2026 Longhorn Denius Student Film Showcase

March 12 | 6-8 p.m. | AFS Cinema
The words "UT RTF Longhorn Denius Student Film Showcase" appear on a light orange background with darker orange laurels.


Reserve your free ticket!

The UT Austin Department of Radio-Television-Film is excited to present the 2026 UT RTF Longhorn Denius Student Film Showcase. The showcase highlights a rich diversity of recent fiction, documentary and experimental student films.

Kick off your 2026 SXSW adventures by joining us at a free public screening of the program on Thursday, March 12, from 6-8 p.m. at AFS Cinema. This community screening is free and open to the public; however, we ask that you reserve your spot in advance so we can get a headcount. 

Get there early and receive a free small popcorn and small soda (supplies are limited: we'll start gathering in the lobby as early as 5:30 p.m.)!

The films in this program contain adult themes. They are solely the creation of the filmmakers and are not intended to reflect the views or values of The University of Texas at Austin.

Check out all the RTF-related events happening during SXSW 2026!

2026 PROGRAM

A still of Kai Hernandez's Film, "Rio Market" showing a man at a convenience store window through a fish-eye lens.

RIO MARKET

Directed by Kai Hernandez

An eccentric convenience store owner, Moo, reflects on the unlikely community he's cultivated after turning his store into a live music venue.
 

10:18 | Comedy

A still of Ava William's Film, "How Would You Like to Go Swimming?" showing a woman with two children.

How Would You Like To Go Swimming With Me?

Directed by Ava Williams

When a frazzled single mother, Elaine, caves to her children's plea for a day at the lake, their chaotic journey spirals out of control forcing her to confront where her priorities lie.
 

12:36 | Fiction: Drama

A still of Noah Hyo Won Seo's Film, "Korean Calls, Chinese Phone" showing someone illuminating a dark trail with a flashlight.

Korean Calls, Chinese Phone

Directed by Noah Hyo Won Seo

A North Korean broker recounts aiding others to make illegal calls to South Korea using smuggled Chinese phones.
 

12:33 | Documentary

A still of Sawyer Goolsby's Film, "Knight of the Gas Staton" showing man and woman dressed in renaissance fair attire outside of a gas station.

Knight of the Gas Station

Directed by Sawyer Goolsby

While on the way to a Renaissance festival, a young couple finds themselves in the middle of a gas station robbery.
 

5:28 | Fiction: Comedy

A still of Jennifer Saura's Film, "Donor" showing a woman holding a glass flute.

Donor

Directed by Jennifer Saura

After volunteering to be the egg donor for her now-pregnant friend, a woman grows to regret her choice in the aftermath of her own miscarriage—and considers taking back the only baby she has left.
 

13:02 | Fiction: Other

 

Chabacano

Directed by Mauricio Hernandez Serrano

A paper boat awakens in a maze of mirrors, where it finds another boat that exists only as reflection. Desperate not to be alone, it will do everything to turn this illusion into reality. "Chabacano" is a stop-motion exploration of longing and the cost of becoming something new.
 

09:01 | Animation

A still of José de la Maza's Film, "Life, Liberty, and..." showing someone in a dark room kneeling at a bedside.

Life, Liberty and...

Directed by José de la Maza

The night before his citizenship test, Juan, an immigrant who works as a janitor, is sought by his brother Rafael, who is in desperate need to pay a gambling debt. Juan must risk his dreams and enter a dangerous path to help his brother.
 

10:12 | Fiction: Drama

A still of Fitzgerald Junior's Film, "BABA" showing a side view of a woman clapping.

BABA

Directed by Fitzgerald Junior

BABA is an intergenerational portrait that examines Black paternal relationships. It shapes personal archive into a budding coming-of-age that stands as a reminder of the sanctity of Black childhood.

12:51 | Documentary

A still of Camilo Montoya's Film, "Grin" showing two people riding a bike and laughing.

Grin

Directed by Camilo Montoya

A young immigrant’s day delivering food takes an unexpected turn when he finds a toy — and the girl who’s looking for it.

13:00 | Fiction: Drama

At the heart of the dynamic Austin film scene, UT RTF is the incubator of many of today’s most innovative independent and commercial media makers and curators. Our students discover their unique voices and launch their professional careers through our unified approach that brings together the history and theory of media with hands-on practice, creative exploration, state-of-the-art technology, and expert mentorship.

THE SHOWCASE EXISTS THANKS TO THE SUPPORT OF:
Beth and Wofford Denius and the Cain Foundation, Moody College of Communication and The University of Texas at Austin.