Samantha Sewell '19, M.F.A. '22

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The first book by Samantha Sewell '19, M.F.A. '22, "There Is No Escape." is being published and distributed by UK/New Orleans-based independent publisher Mother Mercury.

The book paints a series of intimate portraits which reflect the age-old saying, “Wherever you go, there you are.” This anthology chronicles the lives of distinct characters as they undergo varying states of desiring escape from their lives. The stories capitalize on the paralyzing nature of inescapability in love, loss, aging and the passing of time.

It is currently available for pre-order and will have its official launch on Jan. 16, 2024.

Sewell received her B.A. in psychology before returning to UCLA’s TFT Department and earning an M.F.A in film. Her film work has received recognition and accolades from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Ron A. Baham Memorial Fellowship, the Gilbert Cates Fellowship, BlueCat Screenplay Competition, Final Draft Big Break and HollyShorts Film Festival. Her prose has been published in Fem Newsmagazine, Currant Jam and Cult Magazine. In addition to writing, Sewell engages in video art, experimental film, visual art and interactive art. Raised in New York City, she currently resides in Los Angeles.