AU Cinema and Media Arts Students Earn First-Ever NATAS Student Production Awards

Student filmmakers receive national recognition for award-winning productions and growing excellence in Anderson University’s cinema and media arts program

ANDERSON, Ind. — Students in Anderson University’s Cinema and Media Arts program were recognized for their productions this Spring. They earned AU’s first-ever Student Production Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), Central Great Lakes Chapter.

Jack Lugar, professor of cinema and media arts, said the awards mark a step forward for AU’s cinema and media arts program.

“I consider a Student Production Award to be the highest recognition a student can receive in the area of video production,” Lugar said. “It is a clear sign of the growth our program has experienced over the last decade. It is also a sign of our competitiveness with other universities, big and small, in the Midwest.”

The awards also help students stand out in a competitive job market by providing recognition beyond their portfolios.

Jonny Barradas ’26 directed, produced, wrote, and edited the sports promotional video AU Sports. The video was posted on social media by AU coaches to promote athletics.

Barradas said his vision for the video was inspired by Adidas’ Take It commercial. Going into his senior year, he wanted to create something that would leave a lasting impression.

“I actually pitched this concept to one of my professors back in 2025 during finals week,” Barradas said. “He encouraged me to write a script over the summer. I was prepared to bring the vision to life when I returned in the fall. That advice really helped shape the final video.”

Barradas was encouraged to seek feedback from other content creators and to learn to edit video until it became second nature. Both of which prepared him for the project.

Aden Dekhil ’28 directed the music video Terrified of the Dark. Dekhil also received a second-place award from the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) for the video. The BEA is a national organization that comprises the work of large and small universities across the United States.

Dekhil directed and shaped the video’s story. He also cast actors, selected locations, led the production team, wrote the script, and handled post-production editing.

Dekhil was encouraged by his professors to pursue projects outside the classroom. Directing his freshman short film, Turquoise, helped prepare him for later projects while developing his filmmaking skills.

“Filmmaking, and especially directing as a medium, is always something that you get better at with lots and lots of practice,” Dekhil said. “Having classes where we’re doing a lot of hands-on work gives us the ability to practice often and get better and better.”

Anderson cinema and media arts students can access high-quality instruction and top-level tools from day one. These include cameras, lighting, and editing equipment. All of this allows them to develop skills in storytelling, pre-production, production, and post-production early.

Students are encouraged to pursue more than just their passion or the aspect of film they most enjoy. This ensures that they gain a well-rounded knowledge base and are prepared for an ever-changing industry.

The short-form film The Helpers: Josiah White’s Foster Care by Cecelia Lopez and Jared Spoor was also nominated for a NASTA. 

The students’ success stemmed from having a clear vision and plan, Lugar said. They both went into their projects knowing exactly what they needed.

“Both students poured themselves into past productions to hone their skills and learn from their mistakes,” Lugar said. “Because they put in the work on past projects and prepared diligently for their winning productions, they were able to reach their ultimate goal.”

About Anderson University

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.