Four brief films created by students from WashU’s Program in Film and Media Studies in Arts & Sciences recently debuted during the 25th annual St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase.
Organized by Cinema St. Louis, the exhibition occurred from July 18-27 at the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre. This year’s motif, “Show Me,” featured 13 programs and 78 films — all composed, directed, edited, or produced by St. Louis locals or artists with deep connections to St. Louis.
“A Bird in the Field” (2025) revolves around an ornithologist whose relationship starts to deteriorate following the loss of her research funding. Filmed on 16mm during a study-abroad semester at FAMU, the renowned film and television academy in Prague, the film is overseen by Marielle Morrow, co-authored with Cole Bernstein, and edited by Bernstein.
The other three films were all crafted on the Washington University in St. Louis campus as part of courses led by Deirdre Maitre, a senior lecturer and filmmaker in residence. They include:
“Ceaseless Current” (2025). Authored and directed by Clara Nipper, as part of “Making Movies I: The Fundamentals of Narrative Dramatic Filmmaking,” this short narrative follows a stressed college student whose desire for extra hours in the day is unexpectedly granted.
“The Misconduct of Mr. Arnold” (2025). Authored, directed, and edited by Muqing Niu, as part of “Making Movies II: Intermediate Narrative Filmmaking,” the narrative centers on Ryan, an average theatergoer who is suddenly placed in the limelight.
“My Name is Pop-Pop” (2025). Created and directed by Sasha Kudon, as part of “Documentary Production,” this film showcases Kudon’s grandfather, Marc Silverman. Between 1969 and 1971, during the peak of the Vietnam War, Silverman served as a frontline soldier with the 47th Infantry Regiment and later with the 101st Airborne Division.
For additional details about the Filmmakers Showcase, visit cinemastlouis.org. For more information regarding study-abroad options at FAMU, offered in partnership with CET Academic Programs, check out WashU’s Global Gateway website.
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