“Why aren’t more movies like this? that’s a big reason why this film got controversial in the first place— because it just doesn’t give a f*%@."

“Making Facade of Desire was a battle for creative freedom. From the moment I started writing, I knew this film would make people uncomfortable. It’s one of the first student films at Syracuse University to explicitly tackle hookup culture, wealth, and toxic masculinity—using satire to cut deep into realities many would rather ignore. Darkly comedic and unapologetically raw, it pushed boundaries that some insisted were better left untouched.

Despite early support from my screenwriting professor—who also faced backlash for American Psycho—I was pressured to dilute the script, to conform to a more “acceptable” narrative. When I refused to compromise, the obstacles piled up. I was denied access to school film equipment on crucial shoot days, forcing me to rent gear independently. My peers distanced themselves from the project, rumors spread, and I struggled to find a crew. Only two senior students signed on. The rest of my team? Freshmen—raw, untrained, and eager to learn. What should have been a setback became an opportunity; together, we built something from the ground up, proving that passion outweighs permission.

And that’s exactly why this film needed to be made. Facade of Desire isn’t just a movie—it’s a statement. It exposes the hypocrisies we normalize, the systems that silence raw storytelling, and the uncomfortable truths institutions try to tame. It critiques the very industry I’m stepping into, confronting the misogyny and elitism baked into Hollywood’s foundation.

Independent film isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about rebellion. It’s about giving a voice to the stories mainstream studios wouldn’t dare touch. Facade of Desire does just that—shining a light on the absurdities of privilege, the pitfalls of hookup culture, and the dangerous ways we equate worth with status.

By watching, you’re not just seeing a film. You’re witnessing a fight for artistic defiance. You’re standing with filmmakers who refuse to be silenced. And most importantly, you’re daring to look past the facade.”

- Director,