Student Film Festival marks 51 years - Showcases emerging filmmakers
Now in its 51st year, the University of Windsor student film festival continues to showcase emerging filmmakers and offers students a platform to share their work and connect with the creative community on campus. Hosted by the Communication and Film Student Association (CFSA), the festival, held on Thursday, April 9th, 2026, sold out, with 250 people attending.
The event, which ran for 3 ½ hours, showcased a range of films from comedy to horror, to sci-fi and more. 11 films featured in the festival were created by University of Windsor students as part of their Film Capstone Projects. Also featured was a supercut of the Documentary III course, clips from approx. 20 documentaries were edited together to showcase their work.
About 250 people attended the screenings which took place at the Odette School of Business
Originally the Communication Student Association, the CFSA recently rebranded this year, with the hope of providing a bigger space and audience for film students on campus. Co-presidents of the club, Ryan Schiller and Meredith McIntyre, said events like this offer a meaningful opportunity for students who spend months developing their films to showcase their work, often their last projects in the program, before they graduate. With a greater emphasis on STEM disciplines, budget cuts and the rise of artificial intelligence, arts programs have had to adapt to shifting priorities.
“I think it’s really important, especially now more than ever, to showcase the arts in university. And we want to create a night to celebrate real human-made art,” says Meredith, “To have a night for them to celebrate their achievements and to show that in front of hundreds of people is honestly just a great opportunity.”
The CFSA’s Co-Presidents: Ryan Schiller (left) and Meredith McIntyre (right) at the event.
Alongside the celebration of student work, this year’s festival also took a moment to reflect. In a special presentation, the short film My Mother Margaret was screened in dedication to student filmmaker and director of the film, Jaxon Moore, who passed away last July. A group of Jaxon’s friends took the time to finish his film, but also created their own projects as a tribute to his memory. Regardless of whether or not you knew Jaxon, you could see the passion he held for storytelling and the impact he had on the community around him.
Jaxon Moore (right) and the poster for his film My Mother Margaret
“You can see the impact that he left, especially on his friends. I'm really happy that we're able to give them a space to not only showcase their films, but their friends' films who should be there with them,” expressed Ryan.
The sense of community carried throughout the evening, reflected not only in the films themselves but in the audience that filled the room. Each screening was met with support, curiosity, and appreciation. The atmosphere and energy spoke to the shared passion driving both the filmmakers and those who came to watch.
With hopes of expanding the festival even further, the CFSA is excited for the future. “We're hoping for a bigger venue, just a bigger deal, more open to the public. We hope this kind of becomes a thing in Windsor that people look forward to, even if they're not in the university, just if they love film,” says Ryan.
An attendee reads the festival’s pamphlet outlining the evening’s agenda and lineup of presentations.
As the final credits rolled, the evening stood as a celebration honouring not only the stories shared on screen, but the people behind them. In a room filled with filmmakers and supporters, the passion for storytelling has an energy that continues to drive the festival forward year after year.
A list of the films screened at the event and the directors:
The Delivery on Farm Street – Casta Zoumboulis
Based on the 1948 classic, The Delivery on Farm St. follows a depressed woman who is greeted by a strange delivery man. Little does she know that this delivery will be her last.
The Applicant – Liam Quinlan
An unemployed guy down on his luck gets a job interview that may not be everything it’s made out to be.
Parallax – Karter Lauzon
A man is convinced he experienced an alien abduction but as he tries to uncover answers, he begins to lose his grip on reality.
By The Oak Trees – Larissa Cioci
In the 1700s, two women need to flee their home after their friend is convicted and murdered for witchcraft.
Elora – Nathan St. Louis
Months after the untimely passing of their best friend, three young women stay the night at a cottage in the county, as grief seeps in slowly.
Vicarious – Grace McLinden
A young woman’s reality unravels when she begins to experience unfamiliar dreams.
Almost – Kensington Tuer
A hopeless romantic navigates the highs and heartbreaks of online dating, discovering that love isn’t always found behind a screen but sometimes within yourself.
By-Election – Ryan Daniel
A community organizer mounts her campaign to be elected to Windsor’s city council.
Hamond, The Squire – Jagger Riddell
While two armies are on the brink of war, a knight searches for the young squire who holds the one thing that may save their kingdom.
Divine Burden – Alex Djordjevic
After a young man confesses to murdering his parents in a twisted act of faith, a priest must confront the weight of this sin while the killer plans his next sacred attack.
Luna – Julia MacDonald
In the early 2000s, a strange young man’s life changes when he meets a rebellious girl who pulls him into a world of reckless adventure, leaving a lasting mark on him.
Learn more about the CFSA by visiting their website and follow them on Instagram to stay up to date on future events.