A Tribute to the Starry-Eyed Girl

Zoe Epperson

Directed by

Four eccentric but earnest musicians drop out of university to try their luck in the music scene. Vices and tension arise between them followed by drastic change and the repercussions of prescription drug abuse.

Directed by

Zoe Epperson

Second Place

2025

12:00 mins

United States of America

Feb 1, 2025

In Competition

Second Place

2025

A Tribute to the Starry-Eyed Girl is a short drama set in the distinct cultural backdrop of 1977 Boston. Directed by Zoe Epperson, the narrative follows four eccentric yet earnest musicians who make the bold decision to drop out of university to chase fame in the city's competitive music scene. Far from a simple success story, the film delves into the gritty realities of their transition, exploring the complex dynamics between the band members as they navigate the tension of drastic life changes. It tackles mature themes, including the repercussions of prescription drug abuse, painting a portrait of young ambition colliding with personal demons.

The film marks the directorial debut of Zoe Epperson, a promising young filmmaker from Oklahoma who completed the project around the time of her high school graduation. Serving as writer, director, and producer, Epperson has garnered significant praise on the youth festival circuit for her work. The short won the "Best Directing" award at The Gaia Zine's Uniquely Youth Film Festival in 2024 and was selected for multiple other showcases, including the Raleigh Film & Art Festival, the Lone Star Film Festival, and the Circle Cinema Film Festival. Her success with this period piece highlights her potential as an emerging voice in independent cinema.

Director, Writer, Producer
Zoe Epperson

Cast
Landon Wright — Anthony
Kinley Sharp — Alice
Candence Barreda — Valerie
Ovea Kaushik — Angela

Cinematographer, Editor
Ella Janes

Production Designer
Brietta Chen

Costume Designer
Myiah Robertson
Valerie Von Tungeln

Music
Acrylic Dreams

First Assistant Director
Nazgol Missaghi

First Assistant Camera
Miles Fogleman

Second Assistants Camera
Jasper Bryant
Meg Fall

Four eccentric but earnest musicians drop out of university to try their luck in the music scene. Vices and tension arise between them followed by drastic change and the repercussions of prescription drug abuse.

About
Zoe Epperson

Zoe Epperson’s filmmaking journey began in seventh grade when she was cast in a local news channel’s Public Service Announcement. Since then she has volunteered on over twenty film sets from music videos to narrative shorts, to commercials, and has worked in various roles, from assistant director to actor, to set designer. In her films, she aims to tell immersive stories with complex characters, often set in times she herself has not lived in. Her directorial debut at 17, A Tribute to the Starry-Eyed Girl (2024) has earned her national acclaim, with nine awards, including four “Best in Fest”. Her sophomore project is History Looks the Same On Us.