Screen Veterans Join Emerging Filmmakers at University of Arizona's I Dream in Widescreen

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

School of Theatre, Film & Television

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     April 16, 2026

 

Screen Veterans Join Emerging Filmmakers at University of Arizona’s I Dream in Widescreen

Actor Craig T. Nelson on set during production of senior Clinton Willis’ Be Still, Boone — one of eleven senior thesis films premiering at I Dream in Widescreen.  Photo: Julius Schlosburg.

 

 

TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) proudly presents the 21st edition of I Dream in Widescreen, its annual showcase of senior thesis films and a celebrated launchpad for emerging filmmakers. Consistently ranked among the Top 5 public film schools in the nation, TFTV will host this year’s event on Saturday, May 9, at 7 p.m. at the Fox Tucson Theatre.

This year’s showcase features appearances by acclaimed actors Jon Proudstar (Reservation Dogs) and TFTV alum Craig T. Nelson (Coach, The Incredibles, Parenthood), highlighting the strength and industry reach of the program’s rising talent.

“What’s impressed me is the enthusiasm from the professors and staff. That’s what it’s about: that sense of encouragement and energy that lets students move forward and see what might happen. Encouraging imagination — that dream, that feeling of ‘Can I escape who society is telling me I have to be?’ — is what I think is so valuable. Whether you’re writing it, filming it, or acting in it, you get to present that possibility. That’s what’s being encouraged at TFTV.”

— Craig T. Nelson, TFTV Alumnus

“Craig T. generously shared his profound insight into the craft of creating memorable screen performances and telling stories through film. He created a transformative experience for the students, and we couldn’t be more grateful to Craig T. and his team for their support. What stands out is the extraordinary range and ambition in the entire lineup of student films. We’re excited for the community to experience a showcase that reflects the incredible creativity, discipline, and imagination of our emerging filmmakers.”

— Lisanne Skyler, Senior Thesis Instructor, TFTV

“I’m especially excited to see these films presented in such a dynamic, public setting. I Dream in Widescreen represents the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and creative development for our students, and showcases their storytelling at a high level alongside industry professionals, reflecting our commitment to preparing the next generation of filmmakers.”

— Dr. Frances Gateward, Director, TFTV

All films will compete for jury prizes. This year’s panel features Jenn Wilson (Film Independent senior programmer), Justin Dobbles (TFTV alum and Vice President of Production, Disney Entertainment Television), and Jeff Yanc (Program Director, The Loft Cinema). The awards ceremony will be hosted by Andrew Flekier and Addy Sciliano.

 

IDIWS 2026 Film Lineup

A Tale Most Fowl  —  Director: Elias Rice Bensch

Be Still, Boone  —  Director: Clinton Willis

In Memory  —  Director: Sarah Astrowsky

On the Road  —  Director: Lindsey Policar

Game Night  —  Director: Mike Choi

Rebranding Bob  —  Director: Kaitlyn Liddicoat

Synesthesia  —  Director: Geen Lee

The Exchange Rate  —  Director: Sean Leeman

They Wait  —  Director: David J. Aberle

Vein  —  Director: Ashley Courter

Where the Birds Still Sing  —  Director: Donovan Heaney

 

 

Event Details

What	I Dream in Widescreen — 21st Annual Senior Thesis Film Showcase
Where	Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St., Tucson, AZ
When	Saturday, May 9, 2026 — Doors 6:00 p.m. | Films 7:00 p.m.
Tickets	$5 general admission — foxtucson.com/event/idiws-2026/
Trailer	youtu.be/ZbwIFfOoB4Y

 

 

About I Dream in Widescreen

I Dream in Widescreen is an annual year-end celebration of UA TFTV student thesis films. Now in its 21st year, films from the graduating class compete for prizes awarded by a panel of noted industry jurors. Films premiering at I Dream in Widescreen are regularly selected by festivals worldwide, including Sundance and the Berlinale.

Sponsors include Film Tucson, Monsoon Production Services, Neil Benton Arts & Entertainment, Hanson FilmTV Endowment, Adobe, The Loft Cinema, Canon, Jane Decker and Gary Dillahunty, Soundsnap, and Blackmagic Design.

About the School of Theatre, Film & Television

The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) nurtures and develops outstanding artists and scholars via rigorous training, internationally recognized faculty, high-level internship opportunities, industry-standard resources, and hands-on production experience. TFTV is a Top 5 public film school in the United States and the only National Top 10 school located outside of Los Angeles, Boston, and New York City (The Wrap College Issue, ’25).

FTV LA, TFTV’s Los Angeles presence, was created in partnership with Film Independent to support career development for alumni and students in the heart of the entertainment industry.

 

University of Arizona College of Fine Arts — Arizona Arts — 1017 N. Olive Rd., Tucson, AZ 85721

 

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