Poster for The Fall Leaves, directed by Maya McCullough, AFIN 2019

Student Short Film AFIN 026

The Fall Leaves

Directed by Maya McCullough

AFIN 2019 Nominee

  • 2019
  • 24m
  • USA
  • English
Student Film First-time filmmaker
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Stills

1 frame

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Credits

Synopsis

​In 1964 at Sofia Home for Unwed Mothers in Columbus, MS, Robin, the youngest girl at the home and her confidant, Carole, are confronted by the final stages of their pregnancy.

Director's Statement

Maya McCullough, filmmaker portrait provided to AFIN.

The Fall Leaves was conceived as my senior thesis film and it was produced in March of 2018 in Oakland, MS. Coming from a Catholic background in Mississippi, filming in my home state was crucial to me and to accurately produce my screenplay. These characters and this story highlight so many themes that are important to me and I'm eager to share this story with new audiences and shed light on this part of American history that many are unfamiliar with. The Fall Leaves revolves around the power of female camaraderie in the face of exile and shame. While this story takes place in 1964, I believe it clearly has resonance in our current political climate. I'm very grateful and honored to have worked with the amazing team that has made this film possible. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Maya McCullough

What makes this one special

Also selected at

2 official selections across 2 other festivals

  1. SelectionBig Apple Women's Film FestivalNew York, United States · 2019
  2. SelectionOxford Film FestivalOfficial Selection · Oxford, MS, United States · 2019

Recorded by the filmmaker on their entry.

Director's Biography

Maya McCullough, filmmaker portrait provided to AFIN. Maya McCullough Director

Maya McCullough was born in Starkville, MS and raised in Memphis, TN. She recently graduated for New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with honors. Maya lives and works in Brooklyn, NY as a freelance writer and is in preproduction for her third short film entitled Before That Step.

Placings

Recognised in this category at AFIN 2019, as announced that season.

  • Best Actress Semi-Finalist

Official laurels

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The Fall Leaves was an official Nominee for Best Student Film at the AFIN International Film Festival 2019, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.

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