10/01/2026
A short film produced with the help of Weber State University performing arts students and faculty is making its premiere in Ogden at this Friday’s HiveFest international film festival.
“Pencils Down,” a dark workplace comedy with an all-female cast, was filmed over the course of three days in May 2025 in New York. The short film offered five WSU students an opportunity to get behind-the-scenes experience on a real film set and connect with professionals in the industry.
“Being on set for the first time was a dream come true,” said Mei Flint, a junior majoring in theatre arts with an emphasis in acting and directing. “The experience really impacted the way I saw my future. Working on film sets has become my new career goal.”
Flint served as a personal assistant for the film’s art department, ordering and designing props before filming began, and assisting with set dressing and organizing during filming.
“Each person played a part in bringing this film together. Everyone is so individually talented and I’m grateful to have been a part of that team,” Flint said.
Rachel McPhee, co-writer and star of “Pencils Down,” has worked with WSU students over the years in a variety of roles, including acting, set design, assistant stage management, and box office operations.
“This was my fourth time working with Weber students, and I continue to be impressed by their talent, professionalism, and work ethic,” McPhee said. “They came in ready to learn, eager to contribute, and fully engaged in the process.”
“Pencils Down” has premiered at several film festivals throughout the summer, but Friday evening will be its first showing in Utah.
HiveFest is an independent film festival dedicated to bringing together first-time and student filmmakers with established voices from Utah's emerging independent film scene.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. in The Allred Theater in the Val A. Browning Center. Tickets are $10.
