Grand Canyon University announced on Mar. 3 that student winners from its annual Pitch Fest and fall Film Festival attended the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. The selected students participated in screenings, workshops, and networking events with industry professionals as part of their award for excelling in campus film competitions.
The opportunity allowed GCU film students to gain exposure to the independent film industry and connect with established filmmakers. This experience is significant for students seeking careers in filmmaking, as it provides them with insights into the profession and encourages them to pursue new opportunities.
Sophomore Tristyn Rivera said, “The experience was very encouraging. You could see other young filmmakers that started where we are at, and now some of them are celebrities, which is inspiring.” Rivera attended Sundance after winning the documentary category at the GCU Film Festival with a project about her family’s bison business in Hawaii. Senior Hallie Williams reflected on lessons learned at the Windrider Summit, a Christian film organization event co-founded by Dr. Craig Detweiler, dean of GCU’s College of Arts and Media: “But one of the guest speakers they brought to Windrider, Christine Swanson (film director and screenwriter), spoke on how to be a Christian in a very dark industry. Our job is to shine where we are put and to be the difference, no matter what. You can witness to your crew on a filmset, and the way you talk, interact and treat people can show Christ.”
Students attended more than 20 screenings across 11 categories at this year’s festival—the last one held in Utah before moving to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. Attendees included notable figures such as director Olivia Wilde, actors Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan, and musician Charli XCX. Senior Julissa Becerril said, “Doing the job that you love and are passionate about doesn’t come easy, but in the end, it is worth it.” She added that attending Sundance reinforced her belief that pursuing a career in film is possible even if immediate success does not follow graduation: “Sundance has taught me that this career is not impossible… As long as I have an idea and a path I want to take, that is what I will strive for.”
Grand Canyon University operates as a private Christian educational institution based in Phoenix, Arizona according to its official website. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs including nursing, business, healthcare fields as well as flexible learning options both on-campus and online according to its official website. It has received high rankings for its nursing program along with recognition for its campus environment as noted by Niche.com. The university emphasizes Christian values aimed at supporting students’ personal growth while earning their degrees according to its official website.
Looking ahead, GCU continues efforts to provide unique opportunities for student filmmakers through partnerships like those with Windrider Summit at major industry events.
