This spring, a record number of students shared short films at the historic Paramount Theatre downtown as part of Abilene Christian University’s 21st annual FilmFest. Narrative and animated films from 16 teams showcased student storytelling and creativity from across campus, with awards presented in 15 categories.
For the second year, an award was given for Best Animated Film among the four animated films premiering at the event. Ky (McLeod ’24) Myers and Caleb Myers, senior digital entertainment technology major, won the top honor for their 3D-animated film ELON. The film took 13 months to produce, with Myers and Myers leading a crew of animators, modelers and musicians. A new award was also given for Best Voice Actor, which went to Olivia Cromis, senior multimedia major, for How to Get a Girlfriend, a film she wrote and directed, along with voicing its ominous lead character.
Caleb Shields, senior theatre major, had two films screened with Thumbs Up winning him awards for Best Director, Best Picture and Best Cinematography. Shields was participating this year in his third and final FilmFest before beginning the Master of Fine Arts in film and digital media at Baylor University in the fall.
“Being able to hear and feel the audience around you as they react to your film at the Paramount is about as euphoric as anything can be,” Shields said. “They gasp when you hoped they’d gasp, they jump when you hoped they’d jump, and then afterwards you get to talk to so many people who saw your work and hear how it affected them.”
The film process begins in September as students return to campus and culminates in a gala each April, with several opportunities for collaboration, feedback and support throughout the academic year. This year, FilmFest kicked off in the fall with the Story Workshop, led by screenwriter and past FilmFest judge Jason Baumgardner, and students also received early feedback on scripts from Baumgardner and screenwriter Melinda Hairston.
Earlier this spring, FilmFest worked with ACU’s Student Life office to bring Ashley Jay Sandberg to campus. Sandberg was an executive producer on Twisters and – in addition to screening the film – met with students to discuss the process of making a blockbuster and the skills needed to become a working producer.
Finally, weeks before the gala, film teams met with Nate Corrona, Atlanta filmmaker with Dustbrand Films, who looked at near-final cuts and provided feedback on editing and sound.
The gala weekend also gives students opportunities to hear from industry professionals who judge the event. This year’s judges included Hairston, returning for her second year, and Randy Brewer (’93), ACU’s chief storyteller and founder of Revolution Pictures, who has been a judge from FilmFest’s first year on campus in 2004. Joining the panel for the first time was Lara Morgan (’08). In Austin, Morgan works regularly with filmmaker Richard Linklater in a variety of roles on projects like Hitman, Apollo 10 ½, and his current multi-year production of Merrily We Roll Along.
“Returning to ACU FilmFest after almost 20 years was a surreal, full-circle experience,” said Morgan. “I participated in 2006 and 2007 and was blown away by the quality of the films in 2025. It was inspiring to see how far the program has come and to speak with passionate film-loving students. It was an honor!”
During the weekend, the judges met with students to discuss their unique paths to careers in film and media. Then on Saturday morning, they took time to provide detailed feedback on this year’s films and encouragement to filmmakers interested in submitting to regional and national festivals.
“The judges are always amazing,” Shields said. “Each year FilmFest connects students with experts in their field who are passionate about helping young artists. The judging pool has always been an invaluable resource to support students as they seek to take their films to the next level.”
Visit acu.edu/filmfest to learn more.
