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Fiction Documentaries Promotional/Client Work Demo Reels

Discover the creativity and excellence of Taylor University's Film & Media Arts students as they showcase their work. The Film & Media Arts major combines faith, imagination, and technical mastery—supported by top-grade facilities, industry-standard equipment, and a community that inspires purposeful storytelling. With 1,200+ external awards and recognitions, our film program stands as a powerhouse of excellence.

Fiction Films

Wilderness Trip

An ill-equipped counselor leads a group of teens on a camping trip.

Crew: Aidan Merck, Emily Crosier, Ethan Coppel, Cullen Carrera

  • 2025 Hobnobben Film Festival
  • 2025 Bloomington International Film Festival
  • 2024 Centre Film Festival 

 

Edentity Crisis

When middle-aged Ed buys a fake ID to join a senior citizen bowling league, he finds himself in a world of crime.

Crew: Hannah Johnson, Kaylee Bornhofer, Andrew Edwards, Tayler Owens, Nate Conkel

  • 2024 Raleigh Film & Art Festival 
  • 2025 Boomtown Film and Music Festival 
  • 2025 East Lansing Film Festival/Lake Michigan Film Festival

Arcaders

Classmates Max and Garrett try to save their favorite arcade.

Crew: Abby Goebel, Christina Russell, Heidi Dalton, Steve Ryan

  • 2024 Milwaukee Film Festival
  • 2024 PopCon International Film Festival
  • 2024 River Bend Film Festival

Hostage

A group of friends celebrate their last night together with a friendly game that goes awry.

Crew: Trevor Cebulskie, Anna Rodman, Franklin Snyder, Michael Carroll

  • 2024 Indy Film Fest 
  • 2024 River Bend Film Festival
  • 2024 Clean Shorts Film Festival

Dream Soda

An awkward high school boy finally finds his confidence after getting noticed by his longtime crush.

Crew: Sawyer Pasma, Josiah Croasdell, Jack Kersey, Sam McFarland,  Kin Yat Yeung

  • Telly Award Winner: Silver
  • Central Great Lakes Emmy organization: Winner, College Production Award
  • 2022 Wake Forest Film Festival

Documentary Films

Beyond Silence

Description: Two Fort Wayne audiologists bring hearing care to people in need worldwide.

Crew: JP Susantio, Thane Syswerda, Nate Conkel

  • 2024 Chagrin Documentary Film Festival
  • 2024 Loveland Film Festival: nominated for Best Documentary
  • 2024 Hobnobben Film Festival: finalist

Samuel Plato: Preserving a Legacy

As the first African-American architect in Indiana, Samuel Plato overcame the racial restrictions of the early 20th century. Preserving Plato’s deteriorating buildings is crucial to remembering his legacy.

Crew: Elise Masters, Deokjun Lee, Cullen Carrera

  • Central Great Lakes Emmy organization: Winner, College Production Award 
  • 2024 Architecture and Design Film Festival
  • 2024 Indy Shorts International Film Festival

 

Justice for Batman

Mark Racop, a “Batmobile” maker from Indiana, is forced into a criminal court case.

Crew: Aidan Merck, Benjamin Tiede, Jake Shue

  • 2023 Student Academy Awards, Semi-finalist
  • 2024 Atlanta Shortsfest
  • 2023 Twin Cities Film Festival

Kojak: A Fuller Life

Former high school basketball star, Kojak Fuller, uses his life's tragedies to help the youth in his community flourish.

Crew: Darien Taylor, Hannah Caruana, Jon Bomers, Marissa Williams

  • 2022 Yale Student Film Festival
  • 2022 Filmteenth International Film Festival
  • 2022 Gary International Black Film Festival 

Lizzi: Deeper Than Water

As swimmer Lizzi Smith competes in the Paralympics, she must learn to overcome her mental battles before she can rise in the rankings.

Crew: Gabriel Burch, Anna Rodman, Luke Zobel, Ethan Ochs

  • 2022 Indy Shorts International Film Festival 
  • 2022 Atlanta Documentary Film Festival
  • 2022 Hobnobben Film Festival 

Promotional/Client Videos

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Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

An informational video for visitors at the Minnetrista Museum & Gardens in Muncie, Indiana.

Crew: Isaac Maas, JM Griffith, Tavin Reeves, Jack Frede

  • Central Great Lakes Emmy organization, College Production Award for Arts/Entertainment/Cultural Affairs 
  • Silver Telly Award
  • BEA Festival of Media Arts, Award of Excellence
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Main Street Milestones

A heartfelt portrait of Upland, Indiana, that celebrates its historic roots while looking ahead to the milestones shaping its future.

Crew: Elise Masters, Joel Rodgers, Adeline Heuser

  • Central Great Lakes Emmy organization, College Production Award for Editor
  • Indiana Association of School Broadcasters,  1st Place Corporate Video
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Taylor University Dome Tribute

The 64-year story of the beloved dome-shaped student center on Taylor’s campus, from construction to demolition.

Crew: Hannah Caruana, Moira Decraene, Caleb Couvion, Heidi Dalton

  • BEA Festival of Media Arts Award of Excellence 
  • Telly Award Bronze Winner
  • College Broadcasters Inc.: 1st Place for short form non-fiction

Film & Media is part of the Art, Film & Media Department

Contact
Kathy Bruner
Department Co-Chair and Professor of Film & Media Arts

765-998-5512
email

Contact
Judy Kirkwood
Theatre & Film Program Assistant

765-998-5255
email