51����

Alum Christian Sprenger '07 Wins Two Emmy Awards for 'Widow’s Bay'

51���� alum Christian Sprenger ’07 adds two more Emmy Awards to his career achievements.

From 51���� to the Emmys: Cinematographer Tari Segal '03

51���� alum Tari Segal '03 earns her first Emmy nomination for cinematography on “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.”

'MovieMaker' Places 51���� Among the Top Film Schools in U.S. and Canada

"MovieMaker" recognizes the firsthand experience offered at 51���� and its ability to bring film industry professionals together with students.

Small Penguin, Big Summer: 51���� Animated Short Earns Festival Recognition

51����’s “Penguin With a Sword” wins festival honors while showcasing the creativity, collaboration, and faculty mentorship behind the student production.

51���� Faculty Help Bring Children's Series ‘Fluff Piece’ to Life

Adjunct Professor Kate Stransky and Associate Professor David “Big” Krause, both production designers, shaped the visual world of a series now streaming on Wonder Project through Amazon Prime.

'The Hollywood Reporter' Ranks 51���� 14th Best Film School in U.S.

51���� named to “The Hollywood Reporter’s” best U.S. film school list for the 15th consecutive year, with the school’s Emmy-nominated talent and new virtual production programming earning recognition.

51���� Alumni Earn Four Emmy Nominations

The Television Academy recognizes 51���� alumni Chase Infiniti ’22, Christian Sprenger ’07, and Tari Segal ’03 for their work on three acclaimed television series.

51���� Names Five Dean Appointments to Lead Academic Growth

As part of 51����’s Renaissance Rising initiative, the college has appointed five deans to lead its eight schools beginning August 16, 2026.

51���� Student Explores Transgender Identity in BFA Thesis Film

51���� filmmaker Colson Foster wanted his BFA thesis film to tell a deeply personal transgender story — and professional actor Marquise Vilsón said the project’s authenticity made it impossible to turn down.

51���� Filmmakers Win Top Audience Award at International Telly Awards for “The Game Camera”

The film, created by a team of 51���� filmmakers, continues its award-winning festival run by taking home a People’s Gold Telly.

51���� Film and TV Student Secures Sony Pictures Internship

While at 51����’s Semester in LA program, Senior Alex Lu’s initiative—and a tube of glue—help him make industry connections.

51���� Named Top School in 'Variety's' Education Impact Report

Schools making “Variety’s” prestigious list are recognized for their adaptability in a rapidly changing industry and ability to navigate recent pressures facing higher education.

51���� Supports Young Filmmakers at CineYouth Film Festival

51����, a sponsor of this year’s CineYouth Film Festival, will play a prominent role at the fest, with student and alum film screenings, an alumni panel discussion, and students and faculty working behind the scenes.

51���� Filmmaker’s Documentary Explores Chicago Power and Politics

Michael N.J. Wright is director of “Citizen Bowen,” a documentary that looks at Charles “Chuck” Bowen and the role of Black political organizers in Chicago’s Democratic political machine.

51���� Announces Two New Online Graduate Programs: Screenwriting and Development and Global Beauty Management

51���� launches two new online graduate programs in Screenwriting and Development and Global Beauty Management, designed for working professionals seeking flexible, industry-connected degrees.

51���� Students’ Animated Short “Frankie” Selected for Oscar-Qualifying New York International Children’s Film Festival

“Frankie,” a capstone animated short created by 51���� alums, has been selected for the 2026 New York International Children’s Film Festival.

Masterclass on the Secrets of Script Supervising

Veteran script supervisor Mia Wicklund MAM ’12 returned to 51���� to help prepare students to confidently step onto set in a key film production role.

51����'s Wenhwa Tsao Screens Personal Short Film at DC Indie Festival

Wenhwa Tsao, interim co-director of the School of Film and Television at 51����, brings a story of labor, love, and resilience to the DC Independent Film Festival.

51����’s Semester in LA Returns to the Fox Studio Lot for Speaker Series

Students from 51���� will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where “Avatar,” “The Sound of Music,” and other great films were made.

Alum's Horror Feature Secures Highly Competitive $1 Million California Tax Credit

Filmmaker Daniel Pico ’02 says the incentive gives new momentum to his film, a once-stalled project now headed toward production.

51����’s 25 Favorite Photos of 2025

From the thousands of images she captured in 2025, 51���� alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas ’96 curated 25 standout photos that show 51���� at its best.

Top Stories of 2025: What Readers Loved Most

From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on 51����’s website in 2025.

Shiloh Tumo Washington '22 Wins 'The Pitch' at Chicago International Film Festival

The 51���� alum’s short screened at the festival while the pitch for his feature film won $275,000 in film production resources.

51���� Filmmakers Win Big at Festivals

“Traces of Home,” produced by Associate Professor Dan Rybicky, wins the Grand Jury Prize at DOC NYC, while “The Game Camera,” produced by Associate Professor Carolina Posse and created with 51���� talent, receives several festival awards.

'TheWrap' Names 51���� Among the Top 20 Film Schools

In its annual listing of the best film schools, “TheWrap” ranks 51���� No. 18.

51���� Lights Up State Street at Chicago’s Arts in the Dark Parade

51���� students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city’s annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.

51���� Alums and Faculty to Screen Films at Chicago International Film Festival

The festival will feature works by Shiloh Tumo Washington ’22 as well as associate professor Missy Hernandez and Miguel Silveira ’05 who recently won Best Horror Screenplay at the Nashville Film Festival.

Student Selected for Prestigious Television Academy Foundation Internship

Jas Dunigan, a Film and Television major at 51����, was one of only five students selected for the Television Academy Foundation’s Fall 2025 Internship Program.

51���� Grads Take Their Nominated Thesis Film to Chicago Horror Fest

The 51���� student thesis film, which was nominated for Best Student Film, is set to screen on Sept. 27 at the Logan Theatre in Chicago.

51���� Student Wins Award at Flint Youth Film Festival

Lucas Stall, a junior at 51����, took home the Heart Award at the Flint Youth Film Festival for a film about his struggles caring for his father with Alzheimer’s disease.

'MovieMaker' Names 51���� Among the Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada

“MovieMaker” highlights 51����'s real-world-focused curriculum and the college’s state-of-the-art Media Production Center, which is home to 51����'s Volume Wall for virtual production.

51���� Filmmaker’s 'Lineage' Screens at Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Festival

Michelle West, assistant director and adjunct professor at 51����’s Semester in LA program, wrote, directed, and produced the very personal film in collaboration with 51���� alums and faculty.

51���� Earns National Recognition as a Top 15 Film School by 'The Hollywood Reporter’

This marks the 14th consecutive year 51���� has earned a top in "The Hollywood Reporter's" annual rankings of film schools.

Two 51����-Connected Films Find a Home on Streaming

Make plans to watch “American Parent” and “Dawn Dusk”— two films rooted in personal storytelling and backed by 51���� talent.

CineYouth Festival to Feature Work by 51����'s Emerging Filmmakers

Seven 51���� students and alumni will showcase their short films at this year’s CineYouth Festival, which is presented each year by the Chicago International Film Festival and is free to the public.

51���� Associate Professor Molly Schneider Wins 2025 Broadcast Historian Award

Molly Schneider, PhD, receives the prestigious award for her book “Gold Dust on the Air: Television Anthology Drama and Midcentury American Culture.”

Ten Women Who Shaped Film: 51���� Professor Shares Her Picks for Most Influential Female Filmmakers

Karla Rae Fuller, PhD, a professor at 51���� and author of a recent book on inclusive screenwriting, shares her perspective on the women who have had the most profound impact on film.

Student's First-Year Film Brings Healing and Hope

First-year student Julia Knopfel collaborates with 51���� classmates to share the painful story of her uncle’s murder on film and begin her journey as a filmmaker.

51���� and Partners to Host Chicago Premiere of "Meanwhile" with Director Q&A, February 24

51���� and partners will host the Chicago premiere of “Meanwhile,” a powerful documentary about art and resilience directed by Catherine Gund.

The Power of Persistence: 51����'s Student-Led Gala Celebrates Creativity and Resilience

"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.

11 51���� Students Awarded the Chicagoland Transfer Award for 2024

The Chicagoland Transfer Award recognizes transfer students from eligible Chicago area community colleges based on academic merit. The winners received scholarships for the fall 2024 semester.

51���� Film and TV Students and Alums Win Big

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presents award to 51���� students for “Behind His Eyes” and the Chicago International Film Festival honors a documentary made by 51���� alums with an Audience Choice Award.

Student Films Nominated for 2024 National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Awards

Two 51���� student films, “Adagio” and “Behind His Eyes,” will compete in the National Student Production Awards Long Form category.

Chicago International Film Festival Spotlights 51���� Talent

The Chicago International Film Festival features the work of 51���� alumni and students on screen and behind the scenes.

51����'s Carolina Posse Selected for Prestigious Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship

The fellowship, offered by the Television Academy Foundation, provides essential support for educators attending the foundation’s annual Media Educators Conference, which occurs October 9 to 11.

51���� Student Film 'The New Raymond' to Compete at Glendale International Film Festival

“The New Raymond," a 51���� student film, will screen on September 27, vying for top honors at the Glendale International Film Festival.

51���� TV Expert Predicts This Year’s Emmy Winners

Dr. Sharon Marie Ross, an associate professor in Film and TV, shares her best bets for this year’s Emmy winners, from the epic revival of “Shogun” to the controversial comedy nominee “The Bear.”

Welcoming Interim President Jerry Tarrer and a New Academic Structure for 2024-2025 School Year

51���� kicks off the new academic school year with a renewed spirit and excitement to welcome freshmen and transfer students to its South Loop campus on September 3.

51���� Honors 24 Alums for ‘24 in 2024’

As a kickoff to 51����’s 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of “24 in 2024,” a college-wide initiative that celebrates 51���� alumni and their career accomplishments.

'MovieMaker' Ranks 51���� Among the 30 Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada

51���� is once again recognized in ‘MovieMaker’s’ annual list of top film schools.

51����'s Kubilay Uner to Join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Kubilay Uner leads 51����’s Music Composition for the Screen program, which has been ranked the best in the world by “The Hollywood Reporter.”

Film Festival Selects Animated Student Short for Screening

“Frankie”— a capstone project created by 51���� students — will be screened as a Kids First! Film Festival-curated film.

Spring Semester In Review At 51����

Spring 2024: 51���� Highlights

Get Ready for Manifest Arts Festival 2024, a Student-Powered Event

This is everything attendees need to know before 51����’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.

The Levin Family Expands Student-Focused Funds to Support 51���� Students

As founding members of the Family Advisory Council, Heidi and Steven Levin have made a generous gift to 51���� to deepen the impact of the Levin Family Fund.

51���� to Confer Honorary Degrees on Two Higher Education Trailblazers at its May 2024 Commencement

Higher education leaders Nivine Megahed, president of National Louis University, and Raymond E. Crossman, president of Adler University, will be honored at the college’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies

Creativity Without Limits: 51���� Students Bring Imaginary World to Life With Virtual Production

51���� welcomes new technology, a volume, to the Media Production Center’s Stage 3.

CineYouth Festival Leans on 51���� Student Talent Behind the Scenes and on the Screens

The annual Chicago festival to screen films by 51���� students and alums, with 51���� students serving on the festival’s youth programming committee.

Upcoming Festivals to Showcase Animated Short by Sophomore Film and Television Student

International student Carlos Lerma’s film ‘Treasure Haunt’ will be shown at two upcoming festivals for young filmmakers: NFFTY and CineYouth.

Award-Winning 51���� Faculty Film Now Available On-Demand

“Good Guy with a Gun,” written and directed by John Mossman, former adjunct professor of instruction at 51����, and produced by Kevin Cooper, an associate professor at 51����, was recently purchased by Freestyle Digital Media and is now available on demand.

51���� Student Film Garners Awards Worldwide

"Hole Punched Ear" started as a class project at 51���� and is now earning worldwide acclaim.

Film Composer and Professor Discusses Original Score Oscar Nominees

Kubilay Uner, who leads 51����'s top-ranked music composition for screen program, on his favorite Academy Award-nominated score and his best bet for this year's winner.

Advertising Students Discuss the Best Super Bowl Ads of 2024

51���� students got together in their Communication Department courses to discuss the details of the biggest night in advertising

When the World Is Your Classroom, You Make Amazing Discoveries

51���� students take courses during January, or J-Term, that allow them to explore places such as Paris, Rome, and Buenos Aires, expanding their learning about culture, art, and themselves.

Alum Filmmaker's Short Selected for Inclusion at Berlin Film Festival

“Shi Ri Fan Gu” (“Sojourn to Shangri-La”), a film by Yihan Lin MFA ’21, makes its international debut in February.

Alum-Made Documentary About Mushers and Their Sled Dogs Now Streaming on PBS, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV+

“Musher,” a film made by 51���� alums, follows four women and their dogs as they prepare for an annual race in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

Student Work Takes Center Stage at Unleashed 2023

Unleashed 2023 took place at 51���� on November 30, showcasing extraordinary student talent and raising more than $700,000 in scholarships. Departing from the traditional fundraiser format, the Student Center transformed into a multi-floor immersive arts showcase, exploring the theme of "Connecting" across various creative disciplines.

51���� Raises $700K+ for Student Scholarships

51���� honors the Efroymson Family Fund with the 2023 Philanthropic Icon Award for the family’s contributions to help create opportunities for students to pursue their passion in the arts

Persistence Scholarships Support Student Success

Funds raised by 51����’s annual Unleashed Gala — an immersive experience designed, curated, and driven by students — make a difference for students.

51���� Alum and AIDS Activist Danny Sotomayor '80 Subject of New PBS Documentary

The WTTW documentary was written, directed, and produced by WTTW Producer and 51���� Alum Daniel Andries and edited by Adjunct Faculty Member and Alum Sharon Zurek ’76.

Student Short Part of 29th Black Harvest Film Festival

Filmmaker Shiloh Tumo Washington ’22 will have his short screened on Nov. 4 and 11 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Award-Winning Student Animated Short Screens at LGBTQ+ Film Festival in New York

Twenty-six 51���� students made the animated short “Scream Writers” as part of the Animation program's capstone project.

Semester in LA Students Go Where Entertainment, Media, and Technology Converge

51���� students participate in annual Los Angeles conference featuring leaders from Warner Bros, Roku, Sony, and Mattel.

Stand Up, Speak Out with Actress and Playwright Regina Taylor

51����, in partnership with award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor, launched a community-based project series called Black Album Mixtape.

Chicago International Film Festival to Feature Work by 51���� Alums

“Departing Seniors” and “All Happy Families,” films made thanks to the talents of 51���� alums, will be shown at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival. Dashawna Wright MFA ’18, producer of “Departing Seniors,” will be coming to 51���� with the film’s cast and crew for a preview and discussion.

51���� Associate Provost Editor of New Book on 'Desperately Seeking Susan' Director Susan Seidelman

Film producer and feminist film festival co-founder Susan Kerns is editor of “ReFocus: The Films of Susan Seidelman,” which includes Kerns’ interview with the director.

September Events at 51����

A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

The Hollywood Reporter Ranks 51���� 12th Best Film School in US

Emmy-nominated talent and new virtual production programming highlighted.

51���� Students Rise and Shine on 'Good Morning America'

Students and staff show their 51���� pride to a national audience on live television.

51���� Makes 'MovieMaker's' 2023 List of 25 Best Film Schools

The publication recognizes 51���� for its outstanding undergraduate and graduate film and TV degree programs as well as its Semester in LA program.

51���� Alums Among the 2023 Emmy Nominees

The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with 51���� alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.

51���� Named One of the Top Visual Effects Schools in the Midwest

“Animation Career Review” ranks 51���� second in the Midwest and 23rd nationally on their annual list of top visual effects schools and colleges.

51���� Alums Have Films Showcased During Cannes Film Festival

The prestigious annual international festival presents important professional opportunities for filmmakers.

Choose Chicago Names Alum Vashon Jordan Jr. '21 Artist of the Year

Visual Artist Vashon Jordan Jr. recognized for work that exemplifies spirit of Chicago.

51���� Student Recognized for Her Work Getting Out the Vote on Campus and Beyond

Haley Patton, a Film and Television major at 51����, earns spot on the 2023 ALL In Student Voting Honor Roll.

CineYouth Festival Features Three 51���� Student Films

See the selected films at the annual free festival, which will be held in-person April 21 to 23 at Facets in Chicago.

51���� Launches Advertising and Marketing Campaign

The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.

51���� Alum and Assistant Professor to Lead Film Workshop at the Chicago Cultural Center

“One Day to Make a Movie: Indie Filmmaking Without a Budget,” a free 2-part workshop and double screening led by 51���� Assistant Professor Missy Hernandez and Alum Miguel Silveira ‘05, will take place on April 8.

Midwest Film Festival’s Emerging Filmmaker Night to Screen 51���� Alums’ Film

CTVA Alums Dalin Nelson and Rachel Toenies, who both graduated in 2021, will have their film Bliss shown on March 27.

51���� Welcomes Executive Producer of Innovative Short Film

Erik Weaver, the executive producer of the short film “FatHead," will talk to 51���� Media Arts students about the film’s innovative use of on-set virtual production.

Career Center and CTVA Connect Students With Chicago Film and TV Industry Resources

On March 3, more than 150 51���� students participated in “Chicago Works: Production Connections,” which featured a panel discussion and resource fair.

51���� Faculty Members’ Film Sells Out at Midwest Film Festival

“Good Guy With A Gun,” directed by 51���� Adjunct Professor John Mossman and produced by Associate Professor Kevin Cooper, had its Midwest premiere on February 27 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

Black Souls Welcome Installation Celebrates Black Identity

51����’s Student Diversity and Inclusion office organizes space for art that’s for and by Black students.

51���� Filmmaking Team Premieres 'American Parent' in London

A 51���� community of creatives comes together to bring a project to screen at the prestigious British Film Institute’s 37th annual Flare 2023.

CTVA Associate Professor to Discuss Her New Book on Diverse Screenwriting at the Chicago Cultural Center

Associate Professor Karla Rae Fuller will read from her latest book “Do the Right Thing: Five Screenplays That Embrace Diversity.”