CineYouth Festival to Feature Work by Columbia's Emerging Filmmakers
Columbia College Chicago is proud to announce that the work of seven of its student and recent alumni filmmakers will be screened the 2025 CineYouth Festival — an annual event presented by the Chicago International Film Festival. CineYouth showcases short films created by filmmakers who are 22 years old and younger from around the globe and provides a platform to amplify new voices in film.
Held live at Facets (1517 W. Fullerton, Chicago) from April 25 to 27, with virtual streaming available from April 28 to May 4, CineYouth offers aspiring filmmakers the chance to screen their work, learn from industry professionals, and connect with fellow creatives. All events are free and open to the public, with ticket reservations required. Visit the CineYouth website for the full schedule and ticket information.
Here are the Columbia student and alumni filmmakers whose short films will be featured at CineYouth this year:
- Margot Torresin (freshman) – “Human Heart”
- Dylan Kaufmann (junior) – “Stay”
- Taylor Wren (senior) – “With a Promise to Love You Deeply”
- Mackenzie Endlich (sophomore) – “The Orange”
- Carlos Lerma (junior) – “Don Chingón”
- Joe Blaugrund ’24 – “The New Raymond”
- Emma Snyder (junior) – “Loose Lace”
About the Films
Mark your calendars to watch this year’s Columbia-connected films at CineYouth:
"Human Heart”
Friday, April 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 27 at 6:00 p.m.
Margot Torresin (freshman)
A documentary that follows two trans individuals, Noah and Star, as they share their experiences and reflect on identity in Chicago.
“Stay”
Saturday, April 26 at 1:00 p.m.
Dylan Kaufmann (junior)
This 2D animated short captures the quiet bond between a lonely young man and his pet bird on his birthday, exploring themes of grief and healing.
“With a Promise to Love You Deeply”
Saturday, April 26 at 9:00 p.m.
Taylor Wren (senior)
A modern folktale about two sisters, Jupiter and Saturn, who journey beyond time to retrieve their mother’s spirit.
“The Orange”
Sunday, April 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Mackenzie Endlich (sophomore)
An older woman’s attempt to enjoy a simple orange becomes a comical standoff with a noisy bird.
“Don Chingón”
Sunday, April 27 at 3:30 p.m.
A young Mexican immigrant wanders his new city in search of food that feels like home.
“The New Raymond”
Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m.
Joe Blaugrund ‘24
A failed burglary turns sinister when a grieving couple sees an opportunity to bring their son back—in a very unexpected way.
“Loose Lace”
Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m.
Emma Snyder (junior)
A playful, slice-of-life film that brings together skating and pizza in a charming ode to everyday moments.
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