National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) 2009

Set in 1897 Egypt, 'Murder at the Pharaoh's Grave' reveals the wide-screen beauty of the desert on a middle-school budget. Archeologist Ellis Clarke finds herself arrested for the disappearance of a colleague. Against the power of the British army, Clarke must draw on her wit, strength, and craftiness to excavate the truth and save her life. From Cairo, across the magnificent desert on camels, and into an ominous pyramid, the 13-year-old filmmakers concisely capture the suspense, action, and humor of the mystery genre. Filmed and edited over six months, the movie combines archival footage, real and virtual sets, and over 100 pounds of sand. Bringing writer/director Ben Kadie's vision to life required ambitious special effects including miniatures, animation, matte paintings and compositing. 'Murder at the Pharaoh's Grave' is microcinema of historic proportions.