FSU College of Motion Picture Arts alumnus wins spot in prestigious student short film showcase

A recent Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts graduate is a winner of a competitive film showcase with only five awardees each year.

James Ross, who received his master’s in film production in the summer of 2023, was recognized by The Gotham Film & Media Institute’s fifth annual Focus Features & JetBlue Student Short Film Showcase for his short horror thesis film, “Don’t Blink.”

The film was awarded a $10,000 grant that the college will use to fund future festival entry and travel for students. Awardees also will have their film shown for 12 months on JetBlue’s seatback entertainment systems under the “Gotham Selects” movie category and on Focus Features digital streaming platforms.

Throughout 2024, the winning filmmakers will also receive ongoing mentorship and workshopping opportunities from The Gotham.

“It affords our new graduates an unusual level of attention and support as they leave the program,” said Brenda Mills, director of Industry Relations.

This showcase received projects from 34 graduate film schools, more than half of the graduate film programs in the United States.

Ross credits the resources of the film school for this honor.

“The FSU film school was generous and provided all of the equipment we needed to make this film,” Ross said.

Ross explained the importance of working in an experimental environment to make mistakes with the freedom to create “from whatever drives you, your imagination, whatever’s personal and whatever you feel comes from within.”

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