13th annual Gold Reel Film Festival showcases student talent, community support
The 13th annual Gold Reel Student Film Festival drew a full house to the Independent Picture House on Sunday, April 12, as students in the Film Studies program premiered their latest work before an audience of alumni, university representatives and members of the local film community.
Produced by students in the Film Festivals: Theory & Practice course (FILM 4220), the event featured a red carpet entrance, photo opportunities and a lively atmosphere that filled the 145-seat theater to capacity. 19 student films were screened across two blocks, culminating in the presentation of 12 juried awards and an Audience Award. The course is offered in the Film Studies program, which is part of Interdisciplinary Studies in the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences.
Guests also enjoyed a raffle for a prize package from Lowe’s, including a projector and wireless speaker, and food donated by Rhino Market & Deli.
2026 Gold Reel Film Festival Award Winners
- Best Screenplay: “My Last Words” by Taufik Kareem Jamal Abdul-Jaleel & Praise Kaliem McNealy
- Best Animation: “Sickie” by Rozie Brewster
- Best Music Video: “New Flavors” by Desmond Sampson
- Best Documentary: “Places Hold Memories” by Owen Dean Matthews & Sagun Acharya
- Best Cinematography: “Daywalker” by Luis Rivera / Cinematography by Jackson Wells
- Best Sound: “The Things We Do for the Things We Like” by John Zuppo
- Best Original Music: “Daywalker” by Luis Rivera / Music by Jackson Wells
- Best Actor: Taufik Abdul-Jaleel in “Only Allah Knows”
- Best Actress: Keira Stein in “Extraordinarily Famous”
- Best Editing: “The Battle of Heaven and Earth” by Mung Pi & Jose Aylmer Canas Vargas
- Best Directing: “Bad Tattoo” by Kilie Owenby
- Best Film: “The Things We Do for the Things We Like” by John Zuppo
- Audience Award: “The Things We Do for the Things We Like” by John Zuppo
Each award winner received a $50 cash prize provided by UNC Charlotte Film Studies, the UNC Charlotte Film Club, Delta Zeta Sorority and Trolley Pub. The Audience Award included a $100 prize sponsored by Susie Films, and the Best Film Award carried a $500 prize sponsored by Wheelhouse Media.