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• Erin Tonix gains exclusive film experience at Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Erin Tonix gains exclusive film experience at Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Erin Tonix, a film and media studies major at Auburn University, just got back from the 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. She was one of only 40 students selected from more than 250 applicants to participate in an exclusive film studies program.

“When I found out I was accepted, I was so surprised,” Tonix said. “There’s not that many people that get the opportunity to even apply to a film program because they don’t know about it or don’t have the resources for it, but I had the opportunity and professors that helped me with my major to just take it and seize the opportunity.”

Once at the festival, Tonix was in for an unforgettable experience. From screenings to panels, she had the chance to dive into the world of film. One of the first events she attended was a screening of “The Conclave” followed by an award presentation for actor Ralph Fiennes. Tonix was also exposed to a variety of films, including international documentaries. She and the other participants connected through their shared love for filmmaking.

“I was able to talk to a lot of other students who came from different universities. It was very interesting seeing how their film program worked and the classes they took or the initiatives that they personally decided to take to improve their own skills,” Tonix said. “They had a lot of initiative, and they had a lot of passion for filmmaking, and so I more than ever really want to be able to produce my own work and really practice all those skills.”

Tonix’s experience wasn’t just about watching films. It was also about learning from industry professionals. One highlight was attending a writer’s panel where she got to hear from some major players in the field, including Oscar-nominated writer Jesse Eisenberg. This message boosted her confidence in her future in filmmaking.

“He talked a lot about authenticity in writing and how we can all provide our own personal experiences to create something genuine,” Tonix said. “He was also very optimistic about the future of the film industry, despite concerns about technology taking over certain aspects of filmmaking. He saw it as a tool to enhance storytelling rather than a threat.”

Tonix is excited to take her new insights and apply them in her screenwriting work, as well as in the classroom. She encourages others to go after opportunities like this, even if they’re unsure of their chances.
“If there’s even a small part of you that’s interested, just go for it,” Tonix said. “You never know what could happen. I almost didn’t apply because I thought I wasn’t going to get it, and now I’ve had this incredible experience that has changed the way I see film.”

Learn more about Film and Media Studies.

Tags: Students Communication and Journalism