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A University of Tampa student filmmaker brought his work to the big screen at the Gasparilla International Film Festival last Saturday, one of the region’s premier celebrations of independent cinema.

In its 19th year, the festival is the largest independent film event in the Tampa Bay area, drawing filmmakers, artists and film enthusiasts from across the country.

UTampa film and media arts major Cole Drouin, who is expected to graduate in May with a BFA and complete a master’s in social and emerging media in December, was selected to show his film during the festival’s College Shorts block, which highlighted emerging student talent.

Drouin’s film, “The Footprint,” is set in a Florida apartment building and follows two homicide detectives investigating a murder.

Drouin said the creative process behind the film was both rewarding and challenging.

“My favorite part was working with the actors and watching the project come to life during editing,” Drouin said. “The editing process was where the most creativity took place.”

Producing the film was not without obstacles. Just days before filming began, Drouin had to replace two of the actors while also struggling to secure filming locations. Despite the challenges, he credits UTampa’s film program with helping him develop the skills needed to bring the project to life.

“I picked up new skills from each professor and class along the way,” Drouin said, specifically mentioning screenwriting guidance from Devin Rice, adjunct professor of film, who helped refine the script, and Santiago Echeverry, professor of film, animation and new media, who aided in creating promotional materials.

Technical and cinematography skills developed in courses with Warren Cockerham, media production coordinator and lecturer, also played a critical role in the production. Cockerham later served as Drouin’s senior seminar mentor, working closely with him to refine the project’s audio and technical elements.

In addition to showing his film at the festival, Drouin also was involved behind the scenes as an event volunteer and film screener, watching more than 30 submissions and writing reviews.

“I was interested in volunteering so I can meet more people, experience film in a new way and get involved in such a great community,” he said.

Having a film selected for the festival is a major milestone for filmmakers. Submissions are reviewed by a panel after passing through an initial screening process. Drouin received his acceptance in January.

The experience has reinforced his confidence as a filmmaker and inspired new creative goals.

“It’s definitely inspiring and an honor to have my film selected,” he said. “It’s shown me that I can make a film worth sharing.”

Looking ahead, Drouin plans to work on a new project using UTampa’s virtual production studio and wants to work in social media production.

In addition to Drouin, two UTampa alumni showed their films at the Gasparilla International Film Festival. Sean Prieve ’25 showed “RESPAWN,” and Zachariah Steele ’25 showed “I Know You.”