By Casandra Nguyen, '15

Chris Dell, a 2007 St. Bonaventure University graduate, joined other selected filmmakers and actors at the Scare-A-Con Film Festival in Verona, N.Y., last month to present his latest horror film “Keuka.”

Dell was a double major in political science and theater at St. Bonaventure.

He decided to share his love for theater by teaching classes once his education came to a halt.  Dell is the lead instructor of Acting at Wilhelmina Rochester, an affiliate of Wilhelmina Models.

“Keuka” was originally written years ago and was set in the Allegheny River Valley Trail.  Due to certain circumstances, the film was never produced or filmed in the originally planned setting.

After setting the script aside for a few years, Dell went back to square one and decided to give it another try this past spring.  Being a new resident in the Keuka area, he found inspiration in his new home. 

“I was able to film the movie in my backyard and use my students from class,” Dell said.  “It was rewarding to have our work showcased together.” 

Showing off his work wasn’t something new for the Bonaventure alumnus.  But the Scare-A-Con festival was a new experience for him.

The Scare-A-Con Film Festival, formerly called the B-Movie Film Festival, has been an exciting event in central New York since 1999. It has helped bring exposure to thousands of movies, short films and documentaries from around the world. 

“I just want to emphasize how rewarding it was to be around these people that I aspire to be,” Dell said.  “Overall, it was an amazing experience.” 

The work doesn’t end here for Dell. 

He’s hoping to switch gears and try a comedic film. 

“I would absolutely love to try basing a film on St. Bonaventure,” Dell said.  “There’s so much good talent coming from the different programs. It’d be a shame if I didn’t come back to the place where it all started.” 

About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them. We are establishing pathways to internships, graduate schools and careers in the context of our renowned liberal arts tradition. Our students are becoming extraordinary.