Texas Union Film Festival shines spotlight on student stories and art

By Haley Pacheco

The 15th annual Texas Union Film Festival showcased the cinematic ingenuity of Radio-Television-Film students and other majors, blending personal narratives with artistic flair.

In the dim theater, attendees watched 10 short films submitted by UT students selected from more than 70 submissions. Three film industry professionals reviewed the films and awarded exclusive passes to prominent festivals such as South by Southwest, Fantastic Fest and Austin Film Festival.

While offering great career advancement opportunities, each film served as a window into the lives of its creators, exploring themes of identity, grief, womanhood and family. Many students chose to honor their cultural and religious identities, infusing their art with rich and diverse perspectives.

As the evening concluded, the judges revealed the three winning directors: Estela Riera-Vales, placing third with her film “Déjame Volar,” Nolan Walley, securing second with “Phrogger,” and Olivia Carter, clinching first with “Life is Like a Play.” Additionally, Lauren Haughey’s “Joe-Mato” received the award for Best Editing, Marcelo Cisneros’ “Lucio” was given an Honorable Mention, and Frida Lopez-Stern’s “Bella’s House” was chosen as the Fan Favorite.

During the Q-and-A portion, the directors shared their inspiration and experiences, expressing their love for the community and art. As the credits rolled on another set of films from UT student directors, the festival stood as a testament to boundless creativity and cultural richness within the university, fostering community, provoking thought, and telling stories that matter.