Spotlighting 64th AAFF Intern Cohort (Part 1!)

October 29, 2025

Interns make the (AAFF) world go-round!

With six new interns and one returner, the 64th AAFF Intern Cohort is shaping up to be an extremely wonderful team of driven, creative individuals here to help bring about another fantastic festival.

Year over year, new folks join our team, step into the overwhelming world a nonprofit can be, and knock it out of the park. The festival is extremely lucky to consistently have support from such dedicated students. We aim to provide robust experiences to them in return, in areas of digital and print marketing and communications, sponsor growth and retention, large-scale design and creative video content, and festival operations, to name a few. Our interns walk away with valuable insights into the backend of the nonprofit world and event production as a whole, going on to do amazing things in their careers.

The AAFF internship program is just as much meant for the individual experience as it is for helping make the festival happen. THANK YOU to Ahtziri, Cameron, Claire, Esther, Gretel, Rhiju, and Vera!

This year’s group is full of talent, and we’re so excited for you to meet them.

- Kailey Radwan, Ann Arbor Film Festival Operations Manager

Vera Sivrieva

Vera Sivrieva - Digital Media Assistant

Vera Sivrieva is a junior at the University of Michigan, studying Film, Television, and Media & Computer Science. Outside of classes, Vera loves to read, see art, make art, and watch lots of movies (good thing she works for AAFF). She also has a pet parrot named Basil who can say his own name! As the digital media assistant, she sees herself as being the camerawomen for AAFF, shining a spotlight on the various AAFF stories that occur behind the curtains. 

What aspect of the 64th AAFF are you most excited to be a part of or most looking forward to?

The aspect of the 64th AAFF that I’m most looking forward to is the actual festival week where we get the chance to watch the films and experience the spirit and community of experimental filmmaking.

What genre and style would a film about your life be?

I think a film about my life would be an animation either in the Turning Red or Into the Spiderverse art style. I am a pretty animated person in real life, so I think an animation biopic would just fit.

What is your favorite film you have ever seen in the Michigan Theater? 

Superman (2025) was my favorite film that I have seen in the Michigan Theater! I loved the movie, and I went with friends so it was a super fun experience.

Esther Hur

Esther Hur - Graphic Design Assistant

Originally from New Jersey, Esther Hur is a senior at the University of Michigan studying Film and Communication. Esther is passionate about storytelling, especially when stories are told in creative and unconventional ways. Her passions include: traveling, watching movies, and shooting experimental film photography.

What aspect of the 64th AAFF are you most excited to be a part of or most looking forward to?

I’m definitely most excited for the festival itself - seeing everyone come together and getting to watch all the films. I’m also really looking forward to hopefully seeing my work in person through the festival’s merchandise and materials!

If someone were to visit Ann Arbor for the film festival, what is something they should make sure to do in town? (This can include activities, places to see, or restaurant recommendations.)

Try to catch the farmer's market in Kerrytown. And if the weather's nice enough during festival week, visit the Arb!

What’s the first film you remember watching that left a lasting impression on you?

Probably Grave of the Fireflies. I watched it when I was pretty young with my sister, and seeing it together made it even more emotional.

Rhiju Chakraborty

Rhiju Chakraborty - Communications Assistant

An Annarborite, Rhiju is a junior at the University of Michigan studying Public Health and Communications & Media. Rhiju is passionate about creative brand storytelling, and leveraging it to make a positive impact. Outside of classes you can find Rhiju going on a run through the Arb, making spotify playlists, or with a strawberry matcha in hand.

What aspect of the 64th AAFF are you most excited to be a part of or most looking forward to?

As someone who’s favorite pastime (when I have free time) is going to a movie theater and watching a movie with a friend and a bucket of popcorn, I’m most excited about watching the actual movies during festival week. Moreover, as an outsider to experimental cinema, I’m eager to step into this new world and learn from the works of seasoned experts.

What is your favorite film you have ever seen in the Michigan Theater? 

Babygirl (watched this at the Michigan Theater!) starring Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson. I watched this movie with a friend and let’s just say… it was not what we expected! But I really loved Nicole Kidman in the movie, and it was worth all the hype.

What genre and style would a film about your life be?

A drama… As a naturally very dramatic person, who enjoys watching drama/serious movies, I envision the genre of my life to be reminiscent of shows like the Crown, and movies like Lady Bird.

This blog was written by Communications Assistant Rhiju Chakraborty for the 64th Ann Arbor Film Festival.