Stephens College MFA Alum’s Film “YES” Premieres at AFI
“YES” premiered at the prestigious American Film Institute (AFI).
Randi Barros, a 2020 graduate of the Master of Fine Arts in TV and Screenwriting program at Stephens College, recently celebrated the premiere of her short film “YES” at the American Film Institute (AFI). The event, held at the AFI Marc Goodson Screening Room, marks a significant milestone in Barros’ career as a screenwriter, director, and film editor.
“YES” tells the poignant story of Mia, a young girl living near the Mexican-U.S. border who encounters an immigrant mother and daughter hiding in her backyard. The film’s narrative explores themes of grief, resilience, and the stark contrasts between celebration and survival, inspired by Barros’ own experiences and observations during a Thanksgiving celebration in the Arizona desert.
Barros’ work has been widely recognized and awarded. Her screenplay for “YES” was a quarter-finalist in the Outstanding Screenplays Short Film Competition, while another of her scripts, “The Chicken Festival,” was a semifinalist in the prestigious Nicholl Fellowship competition. In addition to her success with “YES,” Barros has an impressive portfolio that includes editing credits on feature documentaries like “Heaven Stood Still” and “Lives Well Lived,” the latter boasting a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Stephens College MFA program in TV and Screenwriting, known for its rigorous curriculum and esteemed faculty, provided Barros with the foundation to hone her craft. The program’s emphasis on storytelling and practical skills has helped many graduates, including Barros, achieve success in the competitive film industry.
Barros’s achievement underscores the quality of education and mentorship provided by the MFA program, designed to cultivate the next generation of screenwriters and filmmakers. The program offers a unique blend of coursework and practical experience, preparing graduates for successful careers in the competitive field of television and film writing.
Barros continues to contribute to the film community through her teaching role at Cal Poly University, where she was awarded the Learn by Doing Scholar Award in 2022. For more information on Barros and her work, visit her official website and follow updates on her current and upcoming projects.
