Since taking home the “Best Overall” award at the 2024 Last Looks Film Festival, Justin Edwards ‘25 and Karla Ojeda ‘24 have kept busy with their short film “Janitor 988.”

In fact, the duo’s hard work and talent have given them significant recognition beyond Oglethorpe. Their film was recently screened at two international film festivals: the Albuquerque Film Festival and Cobb International Film Festival (CIFF).

CIFF, held at the historic Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta, brings together filmmakers of all experience levels to showcase their work, from up-and-coming talent to established industry professionals.

Edwards and Ojeda presented their film alongside other well-known names in the industry, like “Stranger Things” actor Matthew Modine and “The Walking Dead” actor Chandler Riggs.

In addition to Oglethorpe’s festival accolades, “Janitor 988” was named a semi-finalist for the Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival and won ‘Best Actor’ at the Cobb International Film Festival. 

Edwards, who not only co-directed but also starred in the short film, was shocked when he heard his name called to receive the award at CIFF. 

“Having our little film selected for CIFF and shown at the Strand Theatre was already a humbling experience in itself,” says Edwards. “Winning an award was truly unexpected, but we were very grateful to receive the honor.”

“To be able to see Justin and I’s work at the CIFF was such an indescribable honor,” says Ojeda. “To see one’s work on a theater screen is something that I don’t think any filmmaker can get enough of.”

Edwards and Ojeda originally started this creative project in the Short Film Production course taught by Film and Media Studies lecturer Ronald Burgess. Ojeda credits the class for bringing her and Edwards together to pursue this opportunity.

“My advice to any student filmmakers would be to truly make those bonds and connections with people who share the same artistic passion,” says Ojeda. “People you meet in classes don’t have to be just classmates, they can be the crew or cast for your next project. And put yourself out there, go to the conventions, go to the small film festival, start conversations with people you meet, you have to be willing to put yourself out there to make it.”