Radow College Alumnus Creates KSU’s First Full-Length Feature Film

KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 3, 2026

KENNESAW, Ga, September 03, 2026 - Kennesaw State University’s first full-length feature film is approximately 29,000 frames of stop-motion action, treachery, love, adventure, and bravery starring a cast of Lego minifigures. In contrast, it was inspired by a peaceful walk through the Spanish Moss-covered trees of Savannah, Georgia.

Behind it all is KSU alumnus Sebastian Soler, the director, producer, screenwriter, stop-motion animator, and editor of “Spanish Moss.” He earned his bachelor's degree in media and entertainment from the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences School of Communication and Media in May 2025, but his love of stop-motion films started much earlier.  

“The first time I had an interest in this was when I was about six years old. I started loving all of the stop-motion YouTube videos online, and I wanted to recreate that with my own stories or with my own toys and stuff, so I taught myself,” Soler said.

Soler said he also found inspiration for his own filmmaking in the films and movies that his father showed him. He began submitting his work to film festivals when he was in middle school, continued throughout high school, and broadened his scope to include international film festivals in college. A year before graduation, Soler visited Savannah, Georgia with family. That trip inspired what would ultimately become “Spanish Moss.”

“I was just walking around, and I was really taken aback by the environment, and it reminded me a lot of, actually, my trip to Ecuador. I took a study abroad there and I just love the scenery,” Soler said. “That idea planted in my head, which was what if an action film took place here and what if it was set in a different time period?” 

KSU alumnus Sebastian Soler stands in front of a theater marquee promoting his first feature film, Spanish Moss.

He began developing the storyline of the 1970s action-adventure film in his Savannah hotel room. The plot follows Marando Montero as he embarks on a journey of “roses, riches, and revenge” to find his kidnapped wife. Along the way, he uncovers the dark secrets behind his family’s business. 

Another key player in the film’s development was assistant professor of communication Matthew Terrell, MFA. He met Soler after seeing his short stop-motion film “Turbo Treadmill,” and invited him to participate in a directed study program through KSU. 

“He actually helped develop the script with me,” Soler said. We read through it, I’d say about four times to really get it down and to really nitpick and make sure it was the best that it could be. I’m extremely grateful that he was there and that he guided this process to what it became.”

A $1,500 grant from Radow College enabled Soler to purchase the sets, the minifigures, and everything else on screen. He also received ample support from his family. His grandmother made the film’s namesake Spanish Moss out of grey strands of yarn that she combed out with a toothbrush and placed over makeshift trees, and his mother was one of the film's 16 actors. 

Soler estimated that it took 30 weeks to film and 45 weeks to edit the 29,000 frames that make up “Spanish Moss,” including an epic one-shot action sequence that holds a special place in his heart. The film community took notice. Soler and “Spanish Moss” were featured by NPR and ARTS ATL, and his film has been screened at The Tara Theater, a historic art house theater in Atlanta, and at the Culver City Film Festival in Hollywood, California.   

Soler said all the stress and late nights that went into making “Spanish Moss” were worth it.  

“Going from making these short little stop-motion Lego shorts on my desk to having them screened at the Tara is just unbelievable. Like, that’s... something that I never really thought would happen, but I’m glad that it did. I’m very grateful for all the people that made it happen, and it’s been such an incredible journey so far, so I’m excited to see what’s next,” Soler said. 

Soler is pursuing his MFA at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and he hopes that "Spanish Moss” inspires other students to pursue their own creative film ideas. The full film is now available to watch for free on YouTube.

- Story and photo by Noelle Lashley 

Related Posts