Grand Canyon University (GCU) film students recently experienced a significant milestone by attending the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. This opportunity was awarded to select winners from GCU’s annual Pitch Fest and fall Film Festival, marking a pivotal moment for aspiring filmmakers.
The festival, renowned for showcasing independent films, provided students a platform to engage with industry professionals, attend workshops, and view a diverse selection of films. Sophomore Tristyn Rivera, a winner in the documentary category, expressed her excitement: “The experience was very encouraging. You could see other young filmmakers that started where we are at, and now some of them are celebrities, which is inspiring.”
Rivera’s journey to Sundance began with a documentary about her family’s bison business in Kauai, Hawaii. Initially, she did not plan to participate in the GCU Film Festival, but encouragement from family prompted her to submit her work. Following her success, Rivera, along with fellow winners Hallie Williams and Julissa Becerril, exchanged the warmth of Phoenix for the wintry landscape of Park City.
Networking and Learning Opportunities
While at Sundance, GCU students had the chance to attend various screenings and the Windrider Summit, a partnership with Sundance co-founded by GCU’s College of Arts and Media Dean, Dr. Craig Detweiler. The summit focused on how to maintain a Christian perspective in an industry often viewed as challenging for such values.
“I grew up with the perspective that to follow God’s path for your life, you had to make Christian content,” Williams reflected. She noted that a guest speaker, film director Christine Swanson, emphasized the importance of being a positive influence in a competitive field. “Our job is to shine where we are put and to be the difference, no matter what,” Williams added.
Students attended numerous workshops led by established filmmakers, gaining insights across a range of genres, including drama, action, and romance. The experience encouraged them to maintain an open mind towards unexpected opportunities in their careers. “Doing the job that you love and are passionate about doesn’t come easy, but in the end, it is worth it,” Becerril remarked.
Inspiration from Industry Leaders
This year’s Sundance marked the final festival in Utah before relocating to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027. Students had access to over 20 screenings and 11 categories of films, enhancing their understanding of the industry. Rivera, focused on documentaries, contrasted her interests with Williams’ thrillers and Becerril’s aspiration towards faith-based content.
Notable figures at the festival included director Olivia Wilde, actors Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan, and musician Charli XCX. While some students presented their works, others attended to absorb the atmosphere and network with industry leaders. The collective sentiment among the students was one of motivation and inspiration from the significant opportunities available in filmmaking.
Becerril encapsulated the experience by stating, “To have this opportunity is encouraging to pursue my career. Sundance has taught me that this career is not impossible, even if it doesn’t happen right away.” She emphasized the importance of having a clear vision and determination, regardless of the timelines involved in achieving her goals.
The participation of GCU’s film students at Sundance not only highlights their accomplishments but also underscores the university’s commitment to fostering the next generation of filmmakers in a competitive landscape. The festival experience will undoubtedly influence their future endeavors within the film industry.
