We value your privacy
This website uses cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic on our website. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. By continuing to use the website, you agree to our use of these tools and sharing of your information. Cookie Policy
We use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website, store your preferences, and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you. However, you can opt out of these cookies by checking "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" and clicking the "Save My Preferences" button. Once you opt out, you can opt in again at any time by unchecking "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" and clicking the "Save My Preferences" button.
24-year old Film Connection graduate Gavin Checchi recently sent his premiere short, The Last Home Run, out into the film festival circuit. The poignant and emotionally vulnerable short has already made waves, garnering several awards, including The Award of Recognition in The Best Short Films Competition and The Audience Choice Award at YoFi.
My dad turned me on to movies at a young age. My dad really liked baseball, and if he wasn’t watching a baseball game, he would be watching a movie. He [gave me an appreciation] for older films, primarily the 70s and 80s… also old 50s B movies, old horror films, action films. He was a big Silvester Stallone fan. That’s how I got into action films, [which are] what I want to primarily do in the film business. My dad passed away when I was 11 or 12, ever since then my interest in film has grown [even further]. [I like] movies with a [purpose and] message.
You could say Rocky does. Another big one is Rudy— “don’t give up on your dreams.” That’s a message I particularly like. When I was younger, but still to this day, people tell me that [my dreams aren’t realistic]. It happens to everyone with a [vision]. They’re laughed at [when their dreams are too big]. I call those people naysayers.
Yes… I do feel more connected to my dad when making films… I was always connected to my dad, I had a very strong relationship with him. I was lucky to get to know him. [His death] left an impact on my life, and I still think about it. But it doesn’t affect my life like it used to… at least, if it does I don’t notice it.
I’ve been making short films, and as I progress and get more experience in the job market, then I’m going to start [getting bigger] financing. I want to get into features, but I need some sort of money coming in for the that. I moved back to New York [after leaving college prematurely], and I want to finish my college education.
The film is about my dad… I was the director…. [it’s called] The Last Home Run. It’s about my dad’s last trip to Yankee Stadium. He was a hugggge New York Yankee fan. It talks about how he was able to do all this stuff… he got to wear some Joe Girardi’s rings. They had just built the new stadium and we got to go. My mom did the [narration], she had most of the spotlight. It’s got a deep message and [strong emotional core]. I was very surprised that my first project received these awards.
My mom broke down into tears [off camera]. She needed time to get away from it. I didn’t break down, I don’t cry normally, I’ve kind of gotten over my dad’s death. I think it means more to my mom, even though it means a lot to me, because it was her [husband]. She was probably crying in tears of joy because she probably thought this day would never happen. I felt sympathy for her, but I didn’t know how to show it on the outside.
I would like to make a film near the end of my life, like a biopic. A film about my life, but [until then] I’d like to keep things more private. I’ve had some issues, and I’ve overcome [a lot].
My mom told me about. I think she found out through friends or the internet, I’m not sure. I took most of my classes through covid, so it was mostly online.
My mentor was Zef Coda, he’s a very nice guy. He did a lot for me. In the beginning I didn’t know [much], and he showed me a lot. He submitted me to YoFi. I had a good mentor, and I’ve already achieved a moderate amount of success.
Stick it out, make the best of what you can do. I’ve had a very bumpy life. A lot of ups and downs. Film connection has been one of my ups.
Fill out the form to contact admissions and learn about your opportunities.
"*" indicates required fields
*Not all programs are available in every state. Consult an Admissions Representative to learn more.
Film Connection © 2025 | All Rights Reserved | Built with by DesignTork
Notifications