This year marks the milestone 10th anniversary of the UCLAxFilmFest, an annual showcase celebrating the creative works of UCLA Extension Entertainment Studies students and alumni. Since its inception, more than 100 short films have been screened, and each year, a filmmaker is awarded Best Film.

UCLA Extension Newsroom reached out to past winners to look back at their time participating in UCLAxFilmFest, while also seeing how that win propelled their creative careers forward:

2017: Marc Pannia for “OverAgain”

How did it feel to win Best Film at UCLAxFilmFest, and what do you remember most?

I remember being a ball of nervous energy—it was excitement, nerves and pride all mixed into one. It was such a strong program of films, and being there with my UCLA Extension peers, I honestly felt a bit of imposter syndrome because their work was so unique and well done. I was very new at the time, "OverAgain" was the first film I had ever made, so winning Best Film, along with Audience Choice and Best Director, was completely unexpected and felt surreal. What stuck with me most was the reaction after, friends and strangers alike coming up to share kind words and connect with me about the film. That feeling of the work actually landing with an audience on a human level is still the reason I keep doing this.

What have you been up to since, and how did your win propel you forward?

"OverAgain" was the first film I had ever written, produced and directed, so winning at UCLAxFilmFest was a huge early confidence boost and gave me a sense I was on the right track. Since 2017, I’ve been producing and directing across different genres and formats, from short form and music videos to features. I’ve been involved in projects that went on to strong festival runs, including two that were Oscar-nominated. Alongside that, I’ve been doing creative work in the commercial space with major national and international brands, both in traditional campaigns and social content. At the same time, I’ve been developing a personal slate of feature projects I’m producing that lean more toward long-form storytelling and my own taste as a filmmaker.

2019: Sarah Clift for “La Madre Buena”

How did it feel to win Best Film at UCLAxFilmFest, and what do you remember most?

I was thrilled that the film was recognized. What stayed with me most was seeing it connect with audiences beyond our country – it was both surprising and humbling. Recognition like that feels like a shared moment for the whole team.

What have you been up to since, and how did your win propel you forward?

I’m currently developing two feature projects and a series at different stages, and I’m excited to bring one of them to life soon. The visibility from the award has been valuable in building momentum and connecting with partners to support upcoming projects.

2020: Joseph Hooten for “US|MX”

How did it feel to win Best Film at UCLAxFilmFest, and what do you remember most?

2020 was a hard year. Our team poured so much passion and energy into making this film, and it meant so much to us all to receive this recognition during that time for a film we all believed in as a proof of concept for a resonant story.

What have you been up to since, and how did your win propel you forward?

We've continued to develop and produce a range of projects, including the feature version of "US|MX," which is available. Our eyes are now set on making our first feature film.

2021: Lance Lao for “All We Know About IAN”

How did it feel to win Best Film at UCLAxFilmFest, and what do you remember most?

It felt surreal at the time since it was the first-ever film festival award we had ever won. The online ceremony during COVID adds an unrealistic feeling to it as well. I wish we could have received the honor in person, but nonetheless, it was a great experience.

What have you been up to since, and how did your win propel you forward?

I have been working as a freelance filmmaker since and running my own production company. The award gave us a confidence boost to submit to more festivals. Since then, we have received approximately 35 awards and nominations all over the world in different categories.

2022: Leonel Chee for “Imelda and Luis”

How did it feel to win Best Film at UCLAxFilmFest, and what do you remember most?

Winning felt almost unbelievable — there were so many excellent short films that I didn’t expect it, so hearing my film announced brought immense joy. Even though the festival and awards were held online that year, I still shared the moment with many talented filmmakers, and it reminded me of the place where I have trained and continue to grow as a filmmaker — which has shaped and continues to shape my own approach to making films.

What have you been up to since, and how did your win propel you forward?

Since then, I’ve been developing my first feature: the script is finished and the project has participated in development labs and industry programs across Mexico and Central America, including Vanguardia Incubadora (as part of the Ícaro International Film Festival) and Linterna Lab. The script was also an Official Selection — Unproduced Scripts — at the Festival of New Latin American Cinema in Havana, and I’ve just completed a new short that’s about to premiere. The UCLAxFilmFest win raised my profile in festival and industry circles, made it easier to access labs and pitch opportunities, and strengthened my credibility with collaborators and potential funders, which accelerated the development and production of my projects.

2024: Christopher Hills Eaton for “Driftwood”

How did it feel to win Best Film at UCLAxFilmFest, and what do you remember most?

Winning Best Film at the UCLAxFilmFest was a rollercoaster experience for me. They had just announced the winner of the Best Unique & Artistic Film category, which was not “Driftwood,” so my friends and I were in the downward spiraling throes of (yet another) film festival loss. I was texting a friend about my bad luck when they made the announcement that “Driftwood” was Best Film. I was stunned. It was such a treat to have that rollercoaster moment with my friends and teacher in attendance.

What have you been up to since, and how did your win propel you forward?

I have been primarily working as an assistant director on short films, T.V. pilots, and vertical dramas, including the T.V. pilot “Chasers” which premiered at Sundance in 2025. I also have two short films heading out on the festival circuit later this year, and my first feature film is in development with our eyes on production next fall. As a direct result of winning Best Film at the UCLAxFilmFest, I was awarded a free class at UCLA Extension. I took Directing Actors for the Big Screen, where I met an acting student who (nearly a year later) brought me on to direct her thesis film. I am thankful to meet and work with creative people.

2025: Devon Kane for “Obsession”

How did it feel to win Best Film at UCLAxFilmFest, and what do you remember most?

I was very pleasantly surprised. I came in with no expectations. I was just happy to be screening in such a historic theatre downtown in front of a huge crowd. That, in itself, was already a win, so winning Best Film was a huge honor.

What have you been up to since, and how did your win propel you forward?

My win propelled me forward by giving me the positive momentum I needed to keep pushing forward on my writing. I am now repped at Luber Roklin Entertainment and pursuing multiple feature screenplays for development.

To attend this year's events, culminating in the short film screenings on May 9 at the Los Angeles Theatre, visit the UCLAxFilmFest Homepage.