Sarah Vattano
As a musician, Sarah is the singer and rhythm guitarist for the band Lemonfrogs, which was featured in KCRW's Young Creators Project 2024. Their single "Naive" was played as "Today's Top Tune" on KCRW, and they performed at School Night at the Bardot.
Her directorial debut, Disconnection, won Best Short Film at the Wildsound Student Feedback Film Festival and was nominated for Best Director at the Kids Film It Festival.
Uglies
Joseph McGinty (McG)
Joey King, Brianne Tju
In a future where resources are depleted, scientists create genetically modified orchids for energy and a surgery to transform Uglies into "Pretties" at 16. Tally and her friend Peris promise to keep their scars but are separated when Peris becomes a Pretty. After sneaking into the city, Tally finds Peris changed and befriends rebellious Shay, who introduces her to "The Smoke," a free community. Forced to spy for Dr. Cable, Tally discovers the surgeries limit brain capacity for control. Rejecting the system, she throws away her tracker. When Dr. Cable attacks, Tally helps free the rebels but learns Shay is now a Pretty. To aid the cause, Tally volunteers to test a cure. The story ends with Tally living as a Pretty but still bearing her scar, indicating her commitment to justice.
Uglies
