Florida State University’s School of Theatre presents “Coriolanus,” by William Shakespeare, opening Nov. 6 at the Lab Theatre.  

FSU’s production reimagines Shakespeare’s ancient Rome as a city in a near-future North America after the collapse of civic order. The story follows Coriolanus, a celebrated warrior who returns home a hero only to become a threat to the people he swore to defend. Unable to navigate the political battlefield he despises, Coriolanus must confront the cost of pride and the dangers of unchecked ambition. 

“Ultimately, our production of the play is about power and who possesses it, on the battlefield, on the senate floor, within the home but especially within the forum of the people,” said Ezra Ingram, dramaturg for “Coriolanus.” “Caius Martius Coriolanus is a main and sometimes unwilling contender within all of these battles for power.” 

This production features a cast of 24, including FSU students Lucas Kirmsse (Coriolanus), Veronica Else (Volumnia), Taylor Moore (Virgilia), Brysen Bryant (Tullus Aufidius), Alana Hogan (Valeria) and Casey MacLeod (Menenius Agrippa).  

“Coriolanus” is directed by Jasmine Bracey, with scenic design by Jesse Dreikosen, lighting design by Lindsay Kramer, sound design by Alroy Harry, fight choreography by Jason Armit and costume design by Jess Gersz.  

Performances will run Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Lab Theatre.  

Tickets are available at tickets.theatre.fsu. For more information on the FSU School of Theatre’s 2026-2027 season and academic programs, visit theatre.fsu.edu. 

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Florida State University artists, scientists and therapists united at the Arts-Humanities-Health Symposium during Discovery Days to explore how the arts and humanities can improve our health and well-being.

The symposium at the Claude Pepper Center featured art and music therapy, design, and for the first time, motion picture arts, showcasing the breadth of creativity at FSU.

Healing through art

Presenters at the event highlighted how their work uses art to support physical and mental health.

Michelle Pellito, a music therapist at the FSU College of Music, spoke about how collaborative goal setting with young patients helps them learn they have personal agency and that expressing themselves can change their environment.

Children communicate their wants and needs in a variety of ways, from traditional speech to noises, body language and nonverbal cues. Therapists have a duty to listen, notice and offer feedback, no matter how subtle, for the best possible care, Pellito said.

“Patient-centered care is at the heart of everything we do as music therapists. Care is most effective when it’s created with the patients and not just for them,” she said.

Brianna Vo, a second-year medical student at the FSU College of Medicine, told the story of an artist at the bedside of a patient. The patient, through the hands of the artist, draws a colorful picture of a butterfly. To educate healthcare students about the power of patient-centered visual arts, Vo ran two different “Brushes to Bedside” workshops.

In the first workshop, a “patient” directed their “practitioner,” using only spoken voice, to craft a personalized mosaic coaster for them. In the second workshop, healthcare students painted a watercolor landscape with modified tools, like a sock over their dominant hand or a lump of clay wrapped around a paintbrush, to simulate motor restrictions. Vo showed that after the workshops, students had more confidence in their ability to adapt to a patient’s abilities and incorporate visual arts into patient-provider interactions.

Doctoral candidate Xingyi Li and Assistant Professor Bani Malhotra from the FSU Department of Arts Leadership, Education & Therapy studied the impact of art therapy on hospitalized burn patients. Research shows that art therapy has significant mental, emotional and physical benefits. Li and Malhotra gifted art kits to patients and held viewing sessions of “hopeful” pieces and tactile squares.

“Art therapy gives tangible form to thoughts and emotions that may be hard to articulate otherwise,” Li said.

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Science and art came together at Florida State University’s “Glittering Science” event Oct. 21, where photographs of tiny crystals revealed the unexpected beauty of scientific research. 

The Discovery Days event showcased the collaborative work of William Meier, assistant professor of materials science and engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, and Scott Holstein, the college’s professional photographer. Together, the two have transformed scientific discoveries into striking works of visual art through macrophotography. 

The resulting photographs were displayed at the event, highlighting the intersection of art and science.  

As guests viewed the photographs during a reception, they were struck by the vibrancy and intricacy of the complex, multicolored crystals. Each photograph was labeled with its chemical composition and a striking title such as “Rattling Chains and Accidental Rainbows,” or “A Mysterious Treasure from the Unknown.” 

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How did humans become musical creatures? Can the sciences and humanities help us understand the origins of music? Those questions guided a guest lecture from the Florida State University Humanities Center on Thursday, Oct. 22, held as part of FSU Discovery Days, the university’s annual celebration of research, creativity and innovation.

Gary Tomlinson, Sterling Professor of Music and the Humanities and director of the Whitney Humanities Center at Yale University, delivered the lecture, “Evolutionary Humanities and the Hard Problem of Music,” to students, faculty and local community members in the Beth Moor Lounge.

Fundamental abilities shared by all humans make music possible, Tomlinson told the audience.

“You’re all musicians,” he said. “Human music depends universally on a number of capacities that come in all normal human development and socialization, in a way that is similar, but not identical, to the kicking in of language.”

Understanding how those capacities emerged, however, presents a challenging question. Researchers have suggested music evolved to bring people together, calm children, coordinate group activities or facilitate rituals. But Tomlinson argued these theories explain how people use music, not how music itself originated.

“Each of these hypotheses might point to important functions of music in early human societies, even to functions and purposes today, but they are powerless to speak to the emergence of music,” he said.

Tomlinson emphasized the importance of connecting the sciences and humanities to better understand music. Scientific approaches can help researchers investigate the biological and cognitive processes that make music possible, while the humanities offer ways to interpret music’s cultural significance and its place in the human experience.

“To construct bridges, where that communication happens, is hugely important,” he said.

Tomlinson’s talk was part of the FSU Humanities Center’s year-long lecture series highlighting its 2026-2027 theme, “The Human in the Humanities,” which explores what it means to be human amid the rise of artificial intelligence and other technological advances.

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Florida State University’s College of Music will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of acclaimed American opera composer Carlisle Floyd with two performances of his opera “Of Mice and Men” on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. 

The production is part of a national celebration honoring Floyd (1926-2021), who spent 30 years on the FSU music faculty. Floyd joined the university in 1947 at age 21 and composed his first nine operas while at FSU, including his best-known work, “Susannah,” which premiered at Ruby Diamond in 1955. New York City Opera presented “Susannah” the following year, bringing national attention to the young composer and helping establish him as one of the most influential figures in American opera. 

FSU is presenting “Of Mice and Men” as a co-production with Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Des Moines Metro Opera as part of the Carlisle Floyd Centennial project. 

Based on John Steinbeck’s classic novella, “Of Mice and Men” tells the story of George and Lennie, two migrant farmworkers pursuing their dreams of a better life during the Great Depression. Floyd’s opera, which premiered at Seattle Opera in 1970, explores friendship, loyalty and the struggles of ordinary Americans. 

“‘Of Mice and Men’ may be Carlisle Floyd’s best opera,” said visiting stage director Kristine McIntyre. “Floyd doesn’t romanticize the story, nor does he pull any punches. The tragedy hits hard, but it’s also an opera filled with joy and hope.” 

FSU student singers and instrumentalists will bring the production to life under the musical direction of Bernard McDonald, director of opera activities at the College of Music. 

McIntyre leads a creative team that includes scenic and projection designer Luke Cantarella, lighting designer Kate Ashton and costume designer Kara Harmon. The production draws inspiration from documentary photography of 20th-century America, including the work of Dorothea Lange. 

Cantarella traveled to California’s Steinbeck country to capture original video footage for the production. The projections help establish the historical setting while allowing audiences to experience parts of the story through Lennie’s perspective. 

For FSU, the production also honors a composer whose career helped shape the university’s musical legacy. 

“Carlisle Floyd changed the world of opera, and in turn the idiom of American opera would never be the same,” said M. Todd Queen, dean of the College of Music. “It is a privilege to connect his past to our present here in Tallahassee where we still deeply miss this musical and soulful genius.” 

“Of Mice and Men” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Preconcert lectures will take place one hour before each performance in Westcott 060. 

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and non-FSU students, and $10 for FSU students with ID. Tickets are available through the Fine Arts Ticket Office or online at tickets.music.fsu.edu. 

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Florida State University’s School of Dance will present its annual Days of Dance in November, featuring two programs of works choreographed and performed by students and faculty.

For more than 50 years, Days of Dance has been a highlight of the School of Dance’s performance season, giving the Tallahassee community an opportunity to experience the range of work created and performed at FSU.

The annual mainstage production features faculty choreography alongside a juried selection of works by students and staff, performed by School of Dance students.

“We are incredibly excited to share our Fall 2026 Days of Dance performances featuring a wide range of forms from Ballet to Contemporary. There’s something for everyone who loves dance,” said Helanius J. Wilkins, chair of the School of Dance. “Each performance is unique, so please come join us and enjoy both programs. The breadth of work represented reflects the diverse perspectives, movement practices and choreographic voices that shape our School of Dance.”

Program A features choreography by Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, an award-winning School of Dance professor and founder of the New York City-based dance company Urban Bush Women. The program also includes works by School of Dance BFA students Isabelle Hagley, Sierra Lowell, Miranda Martinez, Nika Nosova, Ella McCarthy, Allison Wheelock, William Mrozek, Bailey Carson, MaLeah Izquierdo, Juliana Burner, Riley McDaniel and Arissa-Noele Lawson.

Program B features choreography by School of Dance professor Gwen Welliver along with work from School of Dance BFA students Kaitlyn Gerard, Amelia Floyd, Allyson Shulman, Jamora Lewis, Camille Pepper, Gabriella Castro, Kyah Everett, Priscilla Gonzalez, Lisbeth Moquete, Fernanda Romero, Marissa Uhler, Sophia Ferguson, Isabelle Hagley, Alex Willis and Natalie Martinez.

Days of Dance performance schedule

Program A

• Friday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 7, 2 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Program B

• Saturday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.

• Friday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m.

Before the Nov. 13 performance, Professor Jen Atkins will host a free event highlighting her work with the Popular Movements Project and the first season of its new podcast, “Swan Lake Unfolded.” The podcast explores recent popular culture references to the iconic ballet “Swan Lake” and examines their meanings. The pre-show event will begin at 6:15 p.m.

All performances will take place at the Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre in FSU’s Montgomery Hall, 130 Collegiate Loop, Tallahassee.

Tickets to all Days of Dance performances are available now at tickets.dance.fsu.edu.

To learn more about the School of Dance, its programs and upcoming events, visit dance.fsu.edu.

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A new Florida State University study finds that adding healthcare providers’ photographs to clinic welcome signs can strengthen certain aspects of patient trust before patients even meet their providers. 

 The study, “First Impressions Matter: The Influence of Provider Photographs on Medical Trust Among Minority Women,” was conducted by Amy Huber, professor and chair of FSU’s School of Design, and Rachel L. Bailey, James E. Kirk Professor of Communication. The researchers examined how provider photographs influence perceptions of trust among Black and Hispanic women.

Previous research has shown that medical trust plays a critical role in healthcare decisions among Black and Hispanic women. Huber and Bailey examined whether simple, low-cost design changes could strengthen provider-patient relationships and potentially contribute to better health outcomes. 

 “This study reinforces the idea that design does more than shape spaces; it shapes human experiences in important ways,” said Huber. “In every space where we spend time — in our homes, doctor’s offices, workplaces, airports — design impacts our decision making and affects the way we feel.” 

The findings suggest that patients can begin forming trust in their healthcare providers before meeting them. The research also highlights how thoughtful waiting room design can improve the patient experience through simple, inexpensive changes. 

The study included 343 responses from Black and Hispanic women in the United States, ages 18 to 44. Each participant viewed one of 12 randomly assigned images of clinic waiting rooms featuring different healthcare provider photographs. Participants then rated their perceptions of the provider using a measure of medical trust. 

The researchers found that displaying provider photographs improved perceptions of providers’ commitment to patients. Black participants also rated providers of the same racial or ethnic background more favorably in fairness and communication skills. However, the study found no significant differences in overall trust based on provider identity. Among Hispanic participants, provider identity did not significantly affect trust ratings. 

The study was published in the Health Environments Research & Design Journal.  

To learn more about the FSU School of Design, visit Design.fsu.edu.  

The FSU College of Communication and Information’s Wellness Communication Center is dedicated to advancing evidence-based wellness strategies that empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health, resilience and longevity. Learn more at wcc.cci.fsu.edu.  

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The Florida State University School of Theatre will present “Bring It On: The Musical,” a high-energy production featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt, beginning Friday, Oct. 16, at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

Inspired by the 2000 film “Bring It On,” the musical follows the competitive world of high school cheerleading, exploring friendship, rivalry and the challenges of fitting in through music, dance and athletic stunts.

“Bring It On: The Musical is a funny and exciting cheerleading musical! It’s filled with stunts and spectacle, but also a whole lot of heart,” said director Natalie Wisdom. “It reminds us of the importance of friendship, loyalty and enjoying the journey of life with those you love. High school years are fraught with social anxiety, puberty, cliques, acne and angst. But there is one additional element that heals all of these ailments: friendship.”

The production features a cast of 30, including FSU students McKenna Wallace as Campbell, Onyekachi Anyagaligbo as Danielle, Landen Kol as Randall, Angie Carballo as Eva and Mikayla Martinez-Hobbs as Bridget.

Wisdom directs the production, with scenic design by Jesse Dreikosen, lighting design by Casey Duke, sound design by Alroy Harry and costume design by Kelly Tomlin.

Performances run Oct. 16-25 at the Richard G. Fallon Theatre.

Tickets are available at tickets.theatre.fsu.edu. For more information on the FSU School of Theatre’s 2026-2027 season and academic programs, visit theatre.fsu.edu.

BRING IT ON is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

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Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts has earned two top-three national rankings, with its undergraduate film program rated No. 1 and its graduate program No. 3 in FilmSchool.org’s inaugural data-driven ranking.

The ranking evaluates film programs using measures including student outcomes, affordability, selectivity, faculty and class size, and student and alumni satisfaction. FSU was the only university with two programs among the top three.

“This recognition reflects what has always been at the heart of our program: giving talented students the training, resources and opportunities they need to become working filmmakers,” said Reb Braddock, dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts. “We are especially proud that this ranking recognizes not only the quality of our programs, but the value we provide our students and the success they achieve after graduation.”

FilmSchool.org evaluated participating programs using data supplied by the schools along with student and alumni reviews.

“This recognition reflects what has always been at the heart of our program: giving talented students the training, resources and opportunities they need to become working filmmakers.”

– Reb Braddock, dean of  FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts

Programs were scored on a 10-point scale, with student and alumni reviews incorporated into several measures.

FSU’s undergraduate program earned an overall score of 7.781 out of 10 and received the ranking’s highest scores for selectivity and affordability and value. The program has a 6% acceptance rate and a 98% yield, meaning nearly all students offered admission chose to enroll. It also has a 5-to-1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 10.

Student outcomes also helped propel FSU to the top. The undergraduate program has a 97% graduation rate, with 92% of graduates employed in film, television or media within 12 months of graduation. FilmSchool.org gave the program an 8.94 out of 10 for student success and career development.

Affordability was another factor in FSU’s strong showing. FilmSchool.org gave the undergraduate program an 8.08 out of 10 for affordability and value, the highest score among the programs ranked. According to data submitted for the ranking, 86% of FSU undergraduate film students receive scholarships, with an average award of $15,000. The college also provides industry-standard equipment for student productions as part of tuition.

FSU’s graduate program earned an overall score of 7.075 out of 10. It reported a 5-to-1 student-faculty ratio, an average class size of six and a faculty that is 100% active in the industry. The program also reported a 90% graduation rate and a 90% employment rate in film, television or media within 12 months of graduation.

The ranking also considered industry accomplishments, including film festival recognition and major awards. FSU students and alumni have amassed 4,000 film festival awards and featured screenings. The 2026 ranking included 17 programs that submitted data to FilmSchool.org and had at least one student or alumni review on the site.

The recognition follows another strong national showing for the College of Motion Picture Arts. Earlier this year, The Hollywood Reporter ranked FSU No. 13 overall and No. 4 among public film schools, marking its seventh consecutive year as the nation’s No. 4 public film school.

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Florida State University School of Dance seniors will share the stage with professional dancers Oct. 6 when Adele Myers and Dancers presents an Opening Nights performance at the Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre.

The program will feature work by FSU School of Dance alumna Myers and dancer and choreographer Cecilia Benitez, with School of Dance seniors performing alongside professional artists.

For senior Madeline Wellman, the opportunity to be on stage with professional dancers is a dream come true.

“I was so excited for this experience and to be able to work with Adele,” Wellman said. “It means the world to me.”

The senior cohort began working with Benitez in late September in preparation for the performance. In just a short time, Benitez said she has been impressed by the students’ curiosity and work ethics.

“The students are incredible. It feels really magical because they’re hungry for knowledge about what the professional field is like,” Benitez said. “They’re extremely hardworking, and I feel like as someone who’s worked with younger generations in dance, you see less and less of that now.”

Benitez is a Miami-based freelance artist who performs with Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre, Adele Myers and Dancers, and Syncopate Collective. She also brings her experience as an educator to her work with the FSU students.

“The way Cecilia conducts herself in the room is really inspirational to me because she is so genuine, silly, fun and warm, but she’s still so professional that you really just want to stay focused,” Wellman said. “Cecilia’s energy and her inviting attitude makes it feel like whatever I do is going to be contributing to the whole group, which is such a unique feeling.”

Collaboration is central to Benitez’s approach. Rather than giving students every movement, she has invited them to help shape the work.

“Cecilia took a poem and we started the first day just improvising with this imagery and creating little phrases for ourselves that she’s utilizing,” Wellman said. “So, there also feels like there’s little pieces of each of us in the work.”

Benitez said that creative freedom can be a new experience for dancers accustomed to following a choreographer’s direction.

“The students are like ‘Wait, I get to choose? or I have the creative agency in that way?’” Benitez said. “Maybe they’ve worked together like that in the past, maybe they haven’t, but I can tell for a lot of them they’re like ‘Can I? Can I?’ I’m like ‘Yes. It ends up being a reflection of the people in the room, not just what I want.”

The experience also gives students a closer look at professional dance careers.

In addition to working with Benitez and Adele Myers and Dancers artist and rehearsal assistant Maria Bunt, the cohort participated in a Q&A with Myers on Sept. 29.

Wellman, who plans to pursue a career in contemporary choreography after graduation, said the experience has helped her build professional relationships.

“I really feel like I could reach out to both Cecilia and Maria to be like ‘Hey, what do you think about this job?’ or ‘Do you know anything about this opportunity?’” Wellman said.

As she looks toward graduation, Wellman said she also wants to make the most of her final year at FSU, including the chance to share the Oct. 6 performance with an audience.

“I think it’s such a beautiful opportunity every time a guest artist comes to perform because you really don’t know the limits of what’s out there until you see,” Wellman said. “My family’s coming, so I’m excited to show them what Cecilia has created with our senior cohort.”

Benitez hopes the audience comes away with an appreciation for the individual dancers and how much they have developed during their time at FSU.

“I want people to experience the individual beauty of each student that’s in the program,” Benitez said. “I want the audience to look at these seniorsand see how much they’ve grown, and while their journey is coming to a close look how much they’ve accomplished in their time here.”

Adele Myers and Dancers perform at the Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre Oct. 6 as part of Opening Nights at Florida State University. Tickets are available through Opening Nights.

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Florida State University’s College of Music has earned national recognition in three areas, with Music School Finder naming FSU a 2027 Standout for Music Education, Music Therapy and Southeast Regional Music.

Music School Finder features a curated selection of 269 U.S. college music programs and helps prospective students and families explore programs based on musical and academic fit. Its 2027 Standouts recognize small groups of programs with particular strengths based on published criteria. The distinctions don’t include numerical rankings, and schools do not pay to be selected.

FSU was one of 10 schools nationwide recognized as a Music Education Standout, one of 11 selected for Music Therapy and one of eight named a Southeast Regional Music Standout.

“These recognitions reflect the breadth of the College of Music and our longstanding commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers in music,” said Greg Jones, associate dean for artistic planning in FSU’s College of Music. “We are especially proud to be recognized for programs that combine rigorous musical training with hands-on experiences that allow our students to make an impact in schools, healthcare settings and communities.”

Preparing the next generation of music educators

Music School Finder recognized FSU’s Music Education program for its longstanding educator preparation, fieldwork opportunities and leadership in training school music educators. The organization also considered the strength of the undergraduate pathway and opportunities for applied learning.

Those qualities have long been central to FSU’s program. Music education students gain hands-on teaching experience at multiple levels while preparing for careers in choral, instrumental and general music education. Graduates of FSU’s bachelor’s program who seek teaching positions have achieved a 100% placement rate for 50 years.

The program combines intensive musical study with coursework and practical teaching experiences designed to prepare graduates for the classroom.

A 70-year tradition in music therapy

FSU’s Music Therapy program was recognized for its clinical preparation, supervised fieldwork, sustained undergraduate program and applied-learning opportunities.

The recognition follows the program’s 70th anniversary in 2025. FSU offers music therapy education from the undergraduate through doctoral levels, with students gaining clinical experience through community-based practica at sites throughout the Tallahassee area. Undergraduate students also complete a six-month, full-time internship.

The program prepares students to use music in settings that include healthcare, mental health, special education, hospice and services for older adults.

A standout in the Southeast

Music School Finder also named FSU among eight Southeast Regional Music Standouts. Programs were selected based on the breadth, quality and distinctiveness of their undergraduate music opportunities, as well as their training models, scale and student experiences.

FSU offers study across a broad range of musical fields, including performance, composition, conducting, music education, music therapy, musicology, jazz, music industry and technology.

Music School Finder highlighted the College of Music’s combination of extensive academic and performance opportunities, faculty mentorship and focus on student success.

The College of Music continues to expand those opportunities. This fall, it launched the Center for Music Leadership and Community Engagement, which prepares students for a range of music careers while expanding partnerships with arts organizations and community partners in Tallahassee and beyond.

The center brings together the college’s Bachelor of Arts in Community Music, Master of Arts in Arts Administration and music entrepreneurship initiatives and serves as a hub for internships, professional development and community engagement.

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Three Florida State University student filmmakers are earning national recognition for their work, with each named a finalist for a 2026 Student Heritage Award from the American Society of Cinematographers.

Juan Martinez, Saron Bahre and Leandro Rutigliano, students in FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts, are among a select group of emerging cinematographers nominated for the annual awards. Of the 10 nominees in the U.S. undergraduate narrative and documentary categories, three are from FSU.

“To have three of our undergraduate cinematographers nominated for ASC Student Heritage Awards in the same year is really remarkable,” said Keith Slade, FSU filmmaker in residence in cinematography. “The American Society of Cinematographers represents the highest level of our profession, and its membership includes many of the cinematographers whose work has defined the art and craft of filmmaking. For our students to have their work recognized by that community, at this stage in their careers, is incredibly meaningful.”

The nominations also highlight the resources and opportunities FSU provides student filmmakers. The College of Motion Picture Arts is the only motion picture college in the country that pays the production costs of every student’s film, providing students equal access to industry-standard equipment and facilities. FSU also covers entry fees and expenses for finished student work shown at film festivals.

Slade said he has seen firsthand how the students have developed through their time at FSU.

“I’ve watched these students grow as cinematographers and push themselves and their craft, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished,” he said.

“The constant endorsement from our school and professors mean the world to us. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support this program has given to me and my peers’ brave ideas.”

– FSU Leandro Rutigliano, student filmmaker

Martinez is one of six finalists for the George Spiro Dibie, ASC Undergraduate Award for his cinematography on “Tesoro.” The film follows an immigrant boy who spends the Fourth of July at a beach motel while his mother works. When his restlessness leads him to cause trouble, mother and son are forced to confront fears about their future.

“Being nominated for the ASC Heritage Awards is a tremendous honor,” Martinez said. “This recognition is a reflection of the hard work of every crew member who helped bring this project to life from start to finish.”

For Martinez, who is Colombian, the recognition also carries personal significance.

“As a Colombian cinematographer being recognized by the ASC for a Hispanic film, this nomination means the world to me,” he said. “I hope it not only highlights the visual storytelling of the film but also draws attention to the very real social issues it explores. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a project that has the opportunity to spark conversation and represent our community on this stage.”

Bahre and Rutigliano are both finalists for the Haskell Wexler, ASC Documentary Award. Together, the FSU filmmakers account for half of the four finalists in the documentary category.

Bahre was recognized for “Lake of Fire,” which retells through the eyes of the perpetrator the vandalism of an art exhibition celebrating diversity, kindness and inclusion.

For Bahre, an Ethiopian, first-generation filmmaker, the subject had a personal resonance.

“Through my cinematography, I hope audiences are able to reflect on the importance of not silencing art, artists and diverse voices,” Bahre said.“I am incredibly grateful to be part of a project that has the opportunity to honor the artist and encourage meaningful conversations about the importance of allowing different voices and perspectives to exist freely.”

Bahre also credited the College of Motion Picture Arts with providing the resources and collaborative environment that helped make the film possible.

“Having access to the equipment and resources we needed, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with incredible filmmakers I am lucky to call my friends, made this experience incredibly meaningful,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the community, support and opportunities this program has given me to grow as a filmmaker.”

Rutigliano was nominated for “House of Light,” which explores a Greek Orthodox monastery in the hills of Texas that provides a place of peace for the monks who live there and those who seek it.

Rutigliano said the monks and their stories helped shape his visual approach to the film.

“Hearing the perspectives of these monks inspired many elements of the cinematography, hoping to encapsulate the pure feeling of home, peace, and light they provided us with,” he said. “Through the many dark times that the outside world can undergo, it is places like this that prove to us there’s always some sort of lighthouse calling us in to land ashore.”

Rutigliano also pointed to the resources, faculty support and collaboration he found at FSU.

“Thanks to the support of FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts, our crew was granted access to the knowledge and equipment that made it possible to bring this idea to life,” he said. “The constant endorsement from our school and professors mean the world to us. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support this program has given to me and my peers’ brave ideas.”

The three nominations continue a history of FSU filmmakers earning recognition from the American Society of Cinematographers. In 2019, FSU student Jazleana Jones won the Haskell Wexler Student Documentary Award for “King, Charles.” In 2025, FSU graduate Max Losson was a finalist for the George Spiro Dibie, ASC Undergraduate Award for his cinematography on the FSU capstone film “Photo Play XX.”

The American Society of Cinematographers created the Student Heritage Awards to recognize emerging cinematographers and support them as they begin their careers. Colleges and universities may submit up to three qualified students per category, and winners are selected by a jury of ASC members.

Now in their 27th year, the awards honor ASC members whose contributions helped shape the art of cinematography. This year’s nominees represent film programs including FSU, the University of Southern California, UCLA, the American Film Institute, Chapman University, Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts.

Winners of the 2026 ASC Student Heritage Awards will be announced Oct. 4.

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