Celebrate new voices in film. One night only.
Spy Hop invites you to the 23rd Annual PitchNic World Premiere, a one-night only event showcasing four original short films created by Utah’s next generation of storytellers. This free, all-ages event features two documentaries and two fiction films that explore timely and powerful themes—ranging from friendship, grief, and suicide, to military service, autism, and multicultural identity. Bold, heartfelt, and unflinchingly honest, each film reflects the unique perspectives of young filmmakers finding their voice and using it to speak to what matters most in their lives and communities.
Following the screenings and brief Q&A, guests are invited to stay for a reception and meet the local filmmakers. More than just a night at the movies, PitchNic brings people together—arts lovers, film enthusiasts, and community members—to celebrate creativity, connection, and the power of youth voice. Whether you come to be inspired or simply to have a night out, you’ll leave reminded of why stories matter. PitchNic films have traveled the world, screening at festivals from Hollywood to Halifax, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing them first, here at home.
To get your tickets:
1) Copy and paste access code: PITCHNIC25
2) Click the button below to begin checkout
3) Support this event and our artist programs by donating at checkout!
About Pitchnic
Since 2002, Spy Hop has brought together aspiring teen filmmakers through its PitchNic class, where students learn to pitch, plan, shoot, and edit their own films. The twelve-month program culminates in the PitchNic World Premiere, where films are shared with the community and beyond. PitchNic films have screened across the world at Sundance, Mill Valley, Hamptons, Los Angeles International, and dozens of other festivals.
Event details
Tickets are free, but seats are not guaranteed. Admittance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. We want a full theater—no empty seats, please. There will be an overflow room available in preparation for a full house.
Thursday, November 6th, 2025
Jeanne Wagner Theatre at Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center
138 Broadway | Salt Lake City, UT 84101
For transit, parking, and accessibility information, please visit The Rose’s website.
PitchNic World Premiere is a free, all-ages film premiere in Salt Lake City, Utah.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
DOORS OPEN & PRESS LINE
The filmmakers will walk the press line at 6:00PM.
Please be seated 15 minutes ahead of the program’s start time.
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
FILM SCREENINGS
A brief Q&A with the filmmakers will immediately follow each screening.
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM
RECEPTION: MEET & GREET
A one-hour reception will follow the screenings, with a chance to meet the filmmakers and celebrate the world premieres. Light dessert refreshments will be served.
ABOUT THE FILMS + DIRECTORS
Whinnie
WHINNIE
A PitchNic World Premiere 2025 Documentary Short Film
Whinnie tells the story of a lonely monster who puts on a human-like mask and ventures into the world seeking connection. But hiding behind the mask and meticulously calculating his every move causes him to spiral with exhaustion and fear. Interwoven with his journey are intimate interviews with three individuals on the autism spectrum, offering insight into the struggles and triumphs of navigating a world that often feels alien. Whinnie is a tender, thought-provoking exploration of identity, vulnerability, and the universal desire to be seen.
Jamie Jean (he/him)
I am a fluid and exploratory artist. I like to surround myself with new ideas, techniques, and ways of storytelling and hope to help impact the world with my own new ideas that can help shift the filmmaking medium.
I believe storytelling is important in all aspects of life. Art is a moving factor in society, and also my own life.
FILM CREDITS
Director
Jamie Jean
Producer
Lola Hunter
Director of Photography
Munashe Tanjani
Production Designer
Kyra McGarry
Editor
Munashe Tanjani
Art Assistants
Riley Hastings
Munashe Tanjani
1st AD
Marlo Haleck
Katie Neal
2nd AD
Katie Neal
1st AC
Thomas Pepper
2nd AC
Sacha Arias
3rd AC
Lola Hunter
Gaffer
Aliyah Peña
Grip
Agatha Hunnicut
Phoenix Ballesteros
Sound Mixer
Vik Gale
Katie Neal
Boom Operator
Phoenix Ballesteros
Script Supervisor
Fernando Cardenas
Hair, Makeup, Wardrobe
Kyra McGarry
Set Dressers
Annalise Lee
Fabiola Bohorquez
BTS Director
Marilyn Heaner
Mentors
Loren Brunken
Jonathan Nelson
Peer Mentor
Katie Neal
A special thanks to:
Yoko Ramen, Flower Imagination, and Spy Hop Rooftop
Happy Thoughts
HAPPY THOUGHTS
A PitchNic World Premiere 2025 Fiction Short Film
Happy Thoughts follows an 18-year-old Vietnamese American—already a three-time state speech champion—as he enters his last high school tournament with everything on the line. But when tragedy strikes days before the competition, his world shatters. Grappling with grief, silence, and the weight of expectation, he must summon the courage to face not just the stage, but his own family’s unspoken pain. What begins as a quest for a final trophy transforms into a raw, urgent fight to find his voice.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Tommy Pepper (he/him)
Tommy Pepper, a Vietnamese American filmmaker, based Happy Thoughts on his personal experience with loss. He hopes to connect, relate, and curate a safe space to foster Asian representation. His film is meant to show beauty and to shine light on the lack of mental health support in Vietnamese-American culture. Uncle, this is dedicated to you.
FILM CREDITS
Director
Tommy Pepper
Producer
Annalise Lee
Director of Photography
Marlo Haleck
Production Designer
Kate Callister
Editor
Tommy Pepper
Art Assistant
Sacha Arias
1st AD
Marilyn Heaner
2nd AD
Kyra McGarry
1st AC
Lola Hunter
2nd AC
Fernando Cardenas
Gaffer
Phoenix Ballesteros
Grip
Aliyah Peña
Sound Mixer
Vik Gale
Boom operator
Riley Hastings
Script Supervisor
Agatha Hunnicutt
Hair/MU/Wardrobe
Munashe Tanjani
Set Dressers
Fabiola Bohorquez
BTS Director
Jamie Jean
Film Mentor
Jon Nelson
Loren Brunken
Peer Mentor
Riley Hastings
Katie Neal
A special thanks to:
Tommy’s Parents, Cottonwood High School, Tommy’s Grandparents
Unfortunate Son
UNFORTUNATE SON
A PitchNic World Premiere 2025 Documentary Short Film
From the voices of Hispanic youth comes Unfortunate Son, a powerful nonfiction film that follows teenage boys navigating the challenging path to join the U.S. Marine Corps. Through candid interviews, the film explores their hopes, fears, and the weight of expectation—from family, community, and society at large. Balancing ambition with uncertainty, these young men confront what it truly means to serve, to grow up, and to define their own identities in a world that often overlooks their stories.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Phoenix Ballesteros (she/her)
Phoenix is a quiet force, steady in the art she creates, ever burning for passion. Her still demeanor results in a gentle energy, causing her to recognize vulnerable stories within the world. Phoenix’s immersive daydreaming, once seen as a flaw, is the factor that pushes her into a state of vehemence for creativity. Her drive as a filmmaker is to achieve a true embodiment of her essence, one for the eyes of humanity to see.
FILM CREDITS
Director
Phoenix Ballesteros
Producer
Sacha Arias
Director of Photography
Aliyah Peña
Aliyah Peña
Art Assistant
Kyra McGarry
A special thanks to:
Tina Grange
The Carbon County Office of Tourism
Mark Montoya
Malarie & Gary DeVincent
The Newhouse Hotel
Helper Mayor Lenise Peterman
Brandi Curtis & Jim Hunnicutt
Dolowitz Hunnicutt & Gibbs
Joe & Colleen Hunnicutt
Susan & Bob Quinn
Clinton & RyLee Curtis
Erin Weed
Helper Beer
George’s Architectural Salvage
Essential Photo Supply
The Swift Stop & Shop
Gateway Lanes
Wood Hill Campground
Jaylynn’s Barber Shop
The Rainbow Inn
Phillips Gallery
Lawrie Drinkaus
Luis Puente
Kern Konwiser
Derek Mellus
Amy Redford
Carli Mahas
Mason Fetzer
Thomas Kastrati
Bicycles
BICYCLES
A PitchNic World Premiere 2025 Fiction Short Film
Bicycles is a love letter to the wild, untamed beauty of Utah’s landscapes and to the bonds that shape us along the way.
It’s the summer of 2002. On the cusp of adulthood, a fearless photographer and a hesitant writer hit the road on bicycles, chasing a dream and outrunning their doubts. But with a looming deadline, broken promises, and unexpected setbacks, their journey forces them to confront what it really means to grow up—and what they really mean to each other.
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Marilyn Heaner (she/her)
Marilyn Heaner’s first film school was the living room couch—Sesame Street in the morning, Twilight Zone reruns at night. She’s a time machine with a perfectionist’s curse, bottling nostalgia until it ferments. In for a penny, in for a pound—her work doesn’t know how to do half-measures.
FILM CREDITS
Director
Marilyn Heaner
Producer
Agatha Hunnicutt
Director of Photography
Jett Viktor Gale
Production Designer
Fernando Cardenas
Editor
Marilyn Heaner
1st AD
Annalise Lee
2nd AD
Thomas Pepper
1st AC
Sacha Arias
2nd AC
Thomas Pepper
3rd AC
Lola Hunter
Gaffer
Aliyah Peña
Grip
Riley Hastings
Grip Assist
Phoenix Ballesteros
Sound Mixer
Kate Callister
Boom Operator
Katie Neal
Script Supervisor
Jamie Jean
Script Supervisor Assist
Munashe Tanjani
Hair/MU
Phoenix Ballesteros
Hair/MU Assist
Munashe Tanjani
Set Dressers
Phoenix Ballesteros
PAs
Katie Neal
Riley Hastings
Munashe Tanjani
Drivers
Aliyah Pẽna
Kate Callister
Riley Hastings
Jon Nelson
Loren Brunken
William Heaner
Brandi Curtis
Vik Gale
Score
William Heaner
BTS Directors
Marilyn Heaner
Sophia Clement
Film Mentors
Jon Nelson
Loren Brunken
Peer Mentor
Riley Hastings
Executive Producers
Brandi Curtis
Jim Hunnicutt
A special thanks to:
Tina Grange
The Carbon County Office of Tourism
Mark Montoya
Malarie & Gary DeVincent
The Newhouse Hotel
Helper Mayor Lenise Peterman
Brandi Curtis & Jim Hunnicutt
Dolowitz Hunnicutt & Gibbs
Joe & Colleen Hunnicutt
Susan & Bob Quinn
Clinton & RyLee Curtis
Erin Weed
Helper Beer
George’s Architectural Salvage
Essential Photo Supply
The Swift Stop & Shop
Gateway Lanes
Wood Hill Campground
Jaylynn’s Barber Shop
The Rainbow Inn
Phillips Gallery
Lawrie Drinkaus
Luis Puente
Kern Konwiser
Derek Mellus
Amy Redford
Carli Mahas
Mason Fetzer
Thomas Kastrati
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's the access code to get my free tickets?
Use access code PITCHNIC25 to secure your tickets.
This helps us make sure tickets are going to real people and not bots. 🤖
What time do doors open?
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early to be guaranteed a seat.
Do I need to bring a printed ticket?
No printed ticket is required. Digital tickets on your phone will be scanned at check-in.
Will food and drink be available?
The concession stand will be open during this event with an assortment of drinks and snacks for you to purchase.
Can I meet the filmmakers or talent?
Yes! There will be a one-hour reception following the screenings for you to meet the filmmakers.
If I get a free ticket, am I guaranteed a seat?
No. Seating will be first-come, first-served. Please arrive early at 6:30 to be guaranteed a spot. There will be an overflow room available in preparation for a full house.
Why are tickets free?
It’s important that everyone in our community has the opportunity to attend these events to see the work being created by the next generation of filmmakers in Utah. We rely on donations to provide free community programs and events. If you are able to give, please consider making a donation during checkout or visiting our donation page to make a one-time or recurring contribution.
Why are you asking for donations?
Our free media arts programs for youth ages 12-19 are made possible by donations from our community members.
If you believe in the power of storytelling and giving our young people the opportunity to find and express their voice, consider donating today during ticket checkout or when you attend the event.
I have younger children. Is it appropriate to bring them?
While this is an all-ages event, you should know that some of these films deal with serious topics like anxiety and suicide. There is also a small amount of swearing. No one will be turned away at the door based on age.
Are there content warnings for any of the films?
Some of these films deal with serious topics, including war, anxiety and suicide. There is archival footage of guns, and a small amount of swearing.
MEET THE PITCHNIC TEAM
Agatha Hunnicutt (she/her)
Agatha Hunnicutt has been a maker her entire life. From sewing and crocheting, to screenwriting, to learning every iMovie shortcut, she is a self-taught artist, always seeking out the next big project. Art, like her favorite TV shows and movies, hugely shape her world; she will always be asking what you’ve been watching lately. Agatha believes art is equal parts creativity and organization and is incredibly strong in both, which gives her the ability to make things happen.
Aliyah Peña (she/her)
Aliyah, a crochet-square-top magical fairy, is an artist in many different forms but has a passion for filmmaking specifically. She loves playing with lights and colors to bring out the emotion of a scene. Her biggest drivers are the people who have supported her through her life, which include her family and her dear friends.
Annalise Lee (she/her)
Ever since she was young, Annalise has been fascinated by stories and the magic of bringing them to life. Being homeschooled sometimes made socializing tricky, but it only fueled her curiosity, creativity, and love for trying new things, whether it’s exploring new hobbies, collaborating with others, or experimenting with new ways to tell stories.
Fernando Cardenas (he/him)
Fernando is funny, creative, and well-versed in pop culture. His art is playfully subtle. Fernando struts into the world with a techno beat trailing behind him, turning black and white into technicolor.
Kate Callister (she/her)
Kate Callister is 17 years of age and this was her first year ever doing something film-related. All of her life, she has really focused on music engineering and producing, and wanted to try something that would take her out of her comfort zone, but still somewhat related to what she has done in the past. She worked on Happy Thoughts as a Production Designer and worked on Bicycles as a Sound Mixer. Over the past year, Kate has worked hard and learned so much from her mentors and team within the entire process. She hopes that in the future that she will do something related to this as a career.
Katie Neal (she/her)
Katie is currently working towards her film degree at SLCC and loves creating documentaries, especially ones that explore women’s rights. Being a peer mentor for PitchNic has taught her that she also has a passion for teaching film to students. She plans to continue to create art as much as possible.
Kyra McGarry (she/her)
Kyra is the coolest cat on the block. If you know her, she has a wardrobe that’s just as playful and colorful as her personality. All of which shines through her art—messy and nevertheless captivating.
Lola Hunter (she/her)
Lola Hunter is a young, passionate, and dedicated filmmaker who has lived much of life on a straight line—disciplined, steady, and often afraid of stepping off course. Yet in the bends and breaks, she’s found the rawest truths about herself. Filmmaking became the place to hold those questions, turning fear into story and vulnerability into strength. Beyond the camera lens, she is learning to embrace imperfection, hoping her work reminds others they’re not alone in navigating the crooked lines of life.
Marlo Haleck (she/her)
Marlo Haleck is a devoted admirer of life’s finer details. A true artist, she approaches work with both the meticulous care of an academic, and the imagination of a storyteller. Starting out as a photographer, Marlo’s passion for film emerged while reviewing the jam-packed margins of her math homework. She believes art is the language of the soul, and is committed to becoming fluent as she continues to grow. Marlo had the privilege of portraying Annie in Bicycles this year, and directing photography for the film Happy Thoughts. When she’s not on set, she can be found mesmerized in an art museum, or wandering the aisles of Randy’s Records, always searching for her next spark.
Munashe Tanjani (she/her)
In confronting the many issues of the world, it’s very easy to feel helpless. The main focus of Munashe’s art will involve self-improvement and evolution to give back what she can. Whinnie is just that. She uses her passion for cinematography to give voice to a community often misunderstood. It’s not just pictures to her; it’s the avenue for increased understanding, empathy, and compassion.
Riley Hastings (he/him)
Riley is in his freshman year studying film at Salt Lake Community College. He’s currently studying all aspects of filmmaking, particularly interested in cameras, lighting, and grip work. In his personal work, Riley’s interested in the weirder side. Taking his anxieties and turning them into over-the-top horror, vampires, ghouls, and grotesque particle effects. At his core, Riley is a vampire who wants to make movies about vampires.
Sacha Arias (she/her)
Sacha, an absolute unit, is dedicated to the arts and human emotion. She started out not knowing her passion, but quickly realized after watching the premiere of her sister’s film, Sunflower Beebop, that her love follows deeply the art of film and media. She is driven, fearless, and passionate in sharing love, care, and connection to the world.
Vik Gale (he/him)
Vik Gale is a young artist passionate about film, music, and politics. Growing up, he grew with a love of film and a drive to change the world. Now he’s done work for a variety of films in a variety of roles, ranging from running on-set sound to being the director of photography. And in an attempt to lead by example and make a difference in his community, he ran for Millcreek City Council in 2025.
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