Boise State film students and alumni teamed up this summer with Anthony Zuiker, the creator of the hit television franchise “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” Together, they created “Mankind,” a short film written and produced by Zuiker. Shot entirely in Boise on a $10,000 budget and with a local cast and crew, “Mankind” premiered at the inaugural Boise Film Festival. The film won the Best Pacific Northwest Short Film prize at the festival.
From student to director
Jake Ronnow, a Boise-based filmmaker and alum of the Boise State Film and Television Arts Program, directed “Mankind.” Ronnow credits his experiences as a film student at Boise State with teaching him the importance of collaboration, a value he brought to bear throughout production. “This project made me realize just how important it is to surround yourself with a crew that not only understands your vision but puts everything they have into bringing that vision to life,” Ronnow said. “I absolutely could not have pulled this off without the help of my astounding Boise crew, support from the city, and the invaluable skills, resources, and connections I acquired during my time as a film student at Boise State.”
A feat of collaboration
To make “Mankind,” Zuiker and Ronnow hired a crew made up mostly of Boise State film students. Justin Buss, one of the film students who worked on the project, spoke highly of Ronnow and the professionalism and dedication of everyone involved. “The biggest highlight for me was seeing the importance of collaboration on a film set,” Buss said, “and how so much can be accomplished in a small amount of time when you have the right people by your side. Being able to spend multiple days with long hours is fulfilling when you’re working with a great crew of hard-working and passionate people.”
The grueling production schedule, which included months of pre-production and a week-long shoot, asked a lot of the film students. Ronnow praised their dedication, saying, “Not only would I never want to have done this with a different crew, but I never could have done this with a different crew. Each and every person on that set gave everything that had to this project, and that is something I will be forever grateful for.”
“To make a statement with your film”
“Mankind” tells the story of an unlikely connection between a hot-shot young lawyer and a down on his luck unhoused person. This chance interaction forever changes the trajectory of both men’s lives and ultimately provides an opportunity for the pair to discover salvation through their friendship.
Ronnow noted, “Professors such as Rulon Wood and Daehwan Cho taught me the importance of not only creating films for the sake of amusement but to […] make a statement with your film that connects and resonates with people on a deeper level.”
Recognition
Mankind” premiered at the inaugural Boise Film Festival, where it won the Best Pacific Northwest Short Film prize. “The exercise to write an award-winning short film starring a first-time Boise actor and a Boise State graduate (director) was designed to start young Hollywood careers,” said Zuiker for FOX 4 News. “With an ‘all Boise crew’ shooting in their respective city, the recognition from the first annual Boise Film Festival was a dream come true for all involved. I couldn’t be more proud to be in this era of my career and to give back to young filmmakers.”
“Mankind” will appear at more film festivals, screening across the country.
A bright future for the Boise film scene
Zuiker and Ronnow plan to continue their collaboration on a feature film, “Blind Boxer,” set to film in Boise in the summer of 2025 with the same crew they used for “Mankind.”
“Nothing compares to the feeling of knowing that this was accomplished almost entirely using resources from right here in my hometown,” Ronnow said. “The Boise State film department was crucial in pulling this off, providing gear, resources, and expertise that made this whole experience possible.” Dedicated to the burgeoning Boise film scene, Ronnow hopes the attention garnered by “Mankind” spurns new projects and collaborations. “[Mankind] shows just how much creativity is right here in our own backyard,” Ronnow said. “We can show the film to people and say with pride, ‘This film was created by Boise State students. We did this.’ We have a lot more to offer to anyone who’s willing to take a chance on us.”