STUDENT FILMS
Hitchhiker
Directed By: Zachary Wendeln, 11 minutes
A lonely trucker navigating the endless stretch of open highway encounters the most unexpected of passengers: a curious alien with no concept of human grief. As the unlikely pair share the cab and the miles, their playful and sometimes bewildering exchanges open the door to something deeper. This genre-bending short blends whimsical adventure with quiet introspection, exploring how the most profound connections can emerge from the most improbable encounters.
So Tender a Flame
Directed By: Carolyne Paschal, 15 minutes
A grieving carpenter, hollowed out by loss, has retreated into the solitary rhythm of his workshop when two orphaned children arrive unexpectedly at his doorstep. Reluctant and ill-equipped, he takes them in—and in doing so, begins a transformative journey he never sought.
Down Safe
Directed By: Fedor Benton(11years old), 8 minutes
Ten-year-old Fédor’s quiet suburban life takes an extraordinary turn when he unearths a locked safe buried deep in his backyard. Consumed by curiosity, the boy embarks on a thrilling quest to crack its secrets, transforming an ordinary childhood afternoon into a grand adventure. As Fédor digs deeper—both literally and figuratively—he discovers that some mysteries carry surprises far greater than anything he could have imagined.
LIMERENCE
Directed By: Spirit Shauntee, 10 minutes
What begins as an innocent crush on her project partner Blake quickly consumes Delilah’s every waking thought, dream, and perception of reality. As the boundaries between genuine affection and obsessive fantasy begin to dissolve, Delilah constructs an idealized version of Blake that exists only in her mind—one perfectly crafted to meet her deepest emotional needs. The more she clings to this illusion, the further she drifts from the person she once was.
Screen-Play
Directed By: Brian Walczybock, 6 minutes
Two fierce competitors square off in an electrifying showdown to prove once and for all who is the superior fighter. As tension mounts and egos collide, what begins as a simple contest escalates into something far more personal.
Shakespeare in the Park
Directed By: Emma Fergusson, 6 minutes
A two-person Shakespeare troupe’s performance takes a dramatic turn when the couple behind the act breaks up mid-show, leaving one performer stranded on stage with an audience full of expectant faces. Forced to soldier on solo, the abandoned actor must improvise, adapt, and somehow deliver the Bard’s words with twice the passion and none of the support.
Cuff
Directed By: Harrison Fobare, 9 minutes
This gripping short film plunges viewers into a tense and tightly wound narrative where every moment carries weight and every choice has consequences. With minimal dialogue and maximum intensity, the story unfolds in a pressure-cooker atmosphere that refuses to let go.
What’s Left Behind?
Directed By: Cassidy Howard, 23 minutes
This compelling film invites audiences to contemplate the lasting impressions we leave on the world and the people around us. Through evocative storytelling, it examines the objects, memories, and unspoken words that linger long after we are gone. It is a meditative and deeply personal exploration of legacy, loss, and the indelible marks of a life lived.
Boneless 180
Directed By: Laya Hartman, 23 minutes
Dayna Doles, one of the few Black girls growing up in a wealthy Detroit suburb, discovers an unexpected passion that sets her apart: skateboarding. Navigating the isolation of being an outsider in her own community, Dayna’s world shifts when she meets professional skater Christiana Smith. Under Christiana’s mentorship, Dayna begins to unlock a confidence and potential she never knew she possessed, carving her own path both on and off the board.