Two Columbia-Connected Films Find a Home on Streaming
“American Parent” had several Columbia community members involved, including the Executive Producer and Producer Carolina Posse, associate director and associate professor in Columbia’s School of Film and Television. 
Columbia Alums Jason Gerber ’10 (left) and Blue Gerber ’12 (right) directed “Dawn Dusk,” which will soon be streaming on Amazon and Tubi. Columbia College Chicago alumni and faculty are no strangers to independent filmmaking, and this summer, two of their latest projects reach a broader audience through streaming. “American Parent,” a feature film developed by a team of Columbia faculty and graduates, is now available on Roku. Meanwhile, “Dawn Dusk,” a documentary made by Columbia alumni, will premiere August 15 on Tubi and Amazon.
While different in tone and subject matter, both films reflect the creative and collaborative spirit found at Columbia.
“American Parent” Now Streaming on Roku
An intimate portrait of motherhood, identity, and resilience, this feature was produced by Carolina Posse, associate director and associate professor in Columbia’s School of Film and Television. Posse also served as the film's executive producer, and it was directed and co-written by alum Emily Railsback MFA ‘14. The film captures the chaos of a lesbian couple raising a toddler during the pandemic while navigating career instability and social isolation.
The project is a true Columbia collaboration: Adjunct Faculty Member Michael NJ Wright served as cinematographer, Finishing Editor John Cavallino worked as colorist and title designer, former Media Arts Dean Doreen Bartoni co-wrote and co-executive produced the film, and Music Composition for the Screen alum Gabriel Dib MFA '13 composed the music.
Shot on Chicago’s South and North Sides, the film exemplifies independent filmmaking at its finest.
“Columbia College Chicago has a proud tradition of having teaching artists in the classroom,” says Posse. “My indie feature, ‘American Parent,’ continues this 135-year history that includes the art of creative expression. The film explores love, motherhood, and new beginnings.”
After a world premiere at the British Film Institute’s Flare Festival in London in 2023, the film went on to screen at LGBTQ+ and feminist film festivals around the globe, including stops in Berlin, Melbourne, Munich, Paris, and Chicago.
“Dawn Dusk” Set to Stream August 15 on Tubi and Amazon
Premiering August 15 on Tubi and Amazon, “Dawn Dusk” is a documentary about grief, healing, and creative legacy. The film follows Columbia Fashion alum Chelli Look ’08, a leather bag designer, as she copes with the murder of her sister due to domestic violence. Directed by Film and TV alums Jason Gerber ‘10 and Blue Gerber ‘12, the film offers a poetic and nonlinear meditation on trauma, resilience, and purpose.
“We’ve spent years pouring our hearts into making this film, following the dawns and dusks of Chelli’s journey,” says Blue Gerber. “We can’t wait to share her story of healing and hope.”
Filmed over several years, “Dawn Dusk” interweaves this creative process with emotional interviews and a score by Emmy-winning composer Silas Hite.
The documentary premiered at the 2024 American Documentary and Animation Film Festival and recently won Best of Illinois at the 2025 Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival.
Streaming Details:
- "American Parent" — Now streaming on Roku
Watch the Trailer
- "Dawn Dusk" — Streaming August 15 on Tubi and Amazon
Watch the Trailer