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ABOUT THE SHOWCASE
What Is the Film Showcase?
The Desert Lens Studios team proudly presents its first-ever Short Film Showcase a cinematic premiere featuring four original, student-led productions.
Our team of ten interns was divided into four creative units, each tasked with developing, producing, and completing a short film under tight deadlines, structured guidelines, and limited resources. From concept to final cut, every team was challenged to bring a story to life with discipline, collaboration, and vision.
Over the past several weeks, these emerging filmmakers stepped outside their comfort zones to create something meaningful, something bold.
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On February 25th, their films will debut on the big screen inside a full cinema theatre, in front of judges, peers, and guests.
This is more than a screening.
It’s a premiere.
Team 1 during production of their film "Hope"
WHAT TO EXPECT
Red Carpet Experience
Live Film Screenings
Entertainment
Networking with Creatives
Industry Judges Panel
Award Ceremony
Dress Code: Semi-Formal
Come dressed like it's opening night.
Featured Films
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Team 1: Hope (2026)
After suffering a major knee injury just months before entering university on a scholarship for track and field, Alicia must now face her greatest hardship. Through the help of her brother and her determination, Alicia fights to take back her life.
Genre: Sports Drama
Screening Date: February 25, 2026
FILMMAKERS BEHIND THIS FILM
Michael Ruiz
Director
Ethan Terrazas
Producer
Oscar Dominguez Jr.
Director of Photography & Editor
CONTRIBUTORS
2nd Camera Asst. & Gaffer
Giovanni de la Peña-Franceschi
Rainier Galaviz
Sound Mixer
Behind
The
Scenes
Team 2: Lost in a Drink (2026)
After fleeing a party, an overwhelmed girl is forced into a surreal confrontation with opposing sides of herself, revealing her messy struggle with identity, anxiety, and just wanting to feel okay.
Screening Date: February 25, 2026
Genre: Coming-of-age / Psychological / Slightly absurd
FILMMAKERS BEHIND THIS FILM
Gwen S. Palomares
Director
Lia Gonzalez
Camera Operator
Angelica Gutierrez
Sound Mixer
Behind
The
Scenes
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Team 3: Entities (2026)
In a desolate post-apocalyptic world, a lone survivor named Kyle is forced to confront a mysterious entity that appears without warning shattering his fragile sense of control and rewriting his understanding of reality.
Genre: Horror / Phsychological
Screening Date: February 25, 2026
FILMMAKERS BEHIND THIS FILM
Iram Hernandez
Director
Vanessa Vela
Editor
Evelyn Sanchez
Camera Assistant
Behind
The
Scenes
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Team 4: Field One (2026)
Eddie, a young man with a drive to learn how to play soccer faces his biggest challenge when a decent soccer player challenges him. Eddie must prevail while Marco attempts to show off in order to load a date, in the end they both are stripped fully of their ego and learn the value of something bigger.
Genre: Arthouse / Comedy
Screening Date: February 25, 2026
FILMMAKERS BEHIND THIS FILM
Lionel Granados
Director
Amber Patterson
Assistant Director
CONTRIBUTORS
Jason Garcia
Storyboard & Script Supervisor
Viktor Rodriguez
Co-Writer
Jose Lopez
Sound Mixer
Angel Delgado
Behind the Scenes
Paola Bermudez Varela
Make-up & PA
Behind
The
Scenes
Why this Matters
The Short Film Challenge is more than a creative assignment, it’s a real-world filmmaking experience.
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Each participant stepped outside their comfort zone to develop an original concept, collaborate under pressure, and execute a complete film from start to finish. They navigated deadlines, limited resources, and the realities of production, just like in the industry.
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At Desert Lens Studios, we believe emerging filmmakers deserve more than practice, they deserve a platform.
Desert Lens Studios is actively investing in the local community by creating a platform where emerging filmmakers can premiere their work in a professional cinema setting.
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This isn’t just an event.
It’s an opportunity.
An opportunity for students to be seen.
For creativity to be celebrated.
And for the El Paso creative community to continue growing.
Collaborators
Special Thanks to our Collaborators for making this possible.
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