U-M Library Student Filmfest

Support students' work at the Shapiro Student Filmfest! Treat yourself to light refreshments and watch short films created by U-M students. 

1. Roots Letter by Qingfang Liu (24 minutes)
This documentary explores family heritage through the memories and growth of three generations. Driven by curiosity about the older generation, the artist uses photographs, clothing, objects, and language to piece together the family’s history. Beginning with a case study of the artist’s grandmother, the work reflects the struggles and growth shared by many families.

2. Paralysis by Amanda Dayton (2 minutes)
Paralysis is a self-shot short film that captures the quiet isolation of starting college. It explores how loneliness and depression can exist even in environments full of people and reveals the internal struggle behind starting a new chapter.

3. Keep the Faith by Brock McIntyre (20 minutes)
Content warning: mild swearing
When a new cadet arrives at a remote outpost in the void, the hardened veteran singlehandedly running the station must instill in him the importance of pressing a button that saves the world, despite the old man having lost faith years ago.

4. Racing to Class by Anna Nielander & Lily Martinez (1 minute)
A one-minute stop-motion animation depicting two students' journey racing to class.

5. An Arcadian Reverie by Alejandro Cantu (12 minutes)
A lonely library janitor steals damaged books from his workplace to repair them and escape into their world at night. However one evening, as his overbearing supervisor starts to catch on, the janitor sees one of the characters from his dreams, and follows them down, down, down, to a strange place far beneath the library.

6. Taking Off with Passions and Dreams by Morgan Nichol (24 minutes)
Everyone has a passion. Everyone has a dream. Why are we as civilians so obsessed with celebrities? I'll tell you why. Because they had the audacity to bet on themselves. They saw their potential, even if they weren't sure that it would get them anywhere, they saw enough of it. Enough of it to know that it belongs somewhere. Celebrities bet on themselves and their authenticity. A path that each and every one of us longs to take. But sadly, we fear the very thing we idolize. And so, we just dream. But me, I am not only a dreamer, but I am an achiever. And I will achieve whatever my heart desires and this is fact. And I hope this film motivates you to do the same.