The 8th Annual Spotlight Showcase was held on February 26th, 2026 and featured a selection of short films produced in recent Film and Media Studies production classes. These films highlighted our talented student directors, cinematographers, and screenwriters, all while ranging in genre from experimental horror, to road-trip comedy and narrative drama. Alumna Nida Chowdry, who was honored at the event, shared her work and experience with the next generation of UC Irvine filmmakers.
Featured Films/Filmmakers:
Perfect
by Ryan Noche
Narrative Drama - Blinded by perfectionism, a painter fails to recognize their own work until seeing it through someone else’s eyes.
A Janitor's Carol
by Lucas Shin
Surreal Slice of Life - A lonesome park bathroom janitor longs for respite beyond his routine.
Night Shift
by Caden Kim
Liminal Horror - Locke tries to escape a creature of unknown origin while working the night shift in a never-ending nightmare.
After the Thrill is Gone
by Olivia Grace Clark
Comedy - After the Thrill is Gone is a buddy comedy where a solo hitchhiker searches for a family member, gaining a new friendship along the way.
A Passage of Silence
by Bardia Samia
Thriller, Drama - Working surveillance for the oppressive regime in Iran, a father’s loyalty is tested when his son needs help escaping regime agents.
180 Days
by Lana Hagog
Narrative drama - As a Gazan poet and his Palestinian-American cousin await the verdict of his asylum case, they bond over cups of tea.
About Nida Chowdry:
Nida Chowdhry is a Pakistani-American writer, director, and actor from Orange County, California. Nida wrote, directed, and starred in her surreal dark comedy debut feature film, ANXIOUS. She created, wrote, and directed the dramedy web series Unfair & Ugly. Nida has also written over 30 episodes of studio television, including for Young Justice (HBO Max), Mira, Royal Detective (Disney), Work It Out Wombats (PBS), and Kitti Katz (Netflix). She was staffed on Netflix’s CoComelon Lane and is currently staffed on an upcoming Disney show.