Oct. 26, 2025 marks the fifth and final day of shooting for the SDSU TFM 560 student thesis film, “Post Mortem.” Morty, played by Douglas Jung, is a funeral director who can see and talk to dead people. He receives artificial tears in preparation for an emotional day where he battles his own mortality. (Jaylynn Vega)While centered around death, dying and a question of the afterlife, the crew keeps nothing but a light-hearted and comedic environment on set in between takes, Oct. 26, 2025. (Jaylynn Vega)Morty and Michael, an old peer Morty works on, rehearse a deep exchange on Michael’s experience with dying in a motorcycle accident. He reflects on the action of “letting go” as “peaceful.” A second monitor aids the director in capturing this moment, Oct. 26, 2025. (Jaylynn Vega)
Special Effects Make-up Artist Hailey Arner de France, makes final touches on Michael’s injuries from the accident that ended his life, Oct. 26, 2025. (Jaylynn Vega)
Even during the lunch break, Director Luca Rivetti gives direction to the assistant camera operators, Oct. 26, 2025. (Jaylynn Vega)Screams are heard outside of the set, but not from what was scripted, Oct. 26, 2025. A cockroach terrorizes the cast and crew in Studio C. (Jaylynn Vega)
Director of Photography Griffin Edwards, switches from a stabilized camera to a handheld as First Assistant Cameraperson Oliver Castillo Penaloza aids in the transition, Oct. 26, 2025. (Jaylynn Vega)
Haze adds a ghostly effect to the set, Oct. 25, 2026. (Jaylynn Vega)“That’s a wrap!” After 12 hours on set, filming completes and gratitude fills the air, Oct. 26, 2025. The gaffer turns on color-changing lighting to get the party started. (Jaylynn Vega)“Post Mortem” will be submitted for consideration in the San Diego State University’s Emerging Filmmakers Festival showcase on Dec. 15 and 16, 2025.
For more information or to donate to the film, visit the “Post Mortem” Instagram page.
*This page has been edited since initial publishing for clarity.
