The Uncanny Menagerie…
Is a 15-minute thesis film being produced through the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 2026. It follows the story of a widower and his artistically-inclined niece who strive to keep a quirky novelty museum afloat when the health and safety inspector pays an unwelcome visit to their struggling tourist town. Set in northern Michigan (and filmed in Southern California), the short will be shot in a mockumentary style and feature a unique collection of “uncanny” mannequins designed to look like familiar celebrities and historical figures. Our cast and crew are composed of graduate students from the School of Cinematic Arts as well as local talent.
Written and Directed by…
Emma Fergusson is a writer and filmmaker originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She is a graduate student in Film and Television Production at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Her shorts have screened at the Grand Rapids Film Festival, the Vidlings & Tapeheads Film Festival, and the Straight 8 Film Competition.
Produced by…
Arjun Fischer is in his third year of the Film/TV production MFA at the University of Southern California. He has been nominated for two Emmys and to Producers Guild awards and his work can be seen on Max, Netflix, Paramount+, and more.
Kate Planting is an MFA candidate at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts as a producer, director, and director of photography. She has worked across documentary, narrative, and commercial productions from Marvel Studios, HBO Max, Village Roadshow Productions, with one production winning the U.S. Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and another that was an official 2023 Tribeca Festival selection.
Cinematography by…
“Justin” Jichen Li is an award-winning filmmaker from Beijing, China, currently based in Los Angeles. He earned his bachelor’s degree in film production and is now pursuing his MFA In the same field at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
The Uncanny Menagerie 