The Program in Film & Media Studies is proud to celebrate the premiere of two exceptional student short films at the 26th St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, presented by Cinema St. Louis this summer. Congratulations to the talented student filmmakers, as well as the faculty, staff, collaborators, and community members whose creativity, mentorship, and support helped bring these remarkable projects to the screen. Notably, both selected films launched the two most successful crowdfunding campaigns to date since crowdfunding was introduced as part of the Making Movies II curriculum. Their strong community support during pre-production helped lay the foundation for these projects' successful completion and festival premieres.
This year's showcase theme, A Shared Light, features an outstanding lineup of short and feature-length films, alongside curated programs, workshops, filmmaker conversations, and community events. The festival runs July 17–26 at the Hi-Pointe Theatre.
Explore the full festival schedule, purchase tickets, and learn more at:
https://festivals.cinemastlouis.org/showcase2026/
Featured WashU Film & Media Studies selections include:
Lick Me
Sunday July 19, 2026
17 minutes
Written & Directed by Sam Zhang | FILM 3330 Making Movies II - Spring 2026
https://festivals.cinemastlouis.org/showcase2026/movies/lick-me/
When a mysterious cube begins offering euphoric escape, a fractured husband sacrifices everything in pursuit of manufactured happiness.
Plays in
Narrative Shorts 2 – A Genuine Place to Land
The Headless Angel
Written & Directed by Jessie Goodwin | FILM 3330 Making Movies II - Fall 2024
Saturday July 25 @4PM
https://festivals.cinemastlouis.org/showcase2026/movies/the-headless-angel/
The life of a struggling young man named Sam is turned on its head after a chance encounter with an elusive old man, pushing Sam to dissolve his relationship with the outside world and change his path.
Plays in
