Oglethorpe University welcomed students, faculty and community members to campus for the sixth annual “Last Looks” student film festival, an evening dedicated to showcasing original student filmmaking and creative experimentation.
The festival featured a full program of student-produced films spanning narrative, documentary, experimental and promotional formats. Together, the screenings reflected the breadth of storytelling and technical skills students develop through Oglethorpe’s hands‑on approach to film and media studies.
Last Looks continues to serve as a key creative milestone for student filmmakers, offering a supportive space to premiere work, learn from peers and experience their films as part of a shared audience. For many students, the festival marks an important step in translating classroom learning into polished projects and public presentations.
The event also underscored Oglethorpe’s role as an environment where emerging filmmakers are encouraged to take creative risks, collaborate across disciplines and imagine what comes next. By pairing foundational instruction with opportunities to screen original work, the university helps students build confidence, refine their craft and leave inspired to pursue larger and more ambitious projects.
2026 ‘Last Looks’ film festival award winners
Best Narrative Film
“My Life is a Movie” — Vasilina Kolesnikova
Best Documentary Film
“Hair” — Lia Kusky
Best Experimental Video
“Xin Liu: Hope and Reflection” — Eden Rowell
Best Promotional Video
“P.O.V. Trailer” — Nina Mello
Capturing Culture
Third Place: “A Republic, If You Can Keep It” — Evan Williams
Second Place: “From Her Hands to His” — Kaylee Kula
First Place: “Hair” — Lia Kusky
Best Overall
First Overall: “Dog Problems” — Paul Danner
Second Overall: “From Her Hands to His” — Kaylee Kula
Third Overall: “Sloth: Official Trailer” — Ethan Snipes
Audience Favorite
“Dog Problems” — Paul Danner
With a wide range of films screened and multiple students recognized across categories, the sixth annual Last Looks Film Festival highlighted both individual achievement and the collaborative creative culture that defines filmmaking at Oglethorpe University.
