CineYouth Festival Features Three Columbia Student Films

See the selected films at the annual free festival, which will be held in-person April 21 to 23 at Facets in Chicago.

Columbia College Chicago is pleased to announce that the work of two Cinema and Television Arts alums and one current student have been selected for this year's CineYouth Festival. These films were made while the filmmakers were students at Columbia, with two made as thesis projects.  

The Columbia student films selected (see descriptions below):  

  • See Me – Directed by Josh Leftwich BFA ‘21 
  • Sinking – Directed by Gillian Fauntleroy BFA ‘21 
  • Tiny Trooper: Green Vs. Tan – Directed by Senior Reed Wisinski 

The event will be held in-person April 21 to 23 at Facets in Chicago and will stream April 24 to 30. CineYouth is Chicago’s annual film festival for filmmakers 22-years-old and younger from around the world. All CineYouth events are free and open to the public (see full schedule and information for tickets).  

“To have your work recognized by CineYouth, presented by Cinema Chicago, offers immense influence in a director's career trajectory,” says Carolina Posse Emiliani, associate chair, Cinema and Television Arts. “The competitive program seeks work from young storytellers who are bold, daring, and well versed in the classic language of cinema mise en scene.” 

Grateful to have the film’s cast and crew celebrated for their work, Leftwich hopes audiences will connect with See Me. While Fauntleroy is looking forward to the festival’s networking opportunities.  

“I'm especially excited to interact with the filmmakers at the festival, learn about their experiences on their presented films and hear about their next steps in their filmmaking journeys,” Fauntleroy says. 

For Wisinski, it’s simply about having the film seen.  

“I have never had an audience of over five people watch my film at once,” says Wisinski. “It will be a thrill to watch my film alongside my family and friends in a theatre with a live audience.” 

Congratulations to all the filmmakers connected to these works!  

 

See Me

Directed by Josh Leftwich BFA ‘21 

After his older brother goes missing, a young boy sets out in search of him with the help of a mysterious stranger. 

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Sinking

Directed by Gillian Fauntleroy BFA ‘21 

The submarine crew of a 1960s reconnaissance mission notices a mysterious glowing light from the periscope which leads to tension and then hysteria on board. 

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Tiny Trooper: Green Vs. Tan

Directed by Senior Reed Wisinski 

Green Army and Tan Army fight to gain control over the last Oreo on the planet in this playful action-comedy. 

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