Graduating WSU film studies student scripts future inspired by faith, family
OGDEN, Utah — If his life were a movie, Isaiah Somers said this is the point where the plot begins to ramp up.
Somers is graduating from Weber State University with a degree in film studies, a path inspired by childhood memories of spending days at the movie theater with his family, watching back-to-back screenings.
Now, days away from walking across the stage in his cap and gown, he said he’s reached the “upward tick” in a narrative full of wins, defeats, and twists.
“I literally imagine a movie of my life in my head,” Somers said. “It’s kept me motivated. Every single step is like, ‘I can still make it, and the end of my story is going to be amazing.’”
Originally from Chandler, Arizona, Somers came to Ogden as a walk-on for the Weber State basketball team during the 2023–24 season. In his senior year, he moved to Laredo, Texas, to play for Texas A&M International University.
Throughout his basketball career, Somers trained with NBA champions and competed against athletes making headlines during March Madness. Years of intense play took a physical toll, though. Somers tore both patellar tendons, a repeat injury he also suffered while playing at a junior college years before.
With just a few credits left to graduate, Somers was faced with the decision of where to complete his degree: “Here,” he said. “I wanted to come back here.”
Since returning to WSU, Somers has received a film studies departmental scholarship and the Matthew Shepard Scholarship, which is generously supported by private donors.
Returning to Ogden gave him a chance to heal and dive into other opportunities, like working as the live event coordinator with Studio 76, WSU’s student-run production team.
He also helped classmates produce original films, and he’s constantly working on his own scripts — usually weaving in his faith and appreciation for comedy.
“What’s exciting about students like Isaiah is that they’re creating work they care about while developing a deeper understanding of storytelling and how to tell stories with intention,” said Andrea Baltazar, WSU’s film studies program director. “That combination strengthens their voice and prepares them for a wide range of paths, from graduate school to the professional industry.”
Somers is working on two scripts right now. One, a comedy titled “A Creator’s Process,” follows a student tasked with writing three scenes for a feature film. The second is a satirical look at modern-day ministry.
“I love the way certain movies and shows make me feel,” Somers said. “I want to do that.”
His characters are often inspired by his closest family relationships, such as his parents; his wife, Teresa Zavala; and his younger sister, Jayla.
Both of his current projects feature a character written specifically for Jayla, who will get a chance to read and act out some of her lines when she travels to WSU to see her brother graduate.
Somers tries to be the “best big brother possible,” and he plans to show Jayla around campus when she visits, pointing out all the possibilities that await her if she decides to follow in his footsteps and become a Wildcat.
After graduation, Somers hopes to work at a production studio. He’s especially interested in joining Utah faith-based filmmakers. And he still feels he has more to accomplish on the court, so he’s also open to basketball opportunities.
“I just want to be somebody who, when people interact with me or see the things that I’m doing, they can feel my love for God,” he said. “I hope that my heart is one that’s always chasing after being better.”
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu