HU Arizona Nominated for 14 Student Production Awards

Results will be announced September 6 at Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Science awards ceremony

PEORIA, Ariz. — Huntington University Arizona’s talented film and animation students have achieved an impressive 14 nominations for Student Production Awards from the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for 2025. These nominations reflect students’ dedication, creativity and excellence across various categories, and their hard work is now being recognized on this prestigious platform.

The nominees are as follows:

HU Arizona Nominations

1. College Non-Fiction – Short Form
   Journey of a Salmon – Sierra Kossack
2. College Music Video
   ZNORA: Sweet Baby Rae – Kai Kohatsu, Alex Ammerman
   Aiden McGrew: Go From Here – Rai Hausmann, Jackson Steele
   Secret Harbor: The Kraken – Eddie Chambers, Jackson Steele, Trevor Viera
3. College Commercial
   The Monastery – Lucas Svorinic
4. College Animation/Graphics/Special Effects
   Flowers and All – Lavender Birch
   Catfish Jack – Audrey Bowman
   Just Once – Jarvinia Burkel
5. College Audio/Sound
   I Was Here – Ari Barrera
6. College Director
   And the Air Turned Red – Brandon Zukas
   Journey of a Salmon – Sierra Kossack
7. College Editor
   And the Air Turned Red – Aiden McGrew
8. College Photographer
   And the Air Turned Red – Aiden McGrew
9. College Writer
   And the Air Turned Red – Brandon Zukas

You can view the full nominee list here: 2025 Nominees – Rocky Mountain Southwest Student Production Awards (select 2025 → Nominees).

“Across the span from 2019 to 2025, HU Arizona’s film and media students have demonstrated remarkable progress,” said Jamie Sanfilippo, dean of HU Arizona. “Starting with a modest 11 nominations, they soared to 26 by 2021 — their most prolific year in terms of nominations — and consistently maintained strong outcomes. Even as nomination counts leveled at 14 in both 2024 and 2025, the program’s sustained presence in nearly 10 categories each year highlights the depth and diversity of talent. This history of recognition paints a picture of a creative community that not only expands in visibility but also refines its artistry year after year.”

The Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter includes the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Southeastern California. Results will be announced at the upcoming awards ceremony on Saturday, September 6, at the Chateau Luxe Event Venue.

Photo provided:
Artwork for Catfish Jack by Audrey Bowman