Images Film Festival Brings Student Films and Alumni Voices to the Big Screen

On Saturday, April 18, the College of Human Development, Culture, and Media Visual and Sound Media program presented the Images Film Festival at the Bishop Dougherty University Center Theatre. The event featured alumni and student panels, film screenings, a reception and a premiere presentation throughout the day.

The festival began with the Young Alumni Panel, moderated by Professor Thomas Rondinella, M.F.A.; Christian Gardner ‘22, of ESPN; Veronica Gail ‘22, of The Today Show; and independent film producer Jack Chinery ’22. The alumni discussed their transition from students to professionals in the media and film industry. Approximately 50 attendees, including students, families and other community members, participated.

The program continued with the student showcase screening, featuring 14 films and videos created by current and recent students on the University Center Theatre’s big screen. Professor William Pace, M.F.A., led a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers following the screening. Approximately 60 attendees were present.

A reception followed in the University Center lounge, where students, filmmakers, faculty, administrators and guests gathered for refreshments ahead of the evening programming.

The festival continued with the "2026 Images Premiere Panel: 40 Years in the Cinematic Trenches: The Importance of Commitment and Collaboration." Moderated by Chris Aurilio, M.A., director of production and facilities, the discussion featured Rondinella and Pace reflecting on their careers, creative collaboration and the importance of professional relationships in the entertainment industry. Highlights from several of their projects were screened during the panel.

The event concluded with the first public screening of the short film Siblings, written and directed by Lily Giannoni, visual media engineer.

"It was a truly great experience getting to premiere Siblings at this year’s Images Film Festival, following so many excellent short films by Seton Hall students," Giannoni said. "Sharing this fun, strange dramedy with the Seton Hall community, as well as the cast and crew who helped make it possible, was an honor. I look forward to next year’s festival."

Following the screening, Pace led a question-and-answer session with Giannoni and members of the cast. Approximately 60 attendees, including students and guests, attended the evening events.

Categories: Alumni, Arts and Culture