TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) proudly presents the 21st edition of I Dream in Widescreen, its annual showcase of senior thesis films and a celebrated launchpad for emerging filmmakers. Consistently ranked among the Top 5 public film schools in the nation, TFTV will host this year’s event on Saturday, May 9, at 7 p.m. at the Fox Tucson Theatre.
This year’s showcase of exceptional films features appearances by acclaimed actors Jon Proudstar (Reservation Dogs) and TFTV alum Craig T. Nelson (Coach, The Incredibles, Parenthood), highlighting the strength and industry reach of the program’s rising talent.
“What’s impressed me is the enthusiasm from the professors and staff,” says Nelson of his experience. “That’s what it’s about: that sense of encouragement and energy that lets students move forward and see what might happen. Encouraging imagination – that dream, that feeling of ‘Can I escape who society is telling me I have to be?’ – is what I think is so valuable. Whether you’re writing it, filming it, or acting in it, you get to present that possibility. That’s what’s being encouraged at TFTV.”
“Craig T. generously shared his profound insight into the craft of creating memorable screen performances and telling stories through film,” said senior thesis instructor Lisanne Skyler. “He created a transformative experience for the students, and we couldn’t be more grateful to Craig T. and his team for their support. What stands out is the extraordinary range and ambition in the entire lineup of student films. We’re excited for the community to experience a showcase that reflects the incredible creativity, discipline, and imagination of our emerging filmmakers.”
The new director of the School of Theatre, Film & Television, Dr. Frances Gateward, added, “I’m especially excited to see these films presented in such a dynamic, public setting. I Dream in Widescreen represents the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and creative development for our students, and showcases their storytelling at a high level alongside industry professionals, reflecting our commitment to preparing the next generation of filmmakers.”
All films will compete for jury prizes, with this year’s panel featuring Film Independent senior programmer Jenn Wilson, TFTV alum Justin Dobbles, Vice President of Production at Disney Entertainment Television, and Jeff Yanc, program director at The Loft Cinema, Tucson’s nationally recognized independent arthouse theater.
The IDIWS2026 line-up is as follows:
- A TALE MOST FOWL – Director: Elias Rice Bensch
- BE STILL, BOONE – Director: Clinton Willis
- IN MEMORY – Director: Sarah Astrowsky
- ON THE ROAD – Director: Lindsey Policar
- GAME NIGHT – Director: Mike Choi
- REBRANDING BOB – Director: Kaitlyn Liddicoat
- SYNESTHESIA – Director: Geen Lee
- THE EXCHANGE RATE – Director: Sean Leeman
- THEY WAIT – Director: David J. Aberle
- VEIN – Director: Ashley Courter
- WHERE THE BIRDS STILL SING – Director: Donovan Heaney
Awards Ceremony hosted by Andrew Flekier and Addy Sciliano.
Event Details
- What: The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television presents the 21st annual I Dream in Widescreen
- Where: Fox Tucson Theatre (17 W. Congress St, Tucson AZ)
- When: May 9, 2026, Doors at 6pm Films at 7pm
- Tickets: $5 for all and available to purchase in advance: https://foxtucson.com/event/idiws-2026/
- Trailer: https://youtu.be/ZbwIFfOoB4Y
About I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN
I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN is an annual year-end celebration of The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television student thesis films. Now in its 20th year, films from the graduating class compete for prizes awarded by a panel of noted jurors from a cross-section of the entertainment industry. Films making their premiere at I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN are regularly selected by festivals around the world including Sundance and the Berlinale. I DREAM IN WIDESCREEN 2025 is sponsored by Film Tucson, Monsoon Production Services, Neil Benton Arts & Entertainment, Hanson FilmTV Endowment, Adobe, The Loft Cinema, Canon, Jane Decker and Gary Dillahunty, Soundsnap, and Blackmagic Design.
About the School of Theatre, Film & Television
The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) nurtures and develops outstanding artists and scholars via rigorous training and mentoring by internationally recognized faculty, high-level internship opportunities, industry-standard resources, and hands-on production experience. TFTV is a Top 5 public film school in the United States, and the only National Top 10 school located outside of LA, Boston and NYC (The Wrap College Issue, ‘25). TFTV’s comprehensive training programs aim to prepare students to succeed in a wide range of careers – in the industry, the arts, and higher education. Each year through its performance season, workshop productions, and screenings, students of TFTV are able to showcase their talents, tell compelling stories, and provide clear results of what happens in their classrooms and studios. FTV LA is the Los Angeles base of TFTV, created in partnership with Film Independent to build community and support the career development of alumni and students in the hub of the entertainment industry.
Contact
Kerryn Negus
Director, Industry and Outreach
School of Theatre, Film & Television
knegus@arizona.edu