A group of students represented UTSA at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
MARCH 11, 2025 — Four UTSA students recently participated in the prestigious Film Studies Program at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). This program, which only accepts 40 students per year nationwide, offers undergraduate students from across the United States an immersive learning experience, transforming the festival into an interactive classroom.
The selection process for this program is highly competitive, requiring applicants to submit multiple statements and essays. This year, four UTSA students were selected to participate, comprising 10% of the 2025 cohort. They included Alejandra Esparza, Jazzy Villarreal, Jayden Woods and Noah Cotton.
The SBIFF Film Studies Program is renowned for offering participants unparalleled access to the film industry. Students engage in a packed curriculum that includes priority access to films, acclaimed panel series, filmmaker seminars, tributes and intimate Q&A sessions with filmmakers, talent and other professionals. This immersive experience provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the film industry and its inner workings. It is designed to connect students from regions less central to the film industry with invaluable exposure and networking opportunities.
Villarreal says that one of her most memorable encounters at the festival was “during our closing group conversation with Roger Durling. It was moving how he and Claire Waterhouse cared so deeply about our experience and valued our presence. There were a lot of firsts for me during this trip and I left feeling inspired, knowing they want to see all of us succeed in this industry.”
Paul Ardoin, director of the UTSA Film/Media Program, expressed his admiration for the UTSA participants.
“These students crafted statements and insights about film that ranked them above students from long-lived programs at leading institutions across the country,” he said. “I am not just awed by their accomplishment, I’m also excited and grateful to know they drew such positive attention to our program on such a large stage.”
The SBIFF is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and acknowledged noteworthy actors such as Angelina Jolie and Ralph Fiennes.
“For me, the best part of the festival may have been the Tribute Event & Career Retrospective of Ralph Fiennes,” said Cotton. “It was eye-opening to hear an Oscar-nominated actor talk in depth about his career, being very gracious and speaking candidly on what was going on his life at the time he took those roles. I am very excited to start my own career after learning the skills I need with my film/media degree.”
UTSA's Film/Media program, now in its third year, has been gaining recognition for its rapid development and the exceptional, hands-on learning opportunities it offers students.
“Film festivals are invaluable opportunities for networking, exposure to new films and education about the industry and the art,” says Ardoin. “Our students’ participation at the Santra Barbara International Film Festival is one of many examples of our highly experiential approach to film and media education. Fifteen percent of our students are learning in professional internships this semester. These students deserve all the credit for what they’ve accomplished.”
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