Winners of 7th Annual Focus Features Student Short Film Showcase Are Announced

Now in its seventh year, Focus Features Student Short Film Showcase, which showcases promising filmmakers, was announced at this year’s Gotham Awards held in New York City on December 1, 2025. The final four filmmakers were chosen from 20 different US graduate schools by a jury of filmmakers and curators. We congratulate this year’s winners.

Maria Regina Rios Ceja | Loyola Marymount University

Regina Rios is a filmmaker from Ciudad Constitución, a small town in northern Mexico. Her film, Maybe I’ll Find You in a Robbery (Tal Vez Te Encuentre En Un Asalto), tells the story of a little girl who devises an unusual plan to reconnect with her imprisoned mother during Christmas.

ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby | New York University

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, McSauby is an American filmmaker and an enrolled member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.His film, The Beguiling, had its international premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and its U.S. premiere at SXSW.

Cameron Clay | Columbia University

Clay is a filmmaker and editor from Prince George’s County, Maryland. His film, Jesus is Coming (to take the Church away), like his other work, is rooted in the quiet, complex dynamics between Black men.

Sergio Muñoz Esquer | University of Texas at Austin

Esquer is a Mexican filmmaker, director, writer, and producer. His film is Ballad of an Immigrant With Memory, like much of his work, explores the complexities of human connection, identity, and immigration through a Latinx lens.

Each selected filmmaker will receive a $2,000 grant and have the opportunity for their film to be shown on Focus Features’ digital streaming platform.