Jedo's Dead
Set against the backdrop of 9/11 in rural America, “Jedo’s Dead” explores death and loss as interpreted through the eyes of children.
Written and directed by Interlochen alumna Sara Nimeh, “Jedo’s Dead” follows a young Middle Eastern girl who finds her grandfather dead—forcing her to grapple with the earthly rituals and spiritual loose ends of loss.
The short film made its world premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival, where it was selected as the winner of the Texas Shorts Jury Award. Since its success at SXSW, the film has screened at prestigious film festivals across the nation and received additional accolades—including Best U.S. Short Special Mention from the Palm Springs International Shortfest and Best Short from the Minnesota Film Festival.
“Jedo’s Dead” was produced in northern Michigan in April 2023 as the inaugural production of the Interlochen Cinema Collective—an intergenerational cohort that unites Interlochen alumni, faculty, staff, students, and guest artists to create fully realized professional film projects.
Upcoming screenings
- St. Louis International Film Festival (St. Louis, Missouri) - Monday, Nov. 11, 5 p.m. at Chase Park Plaza Cinema
Additional festival appearances pending.
The Making of 'Jedo's Dead'
Members of the Interlochen Cinema Collective reflect on this groundbreaking collaborative approach to filmmaking and offer a behind-the-scenes look at their inaugural production, “Jedo’s Dead.”
The Interlochen Cinema Collective
Credits
Director: Sara Nimeh
Executive producer: Michael Mittelstaedt
Producers: Michael Mittelstaedt, Ellyn Church, Jeff Walker
Screenwriter: Sara Nimeh
Cinematographer: Shane Bagwell
Editor: Courtney Ware
Production Designer: Dylanger Bates
Sound Designer: F. Hudson Miller
Music: Stéphanie Hamelin Tomala
Cast: A.J. Lister, Langston Sardella, Aramazd Stepanian
Jedo's Dead News and Stories
Written by Interlochen alumna Sara Nimeh and produced by a crew of Interlochen-affiliated collaborators, “Jedo’s Dead” has received accolades at SXSW, Palm Springs International Shortfest, and other noted festivals.
Eight young filmmakers visited the prestigious festival to see new films, mingle with industry professionals, and celebrate the success of the Interlochen Cinema Collective’s inaugural project.
The Collective’s inaugural film was produced by a team of alumni, faculty, staff, student, and guest collaborators.
The Collective facilitates opportunities for alumni engagement, professional development, mentorship, and hands-on learning by producing fully realized professional film projects on Interlochen’s campus.
