An invitation for a screening is an honor. Of 6,000 submissions from throughout the world, only 300 films were selected — three of which are by graduates of the URI’s Harrington School of Communication and Media. The winning films qualify for short films at the Oscars.

At the end of every semester, the film/media program in the Harrington School of Communication and Media throws a fest to screen students’ short films—and showcase their talents in front of parents, friends and faculty. “The auditorium is completely packed,’’ says Rebecca Romanow, program director. “The films are just wonderful.”