Meet the team
Director / Writer
Rachel Deutsch
Rachel Deutsch is a director and writer of dark comedies that mix surrealism with emotional honesty. Her work explores identity, disconnection, and the absurdity of being alive. Her films have screened at the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles, Hollywood Short Fest, and more. Winning awards such as Best Comedy/Dramedy Short and Best First-Time Filmmaker. Originally from Edmond, Oklahoma, Rachel holds a BFA in Acting from NYU Tisch, with training in clown and Commedia dell’arte, training in UCB improv and storytelling, and a Producing degree from NYU London. She lives in LA with her cat, named Bird
Cinematographer
Olivia Luna
Olivia Luna is a cinematographer with a background in chemistry and a deep curiosity for the human body and spirit. She seamlessly integrates her scientific interests into her visual storytelling, creating playful and layered compositions. Her work includes a documentary exploring breast cancer patients’ choices around reconstructive surgery, reflecting her interest in stories at the intersection of medicine and identity. Olivia’s approach is rooted in empathy, experimentation, and a quiet sense of wonder.
Writer
Isabela Santos
Isabela Santos is a Brazilian screenwriter with a BA in Radio, TV, and Internet and over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. She has worked as a staff writer, producer, and executive producer on projects for MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, CNN, and TNT. In 2023, she received the Fulbright MFA grant to pursue her master’s degree at AFI, where she is part of the Class of 2026. Her growing body of work includes multiple short films, feature scripts, a spec, and a pilot, reflecting her range and commitment to storytelling across formats.
Sound Mixer
Murphy Li
Murphy Li is a Los Angeles–based production sound mixer and founder of Harmonyflicks Sound Studios Inc. She has worked across film, branded content, and music, with credits ranging from award-screened features to high-profile streaming series. Murphy approaches sound as both craft and art, combining technical precision with a collaborative mindset on set. Her passion lies in capturing performances truthfully and shaping sonic detail that deepens the audience’s connection to story.
Producer
Gabriel J. Y. Fernandez
Gabriel J. Y. Fernandez is a Peruvian producer and MFA Producing Fellow at AFI, where he develops work driven by cultural memory, science, and emotional truth. With over a decade of experience in TV and media, Gabriel combines creative instinct with strategic thinking. He has led multiple AFI productions in the US and major projects on TV, new media, and film in Peru. His projects often explore illness, family, and legacy through character-centered narratives. Gabriel holds degrees in Audiovisual Communication and Performing Arts and is known for building collaborative teams that deliver thoughtful, well-executed films under tight timelines and real-world constraints.
Production Designer
Jackson Manhan
Jackson Manhan is a production designer who focuses on creating environments that ground character performances and heighten the overall story. With a background in set decorating and visual world-building, he creates spaces that enable actors to inhabit the film's world fully. A current MFA Fellow in design at AFI, Jackson brings both craft and creativity to every project, with an eye for detail and atmosphere. His work on Door Knocking is dedicated to Elizabeth Wilson, whose influence continues to guide his artistic path. Jackson is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a project with such honesty and heart.
Writer
Ashley Moore
Ashley Moore is a writer from a small town whose personal ties to chronic illness have long shaped her creative focus. Her grandfather’s and aunt’s experience with type 2 diabetes gave her early insight into the resilience behind everyday battles. That emotional connection drew her to Door Knocking. Ashley started writing as a kid in local library clubs and took her first screenwriting class there. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in screenwriting. She’s currently a Fellow at AFI while also working as a Warner Bros. Studio Tour guide.
Editor
Emory DeYoung
Emory DeYoung is an editor who believes that excellent editing starts long before post. They are drawn to the entire filmmaking process, collaborating early to help shape tone, rhythm, and performance from the start. After completing their undergraduate studies, Emory pursued further training at AFI to deepen their craft. They see the edit as a space to continue the creative dialogue: not a final step, but a transformation. Emory brings a deep emotional connection to Door Knocking, making their work both intuitive and precise.