Andrew Shi

On Thursday night in Mills Hall, George Ellzey Jr. ’13 screened his award-winning 2023 short film “Cottage Grove” and offered filmmaking advice to current students. A project that stemmed from his Master of Fine Arts film program at DePaul University, “Cottage Grove” received awards from several film festivals and an Emmy nomination.

“Cottage Grove” is a ten-minute short exploring the strained relationship between a man named Emmanuel and his formerly estranged father. After his father suffers a stroke, Emmanuel picks him up from the hospital. Their bond is slowly revealed as they sit in the car together afterwards and discuss their relationship. The film is inspired by Ellzey’s real life but diverges from his lived experience—when Ellzey picked up his father from the hospital, they sat in silence. Ellzey highlighted the complexity of telling these two parallel stories.

“As I focused on Emmanuel and Senior, who they were separately, what their relationship was, and started focusing on their perspectives in the story, then it became less and less about me,” Ellzey said. “[It] became more about these two men trying to find common ground in this car on the south side of Chicago. By draft ten there was barely any of my personal story in there.”

After the screening, Ellzey delved into the process of creating a film from scriptwriting to making finishing touches. He answered questions from students and encouraged them to pursue arts careers.

“I fight for the character and their growth in the story. I encourage rewriting, and having a system for rewriting your script so you can fight for the story and fight for the characters,” Ellzey said.

As Ellzey informed students, he originally came to Bowdoin with plans to pursue medicine.

“I was heavily into science. I was in science labs in the summertime. I was interning at labs. It was a lot,” Ellzey said.

At Bowdoin he embraced the liberal arts, ultimately pursuing a double major in theater and English. He credited his professors for honing the critical thinking skills he utilizes in filmmaking.

“The English department, they grilled me. Helped me become a critical thinker. I think you need to have that as a film maker,” Ellzey said.

Professor of Theater Davis Robinson was excited to welcome him back to campus, making a point to show students that Bowdoin alumni are prospering in creative careers.

“We try to bring [creative alumni] back to show students what is possible,” Robinson said.

When asked about filmmakers he tries to emulate, Ellzey encouraged students to study existing films while pursuing their own interests.

“I think I’m a tapestry of different filmmakers. But your perspective is more valuable than copying someone else’s work,” Ellzey said.

Ellzey also stressed the importance of making far-reach requests for students pursuing any career path. In Ellzey’s case, “Cottage Grove” was made possible through the support of Jordan Shields ’98 and Sarah Donovan ’98 whom he met via the Chicago Alumni Network. Shields and Donovan have backed Ellzey’s projects with funds and support of his creative vision.

“You never know what can happen unless you ask,” Ellzey said.

Ellzey stressed the importance of asking for resources, explaining how he has executed several short films on slim budgets by making requests. Ellzey encouraged students to take advantage of the College’s alumni network, emphasizing that he is open to collaboration and conversation.

“I’m totally open to working with any Bowdoin alums or current students. People will email me now asking for advice or resources. I’m happy to share,” Ellzey said.

This year, Ellzey is releasing two new short films at film festivals. He is also working to complete the draft of his first feature-length film, which follows a group of college friends as they reconnect over time.

“Cottage Grove” is now available on Mansa.com for free.