Hooperella 2026

Directed by Karolina Esqueda Rocha

A modern fairy-tale satire set in the cutthroat world of academic research that follows Gabriela Quiroz, an overworked PhD student preparing for a crucial Research Funding mixer where major grants are awarded. Her entitled lab partner Andrew routinely coasts on her work while taking credit. Their advisor, Dr. Thatcher reinforces the imbalance. Gabriela is expected to remain invisible but indispensable. Will she find the courage to defy her advisor and lab partner in a bid to secure funding for her research?