, and gripped on a variety of American High HULU shows right here in Central NY!

Almost 10 years working downstate in NYC taught Stephen a lot about film and television production and to appreciate, even more, what we have here in CNY. He is glad to call Onondaga County home again and to be making movies, producing commercials, and corporate videos back in his hometown.

Ben, under his stage name “Stretch” Cunningham, has been making music in the Syracuse area for the last decade. Stretch got his start in Northwoods Wendigo, and the indie folk duo Karens. Fresh off the release of his debut self-titled EP, Stretch will be presenting a music video for his song “Hz”. Meant to be a glimpse into the moments that informed the making of this song, and a glimpse at what’s in store for the future.

Spotify link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4v1X2KyCAOunWVlgwOlXvd?si=c4hlLD7xSxK7ZWyrWdl9BA

YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC76CDUQa2NIQeFbOwGa2ynw?si=XBTl-vF-rPPeNgNi

Dennis Fernando is a Syracuse-based photographer and filmmaker whose work is rooted in documentary storytelling and human connection. A Syracuse University alumnus with a background in Art Photography, Dennis blends formal training with a self-taught journey in film and video to create compelling visual narratives. Having lived in Syracuse since the age of 11, he has a perspective shaped by the people, culture, and everyday moments of the city he calls home.

Before fully stepping into his creative career, Dennis served six years in the military. With over 19 years of experience in photography and 11 years in videography, Dennis has developed a style that prioritizes authenticity—capturing moments as they are, not as they’re staged. His work spans documentary filmmaking, event coverage, and branded storytelling, often combining cinematic visuals with a photojournalistic approach. Whether he’s documenting community outreach, working with organizations, or traveling abroad, his focus remains the same: telling meaningful stories that connect. Dennis has traveled to 17 countries, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and experiences that continue to shape his creative voice.

Beyond his own work, he is passionate about mentoring and developing creatives—helping others grow not just in skill, but in purpose. At the core of everything he creates is a simple belief: the most powerful stories are the real ones.

Rachael Baldigo is a Syracuse native and filmmaker. Growing up, Rachael always had a love for the arts and film, but it wasn't until the end of her college career that she realized film was her calling. Since then, she has gained 5 years of industry experience, working on many features, including Plainclothes and a plethora of American High films, and has spent the last two years evolving her craft through the lens of set dressing,  production design, and directing.

Helluva Deal is Rachael's directorial debut as a film professional, which would not have been possible without writer and producer duo Michael Cherniak and Sabrina Coy. She is looking forward to bringing more stories to life and pushing boundaries of filmmaking in collaboration with our amazing local filmmakers.

"Helluva Deal " is a horror short film written by Michael Cherniak and Sabrina Coy and stars Angelo Papa Jr., Julia Landi, and SAS member Carolyn Chave.

Matthew Mix-Giron is a multidisciplinary filmmaker (screenwriter, director, and producer) who sees cinema as his native language: a medium through which silence, thought, and inner experience are transformed into image, light, and narrative.

After a life marked by introspection and creativity confined to his private world, cinema became the channel through which his inner voice found form. What once lived in silence now exists as a visual expression: stories that explore the hidden layers of human experience.

Inspired by the analytical and self-taught tradition of top-tier filmmakers, Matthew has also dedicated years to the rigorous study and exploration of cinematic language. He uses his free time from his primary profession to further his development in filmmaking, the same profession that finances many of his projects. His trajectory, from his early independent and fan projects to the founding of Heat Signature Films, reflects a continuous evolution driven by the need to transform thought into immersive visual storytelling.

 His work is characterized by a balance between atmosphere, tension, and emotional depth. He adds to this his respect for other Spanish-speaking cultures and his bilingual advantage, evolving towards narratives with deep cultural roots. The short film "El Duende," although improvised and inspired by a short trip to Central America, demonstrates his ability to create a cross-cultural, bilingual production that works with native Spanish-speaking actors who understand the real stories firsthand. The project preserves authenticity through language while simultaneously expanding its reach through subtitles. This work marks a key step in his transition towards internationally conscious cinema.

Matthew's current work explores human fragility, trauma, and transformation. His short film "The Porcelain Hand," currently screening at festivals such as SAS in Syracuse, NY, examines how a single emotional rupture can destabilize an individual's reality, revealing the internal battles that often lie hidden beneath the surface of the subconscious.

In parallel, he is producing his first feature film, Condition Black, a project that explores the psychological tension, cultural intersections, and shared vulnerability that connect people across conflict and geography. Matthew grew up with his childhood friends and brother, who shared his passion for creating original visuals since childhood and adolescence. Now, in his adult life, he has shared his talent with more friends, and together they have formed a close-knit team that represents the heart of HSF. His wife has also played a crucial role for the past eight years, serving as his driving force and inspiration. An artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and executive producer of successful projects throughout her career, she has propelled HSF's transition from a hobby idea to a production company that continues to grow steadily, thanks to her leadership and executive experience.  To speak of Matthew Mix-Giron is not to speak of a man brimming with projects and titles, but rather to speak of a group of fantastic, talented, and loyal people who have accompanied him with ideas, time, collaboration, and above all, beautiful experiences filled with anecdotes that transform his ideas into unforgettable moments.

As a filmmaker, Matthew approaches each project as a holistic process—from concept to execution—guided by a profound sensitivity to the human condition. He believes that a single image, when created with intention, can express what words cannot. Matthew and his wife, Nayla Mix-Giron, have also been members of SAS since October 2024. They made an instant connection with Laura and Joe, whom Matthew and Nayla greatly admire. Both are founders of SAS, a group of talented actors and producers with whom they connected naturally. Many are now friends, and they undoubtedly see SAS as a showcase of innate talent that motivates them to create opportunities for increasingly daring characters.  It's worth noting that Joe and his son, Harrison, are collaborating on the feature film, which is still in production. In this short film, you'll see some familiar faces and some other independent actors, all highly regarded by HSF. This project, to be presented in 2026, features talent both behind and in front of the camera, drawn from Honduras, NYC, New Jersey, Rochester, Syracuse, and various towns in the Finger Lakes region. It was filmed in Seneca Falls, with support from some valued business friends.