On behalf of the TFF 2025 team, we’re thrilled to present this year’s selection of films for your consideration. We received an extraordinary number of submissions for our 14th annual festival and are excited to highlight a true diversity of narratives throughout our 2025 selections. This event would not be possible without your generous support and enthusiasm, and we’re immensely grateful to you for helping us celebrate the next generation of student filmmakers.
For those who were unable to attend in person on May 3rd, or who were in attendance but can’t wait to view these films again, our selections will be available online for a limited time.
*Some material may not be suitable for children, as films of all genres are accepted. Parental guidance is encouraged.
Becoming
A short film exploring transformation, "Becoming" reflects on change, identity, and the passage of time.
A film by Joss Joel Robinson of UConn
The cycle
Desperate for a fix, Moe meets a mysterious man who offers him $100 if he can win a simple game.
A film by Jordan Santamaria of the Fashion Institute of Technology
The little things
"The Little Things" follows the story of a young woman stuck in the monotony of a dull and uninspiring job at an art gallery, all while yearning to pursue her true passion: creating art.
A film by Fisher Hirsch of Wesleyan University
Textures of space
"Textures of Space" focuses on blending the textures of the world around us. A curated soundtrack plays alongside an exploration of the physicality of film form.
A film by Brendan Roger Hollis of the University of Vermont
1 in 6
A veteran reflects on his life and struggles after being medically seperated from the military.
A film by Luke Tatro of the University of Vermont
Oxorin: Nightshade
Agent Leonard Darris is tasked with a mission to retrieve intel from a spy, deep undercover in a criminal organization. When he is fully debriefed on the mission, he is faced with a difficult decision, and a painful truth.
A film by Aria Seyedaria Ghoreshi of UConn
Where we go from here
On her 16th birthday, a teenage girl is confronted by the grief of her mother's passing, facing an unexpected journey to reconnect with her on the other side.
password: Karen2025
A film by Mikayah Shadeedah Lee of the University of Southern California
Indonesia's Silent Emergency: Stunting in Rural Populations
"Indonesia's Silent Emergency: Stunting in Rural Populations" exposes the devastating impact of stunting on children in East Nusa Tenggara, where inadequate nutrition and underdeveloped healthcare systems lead to irreversible cognitive and physical impairments. Through personal stories and expert insights, the film explores the root causes of stunting and highlights the resilience of mothers at the heart of this crisis. It also showcases the efforts of the 1000 Days Fund, emphasizing the power of community-driven solutions to combat this urgent public health issue.
A film by Nayla Punjabi and Dabin Choi of Swarthmore College
Emulsion
A professional photographer who is obsessed with his work finds a vintage camera to test out.
A film by Aaron Dylag of the University of Hartford
The Red Heel
A midcentury comedy about misogyny in the workforce.
password: TheRedHeel2024_4960!#$
A film by Elena Serenko of Ringling College of Art and Design
Umbra
Silas Wren, heir to a powerful crime family, steps into unfamiliar territory. Here, secrets and deception rule, and the line between right and wrong is blurred.
A film by Harrison Pfeiffer and Jay Heyman of Middlebury College
Best Kept Shut
A young woman discovers a hidden, locked door in the house where her father has gone missing.
password: KeepItShut!
A film by Gabriel Lopez of Ringling College of Art and Design
Hair ties
"Hair Ties" explores the emotional and generational impact of wearing naturally curly hair.
password: hairties
A film by Hailey Madramootoo of UConn
House of modern art
In "House of Modern Art," an obsessive cult gathers to perform a grotesque ritual, constructing a distorted piece of artwork that serves as their idol of worship. This experimental film delves into the relationship between creation and consumption, reflecting on the western world's indulgent relationship with media in the 21st century that drives our need to produce and devour content.
password: homa2024!
A film by Matthew Mugweru of Columbia University
The stairs
A rabbit hears strange sounds echoing up from the bottom of the stairs. Listening to them has unexpected consequences.
A film by Faedra Hose of Kenyon College
The puzzler
When an avid puzzler can't find the last piece of his puzzle during a first date, he must work to conceal his true alarm in front of the girl he is trying to impress.
A film by Hannah Cronin of the University of Michigan
Kamo
Charlie, a young teen, wants to fit in with a group of older kids. Max, the group leader, tasks him with stealing beer for the group. Things go sideways when Charlie tries to steal the beer.
A film by Miranda Connolly and Sarah Whitehead of Trinity College and FAMU International
Into the Reds Tale
An abomination mimic creature enters the story of "Little Red Riding Hood" and diguises itself as her, tricking the Big Bad Wolf into walking into a trap.
A film by Alisdair Zheng of Pratt Institute
Cottonwood
An urban farm challenges how vacant land can be used across LA.
password: 310
A film by Arian Tomar of the University of Southern California
The mooning
The Mooning is an animated mocumentary that reveals the truth behind the Moon Landing. This hard hitting documentary uncovers America's lost astronaut, Doug Reynolds. Amidst the darkest moment in our nation's history, only one star was left shining in the sky.
password: themooning
A film by Mason Klesch and Vivian Osness of Ringling College of Art and Design
You are home
Melissa Cook Stadium stands as a testament to love, resilience, and the power of remembrance—built through the unwavering dedication of her parents, Paul and Linda Demo. This film tells the untold story behind one of Notre Dame’s most meaningful landmarks.
A film by Thomas Stephen Larson and Micaela Kastor of the University of Notre Dame
Le Beyrouth
17 year old Sami fights to protect his mother and younger siblings as Beirut is torn apart by civil war.
password: LeBeyrouth_2025
A film by Daniella Raphaël of the University of Southern California
Grog
Scout feels like she doesn't quite fit in with other girls her age. Her best friend, Charlie, is starting to treat her differently, and she doesn't understand why.
password: goforgrog
A film by Anna Gustavsen of the Savannah College of Art and Design