Last month ten senior Film & Television students traveled to Sundance as part of the School of Theatre, Film & Television’s third annual trip to the film festival, long considered the most vital global launchpad for independent filmmakers. This year’s cohort featured a mix of senior BA and BFA students and included Litzy Carrasco, Allie Cincera, Cailan Compierchio, Jordan Fouts, Julia Franco, Alek Mendez, Carlos Montes, Ruben Reynoso, Izzy Serrentino, and Cosmo Brusa Zappellini. They were accompanied by the producers of the Sundance program, Professor Jacob Bricca, ACE and Kerryn Negus, the school’s Director of External Relations and Advancement.
A fully immersive experience, each student gained an insider’s view as part of the Sundance Official Volunteer team, watched new films by lauded filmmakers and fresh voices, expanded their networks at industry events, and participated in exclusive meet-ups with filmmakers and industry pros.
“This has been one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life,” Alek Mendez shared. “Surrounded by some of the most talented filmmakers from around the world, Sundance made me feel seen, understood, and connected in a way I never expected. I leave the festival with a renewed belief that a young Hispanic like myself carries stories that deserve to be told.”
As official Sundance volunteers, students worked shifts at one of the main festival venues, helping to direct incoming and outgoing audience members at screenings and welcome press and VIPs. “Volunteering at Sundance was a life-changing opportunity for me,” shared Cailan Compierchio. “Being in the same room as so many artists and filmmakers made me feel like all my goals of having my own work in a festival like this are entirely possible.”
In between working their shifts and screening a combined 177 films, the 2025 student cohort interacted with filmmakers at exclusive meet-ups arranged by Bricca and Negus. Among others, the students gained insight from industry vets Diane Quon, executive producer of Tadashi Nakamura’s documentary THIRD ACT, and Jesse Moss, co-director of the documentary MIDDLETOWN. Both films screened in competition at the festival.
“Going to Sundance confirmed that I’m on the right path studying filmmaking,” said Julia Franco. “It proved to me once again that cinema is a powerful tool for social change and for giving a platform for unheard voices to spread. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work within this medium and to have seen its beautiful impact at the Festival.”
The attendees also got to witness TFTV alum and noted documentary editor Lindsay Utz (’03) make her directorial debut at Sundance with PRIME MINISTER. The film, which premiered in competition, offers a view inside the life of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, capturing her through five tumultuous years in power and beyond as she redefined leadership on the world stage, made history as the world’s youngest female leader at 37 and became a global feminist icon. At the end of the week, PRIME MINISTER won the Audience Award for World Cinema Documentary.
The 2025 trip was made possible by Jack and Vivian Hanson via the Hanson FilmTV Endowment and by the generous contribution of donor Barbara Molotsky. With thanks to these donors, each participant was provided with accommodation, a Sundance Ignite package providing access to screenings and industry panels, meals and ground transportation, and round-trip flights to Utah.
Read more in the official wrap report:
