Diehard fans of Pixar films are likely to know the story behind A113, an easter egg tradition among the studio’s animators, who hide references to the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) classroom where they honed their craft within Pixar movies. From a license plate that reads “A113” in “Toy Story,” to a courtroom plaque in “Up” and even a university classroom in “Monsters University,” Pixar animators are notorious for sneaking a cheeky reference to the classroom and educational institution that nurtured their artistry and professional skill set.
KSC’s Holloway Hall is receiving a similar treatment, after a group of alumni filmmakers joined forces after graduation to form Room 310 Media, an independent film company composed almost entirely of Keene State graduates and lovingly named after Holloway’s Room 310. The company’s Executive Board refers to the room as their former “production hub” at KSC, as well as a stomping ground where movie nights were common and passions for filmmaking took shape.
Room 310 Media, the collective brainchild of alumni from a diverse range of graduating classes, has created various short films and recently released their debut feature-length film, “River’s Edge,” a coming-of-age drama. The film, which has screened at venues across New England since its premiere during the summer of 2025, brought the creative team back to KSC for a special screening at the Putnam Theater on Thursday, Dec. 4. The screening concluded with a Q&A panel featuring alumni crewmembers.
“River’s Edge” explores the relationship between graduating high school twins Kash and Hadley, their mutual friend Riley, and Kash’s relationship with his emotionally abusive father. The film reflects on parental trauma while simultaneously exploring the anxieties of an uncertain future as well as a dizzying present.
Many of the crewmembers returned to KSC for the first time since graduation for the screening. According to Co-Writer and Assistant Director Piper Pavelich, ‘23 (who previously served as Managing Executive Editor for The Equinox), bringing the film to KSC was important to the Room 310 Media team.
“I have not been [on campus] since 2023 when I graduated, and it’s crazy to be back here. Seeing the places where years ago we were talking about this film, having thoughts about this film and starting to write it is really special,” said Pavelich.
“I was walking across this campus and thinking about making this film in 2021 when I was living here. It’s so special and surreal that this is the place where this film began, and when we were finishing it up, one of the first thoughts we had was that we need to make sure that we come back and show it here at Keene State College,” added Pavelich.
Co-Producer, Executive Board Partner and CEO Dillon Tavitian, ‘21, credited his time at KSC for nurturing his filmmaking skills and introducing him to a network of classmates and colleagues that persisted after graduation.
“I met all my filmmaking friends here and we were able to make those connections, bond over movies together and make films together. From there, we were able to make [Room 310 Media] together,” said Tavitian.
“Working on [River’s Edge] really gave us a chance to put all of these skills to good use, see how we develop, make mistakes and learn from them,” added Tavitian.
According to Tavitian, the connections forged at KSC were an asset to the group’s creative process.
“We all know each other, and we’re able to bounce off of each other. There’s a unique bond that comes with working with a group of people you know on this level,” said Tavitian.
“Three weeks of working in the hot sun over the summer helps you learn each other’s boundaries, interests and get to know each other not only as filmmakers, but as the human beings we are.”
Director of Photography and Co-Editor William Cribb, ‘23, said that his time as a KSC film student fostered his professional development as a film editor. According to Cribb, “River’s Edge” was his first high profile credit in a cinematography role. Cribb said that he originally joined KSC’s film program to study theory, but transitioned into technical aspects of filmmaking after finding his footing in the program.
“I literally learned how to edit at Keene State, and everything I’ve done and learned here has informed the work I get to do now,” said Cribb. “I’ve always considered myself primarily an editor, and I have this school and the classmates and professors I’ve worked with to thank for that, and now I get to carry that growth and continue to grow at [Room 310 Media].”
“[KSC] was really important in terms of getting me to the place I am right now, both because of the education and training I received and the connections I was able to make that led to someone reaching out to me and asking me to join years after graduating,” added Cribb.
While “River’s Edge” is the first feature-length film released by the company, Room 310 Media has plans to learn and build from this experience, and confirmed during the Q&A panel that a sequel to the film is in the planning phase, along with other projects. According to Director, Co-Writer, Co-Editor and Co-Producer Michael Russillo, ‘22, the Room 310 Media team is excited for the future and hopes to expand and continue with their stated mission of providing an independent space for filmmakers to develop their projects without the constraints of mainstream entertainment goliaths.
“We are really trying to get our names out there, and it has been really cool to screen in different locations and see our family and friends come out to support us. We really want to show what we can do,” said Russillo.
“We are young and we are obviously still learning as we go, but that is part of the process to learn and build off of these lessons,” added Russillo.
Russillo said that the Putnam screening gave current film students the chance to see what can be done with a KSC film education after graduation.
“It is so nice to be back here and see the people whose shoes we stood in a few years ago. I hope we gave them a chance to see what graduates are capable of making right out of the gate. It was also really special to see the staff members that taught us what we know today, and it is a nice, happy homecoming feeling to be back here again and sharing this film with the KSC community,” said Russillo.
Associate Professor of Film Studies Taylor Dunne attended the screening and said that she was impressed and encouraged by the alumni company’s achievements.
“I came out because I thought about how awesome it is that these former students made a feature film, and how they got together and made it happen. It is really inspiring, really sweet, and I wish them the best with their sequel, as well as the rest of their endeavours,” said Dunne.
Junior Matthew Fowler attended the screening to see the work of students who graduated from the film program, and said that he was inspired by their work.
“My professor recommended the showing, and I came because I am interested in independent film and what I can do after graduation,” said Fowler. “Being 21, everything seems a lot bigger than it is. Seeing people who were once in my point of view, and seeing what they were able to do is really inspiring. It encourages me to see what I can do, and how independent my voice can be.”
Ryan Pacheco can be contacted at
rpacheco@kscequinox.com
