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Inspiring the Next Generation: GPB and GSU Unite for a Student Film Showcase
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Twenty years ago, Georgia State University professor Matt Rasnick worked on Lawmakers at Georgia Public Broadcasting. That early experience left a lasting impression. “It has always impressed me that GPB has managed to maintain adherence to its original mission statement … to create, produce, and distribute high-quality programs and services that educate, inform, and entertain audiences…“ Rasnick said. That enduring respect for GPB’s mission is what led him to return and partner on this student film initiative. “Giving our students an opportunity to share their work with a potential statewide audience is a dream scenario for us,” he added. “My hope is that it will inspire more students to engage in creative work beyond the classroom at GSU or any college or university in Georgia.”
The beauty of this initiative is in the diverse group of young filmmakers who were selected. “We have a unique opportunity in the CAT Lab to reach students who may not be declared film majors, or art majors,” Rasnick explained. “A student may be working on a business degree or an education degree, but they still have something inside calling to them that they need to answer.” GPB saw this as a chance to support the next generation of storytellers and help them grow their skills, no matter their background or area of study.
What makes this initiative so impactful are the stories at its center; honest, thoughtful and rooted in each filmmaker’s unique perspective. Olivia Abie’s Barbie Talks reflects her own childhood experiences growing up without her mother. “Raised by a single father, I found comfort and expression through storytelling—often with my Barbies,” she shared. “It was my way of processing emotions and reclaiming my voice.” Her film delicately explores sisterhood, emotional expression, and the power of imagination.
Tosin Thompson’s To the Bone offers a psychological look at the toll of overworking, inspired by her own first year in college. “I hope the audience empathizes with the haunting feeling of exhaustion,” she said. “Many of us sacrifice sleep, health, and social lives for work… I want to help push a narrative that encourages balance.”
Nya Mewborn’s Crazy Like Van Gogh takes viewers into the quiet struggle of grief and the healing power of connection. “I hope viewers recognize that it’s okay to struggle,” Nya explained. “We have people around us who want to help us through those times, but it takes us letting them in.” Each film was not only a creative accomplishment, but also a window into the real emotions, challenges, and hopes of these filmmakers, making this showcase more than just a screening, but a moment of meaningful connection.
For many GPB staff, this experience brought back bittersweet memories, a reminder of where their own creative journeys began. Watching these young filmmakers immerse themselves in their craft was both inspiring and nostalgic. “I was reminded of my own filmmaking education and some of the projects I worked on,” shared GPB Videographer/Editor Will Nunnally. “It’s fun to think back on how I used to make art before it became my job. The main inspiration I drew from watching these was to embrace the joy in storytelling and to remember that creativity is central to what we do.” Being part of this showcase allowed seasoned professionals to reflect on their roots while also learning from the fresh perspectives of the next generation. “I remember what it was like to shoot my first films in college and the fun we had making them,” added Videographer/Editor Rheagan Smith. For many, the showcase served as a full-circle moment, a reminder of the passion that led them to filmmaking in the first place.
For over 65 years, GPB has been committed to mentoring young minds and investing in emerging talent. This showcase was no exception. GSU student Ranjith Mohan shared, “It was wonderful to receive feedback from the professionals at GPB. Being part of such a professional team was truly an honor.” But this initiative is about more than just film; it's about growth, mentorship, and building the future of storytelling in Georgia. Through opportunities like this, students gain real-world experience, while seasoned professionals are reminded of the passion that first sparked their own creative journeys. Together, GPB and GSU are fostering a space where ideas are shared, voices are uplifted, and a new generation of storytellers can find their place and purpose.
GPB and GSU teamed up to support student filmmakers and spotlight powerful, personal stories.
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