2025 UT RTF Longhorn Denius Student Film Showcase
The UT Austin Department of Radio-Television-Film is thrilled to present the 2025 UT RTF Longhorn Denius Student Film Showcase. The showcase highlights a rich diversity of recent fiction, documentary, and experimental student films.
Kick off your 2025 SXSW adventures by joining us at a free public screening of the program on Friday, March 7, at 3 pm at AFS Cinema. This community screening is free and open to the public; however, we ask that you reserve your spot in advance so that we can get a head count. Get there early and receive a free small popcorn or candy on us (supplies are limited: we'll start gathering in the lobby as early as 2:30 pm)!
The films in this program contain adult themes. They are solely the creation of the filmmakers and are not intended to reflect the views or values of The University of Texas at Austin.
Check out all of the RTF-related events happening during SXSW 2025!
2025 PROGRAM
THERE’S A KLANSMAN IN THE TRUNK!
Directed by Xavier Ingram (BS 2024)
After a young Black man miraculously survives an attempted lynching by wannabe Klansmen, he is presented with the biggest decision of his life: get revenge or show mercy.
10:00 • Comedy
FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS
Directed by Angel Rodriguez (RTF Senior)
After a difficult move from Mexico and financial strain, single mother Carmen's determination to give her son Samuel a memorable 10th birthday is challenged when their budget falls short. As they navigate disappointment and resentment, they discover the true value of love and sacrifice.
12:35 • Drama
MADAWA
Directed by Musila Munuve (MFA Student)
A young man tries MDMA for the first time to win over a young woman he likes before she moves away.
12:24 • Drama
HEATED
Directed by Shianne Salazar (MFA Student)
Tracie is a 12-year-old Black girl who is fed up with her natural curls and the rough way her mother styles them. After watching a newscaster with a silk press, she decides to straighten her hair without considering the chemistry-altering effects this choice will have on the rest of her life.
7:19 • Experimental
A SONG IS A SONG
Directed by Noah Brummett (RTF Junior)
A short documentary focusing on the filmmaker’s grandfather.
15:50 • Documentary
SET ME FREE
Directed by Harrison Chiu (BS 2024)
In a small town in Texas, a grieving Asian American father struggles to connect with his musically inclined son.
14:04 • Drama
MIRA
Directed by J. Manzo (MFA Student)
When a hole appears in his wall, a devout but isolated young man becomes obsessed with his neighbor, whose lifestyle tests his faith and self-control.
7:03 • Surrealist Drama
TO GIVE
Directed by Crayton Gerst (MFA Student)l
After his mother's sudden death, Azim, a 12-year-old boy, is left to be his grandmother's primary caregiver.
11:54 • Drama
VAIVÉN
Directed by Lizannette Velasco (MFA Student)
Movement is a language that transcends boundaries and expresses what words often cannot. On a lonely night, struggling to fit in, Ivo finds himself as he finds an ally among the crowd.
10:16 • Experimental/Dance
SUMUD صمود
Directed by Leila Saidane (RTF Senior)
Including over sixth months of coverage, SUMUD presents the steadfastness of pro-Palestine activists at The University of Texas at Austin as aggression towards the Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian community increase amongst campus protests of the genocide in Gaza.
16:25 • Documentary
At the heart of the dynamic Austin film scene, UT RTF is the incubator of many of today’s most innovative independent and commercial media makers and curators. Our students discover their unique voices and launch their professional careers through our unified approach that brings together the history and theory of media with hands-on practice, creative exploration, state-of-the-art technology, and expert mentorship.
THE SHOWCASE EXISTS THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF:
Beth and Wofford Denius and the Cain Foundation, Moody College of Communication, and The University of Texas at Austin.
