As the number one film school in the United States, USC houses immense talent and storytelling within its walls. “Continue?” is a film created by USC film students that successfully raised over $8,000, gaining the support of USC alum and Oscar-nominated director, Jason Reitman. “Continue?” challenges limitations placed against student productions and showcases creativity the average audience may leave untapped.
The story centers around nine-year-old Mazzy’s (Sophie Lafleche) emotional journey as her older brother Mason (Edwin Zha) gets a girlfriend, Jaina (Kayla Suhaili). Once part of the ideal gaming duo with her brother, Mazzy navigates the change in her sibling relationship and the harsh reality of growing up. Mixing visual effects (VFX), stunts and powerful performances, “Continue?” adds a special twist to the typical coming-of-age story.
Writer and director KShae Reyes, draws inspiration from her own relationship with her sibling. As a junior pursuing Film and TV production, she merges the art of film with her appreciation for her older brother.
“I love making films, I love my brother, and I wanted to work with this wonderful team,” she states.
Producers Jadyn Wu, Brooks Taylor, Mitchell Jung and Xander Singson were intrigued by Reye’s ambitious vision and drew parallels to their own sibling relationships.
“I really liked the honesty of Kshae’s relationship being translated to the page” says Singson, a senior majoring in business administration.
With the merging of VFX, action and working with a child actor, “Continue?” challenges many misconceptions surrounding what is possible and creatively acceptable for student productions.
“The possibilities are endless when you dream above the standard student film box,” says Taylor, a senior majoring in Business of Cinematic Arts and “Continue?” producer.
Taylor specifically comments on how financial limitations of student productions get in the way of unique storytelling. “[Student filmmakers] get stuck in the box of doing a character-based drama because that’s what they see other student films doing, that’s what the professors tell them is reasonable to do on a small budget.”
Rather than having the most money, best equipment or perfect talent, the “Continue?” team focuses on putting forth human effort and high spirits to illustrate Reyes’ vision.
“Whatever KShae wants, it’s going to happen. Somehow, someway, we’re going to make it work” says Jung, a junior in PR & Advertising and Theatre. Instead of compromising her creativity to fit a stereotypical student narrative, Reyes redefines what student films can be.
In terms of on-camera personnel, the “Continue?” actors were equally excited about this ambitious project. Edwin Zha, who plays the older brother Mason, saw working with a child actor as a rare opportunity.
Having never worked with a child actor before, Zha was excited to push the boundaries of his performance abilities and says it was a “really great privilege.”
“When children act, they are so truthful,” says Zha, which gave him new insights on how to respond in the moment rather than get in his head.
“[Working with a child actor] reminds me to play as well because acting is playing.”
Acting alongside Zha is Kayla Suhaili, portraying Jaina. For Suhaili, stepping into the role of Jaina was about finding the balance between honoring the character and bringing bits of herself. “I found my anchor to really be in the text work,” says Suhaili, studying the script to embody Jaina’s character in a truthful way.
Suhaili describes Jaina as being more extroverted and bubbly compared to her natural self; she emphasizes the importance of actors being a vessel for the story.
Zha and Suhaili spent time at the desk analyzing the text to ensure they were portraying Reyes’ vision.
“Be careful to not just do yourself in the role,” says Zha, referring to the reflection needed to be an authentic actor.
The “Continue?” team hopes to speak to the underrepresented and touch the hearts of audiences when released. As an Asian-American creative herself, Reyes wishes to spotlight Asian-American coming-of-age narratives and show the perspective of younger siblings as they “grow up and grow forward without you.”
“Continue?” encourages anyone watching to show their siblings some love. Reyes hopes audiences feel “that swell of hope for the future in their heart and appreciation for all the people who have left us but will always stay with us in memory.”
The crew draws from their own experiences, each being a sibling themselves. For Jung, who has large age gaps with his siblings, he hopes “Continue?” removes the stigma around reconnecting with your family.
Wu, a senior majoring in Business of Cinematic Arts, echoes this same sentiment when describing her relationship with her younger brother saying to, “call your sibling and don’t be afraid to reach out.”
With long shoot days and even longer post production, staying motivated is extremely crucial. The “Continue?” team keeps their adrenaline high despite production challenges, highlighting how a good team makes all the difference.
“Compatibility and the ability to have a good attitude at all times is the most invaluable thing you can ever have,” Reyes says.
From photographers to stuntmen to costume designers, synergy and commitment are the core of any production. Singson says it is “so important to celebrate the small wins [in order to] continuously achieve the impossible.”
From late night food runs to laughs on set, Taylor further supports this sentiment by affirming the team is “friends at the end of the day.”
With technology moving fast and the film industry moving even faster, “Continue?” prioritized human effort throughout the entire process.
Wu affirms how inherently human filmmaking is. She says, “everything in this story is so human driven and everyone is talented enough”
Stories like “Continue?” remind creatives to remember the purpose of sharing narratives: connecting to the human experience.
As “Continue?” breaks down the artistic walls, the team hopes more faith and support will be given to student projects.
“If there are a group of students coming together for a production, 99% of the time it’s because there is a story there worth telling and talent there that is meant to be shared with the world,” says Singson.
“Continue?” aims to be a beacon for other student creatives to go through with their passion projects. Reyes encourages students to take advantage of being a student filmmaker and embrace mistakes.
“All the greats become great because they persevere through failure,” says Reyes, reminding others that all industry icons start somewhere.
“Continue?” aims for a late 2026 festival run and release. It serves as a reminder to call your siblings, take that risk and make that film.