Merry May Ma, Director, Co-Writer, Co-Producer

Sloan Grant(s) Received: 2024, UCLA, Production Award

Project Type: Short

Genre: Fantasy, Drama

Length: 16 minutes

Field of Science: Chemistry

Stage: Pre-Festival Run

Synopsis: 

Chemical Engineer Dr. Jessica Yue Wang’s research on synthesizing organic semiconductors and her breakthrough in growing nanoflower-shaped tetraaniline crystals for the first time inspired this story:

https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/scientists-grow-organic-semiconductor-crystals-vertically-for-first-time

GARDENERS explores how seemingly unrelated things, like nano-science and mushrooms, are connected. Filmed in real UCLA labs, the film also celebrates the joy of discovery and the beauty of the invisible. The film is generously supported by Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Panavision New Filmmaker Program.