Domino Poster by Diego Vargas Torres | Courtesy of UNLV School of Cinematic Arts
LAS VEGAS, NV — More than 60 students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Cinematic Arts (UNLV CinArts) are gaining real-world filmmaking experience through Domino. This original student-created short film highlights Filipino culture, food, and family narratives. The 20‑minute film, now in post‑production, will premiere during UNLV’s Magic Hour showcase on May 14, 2026.
Developed through a three‑semester, faculty-led program created by Professor Andi Isaacs, Domino mirrors the professional production pipeline from concept to delivery. Students spent one semester developing the story and script, followed by a rigorous 13‑week pre‑production period and a six‑day shoot. Isaacs said the goal was to give students a comprehensive, industry‑accurate experience. “I wanted to create a project where students would learn every aspect of production from development to delivery… I am incredibly proud of their work, and excited to bring the film to the community,” she said.
A Filipino Story at the Center
Written by former UNLV student CR Sherman, the screenplay was selected through an anonymous, juried competition. The film follows three Filipino cousins who meet in Las Vegas after the death of their grandfather, renowned chef Domino Dimalanta. To claim their inheritance, they must recover his stolen chef’s knife within 24 hours — a quest that evolves into a journey of identity, food, and belonging.
Sherman said he chose to center the story on Filipino culture because of the strong Filipino community in Southern Nevada. “I am fascinated with how dining becomes unique at the intersection of cuisine and culture,” he said, adding that the cast and Filipino actors brought “authenticity” to the narrative. The film’s tagline — Cook with heart to feed the soul… cook with soul to feed the family — reflects its themes of heritage and connection.
Cross-Class Collaboration and Industry-Level Training
The project also showcases UNLV’s emphasis on experiential learning. Professor Thomas Bjelic, whose credits include M. Butterfly and The Hurt Locker, oversaw post‑production and integrated his Film Sound students into the workflow. They handled sound design, Foley, ADR, and final mixing, gaining hands-on experience with professional scheduling and deadlines. “Professor Andi Isaacs cracked the code by designing a multi-class framework that spans three terms,” Bjelic said. “This kind of cross-class collaboration is essential to student success.”
UNLV’s diverse student population is also reflected in the production. The university ranks among the top five most diverse undergraduate institutions in the country. It is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American/Native American/Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. Filipino students make up a significant portion of the School of Cinematic Arts, with many alumni working professionally in the industry.
Preparing the Next Generation of Filmmakers
Beyond Domino, Isaacs has expanded opportunities for students to engage with the entertainment industry. Under her leadership, students have participated in the American Film Market in Las Vegas and Los Angeles and secured internships at major companies, including Warner Bros. Discovery. She also teaches the popular “Business of Hollywood” course, which covers the full lifecycle of film and television projects.
Isaacs, who joined UNLV in 2022 after a distinguished career at Summit Entertainment and Disney, will launch a new Producing 3 course in Fall 2026 focused on budgeting, scheduling, and location management — skills essential for students pursuing production careers.
With Domino, UNLV CinArts continues to demonstrate the power of hands-on education, culturally rich storytelling, and mentorship-driven training — preparing students to enter a competitive industry with confidence, experience, and a strong creative voice.
