A demonstration of skill and creativity at UTSA’s annual College of Liberal and Fine Arts Research Conference and Showcase occurred from April 2 to April 3 at the Main Campus.
Students and alumni eagerly awaited their respective department showcase. Craftsmanship was at its peak along with an inviting itch for knowledge and skill that these scholars displayed. As the first events started, performance halls delivered an amalgam of sounds while students tuned and practiced on their instruments for class or the 2025 Music-Lecture Performance Competition.
As judges entered the Music Lecture and Performance showcase, nervousness enveloped the performers, as some tensely clutched their respective instruments. However, this did not stop them from delivering interesting and noteworthy lectures as well as dumbfounding performances, in which their passion flooded the room with entrancing musical expertise.
Benny Elrod’s arrangement of “No Escape” from the “Hades” video game stunned the judges. The harmonious strings entwined the ensemble’s deep breaths as they moved their bow in accordance, creating a strong sound that fluttered easily into the listener’s ears and lingered in the audience’s minds. His piece demonstrated the skills of each student in the ensemble while showing their devotion to music.
The COLFA Music-Lecture Performance showcased a concoction of skills and passion, leaving spectators delighted with music students and alumni as they translated their visions and knowledge into euphonious pieces.
Directors, producers, actors and more gathered at UTSA’s RETAMA auditorium excitedly waiting for the film showcase and the costume contest hosted by Entertainment & Film club President Julio Brindis Ahumada to start.
“You can’t make a movie alone,” says Film and Media Professor Anna Stypko, “Filmmaking is just as much about building relationships as it is about perfecting your craft. The people you meet in this program could be your collaborators for life, so treat them well.”
The time for the screenings arrived.“The Cutting Room Floor,” a 90s slasher-inspired short film by students Amber Montañez and Dave Franco, had everyone cracking up and rolling on the floor.
“Seeing it all come together after all the hard work you put in preproduction and production throughout all the obstacles you faced to see it all come together in the edit, it just feels amazing,” Amber explained.
“Depo Baby,” a murder mystery drama, had most people intensely leaning into the screen as the film progressed. With amazing camera work, an engaging script and sensational acting, “Depo Baby” wrapped up with a gasp-inducing ending and loud cheers from the audience.
“Probably the hardest part of being a student in film is trying to find locations,” director Davis Stainfield of “A Terrible Day for Lee Breezy,” explained.
The Lynchian film exhibited a variety of locations and emotions. The well-crafted production revealed the innovative idea of challenging the conventions of film and the indomitable spirit of students and alumni in the film and media department.
As the film event concluded, effusive cheers and whistles erupted throughout the auditorium. Students and alumni demonstrated their endearment for film as well as their astounding craftsmanship towards filmmaking.
“Start with a good story,” expressed Professor Stypko. “If you’re going to go through the challenging, time-consuming and often expensive process of making a film, make sure it’s a story you believe in.”
The 2025 COLFA Research Conference and Showcase demonstrated student and alumni passion towards their respective academic and creative fields. It was an enriching learning experience that promises a bright future for the arts and humanities.
English
Spanish