On May 8, Chapman University’s philanthropic support group, Women of Chapman, hosted the inaugural Stars of Tomorrow gala at the Port Theater in Corona del Mar, celebrating five Dodge College of Film and Media Arts student thesis films. The featured projects were awarded a combined $52,000 from the Women of Chapman Endowed Student Filmmaker Fund.
Over 12 years ago, Women of Chapman discovered that producing a senior thesis film could cost students between $20,000–$60,000. In response, the group established the Women of Chapman Student Filmmaker Endowment Fund. Since then, they have awarded over $1 million to students, and the endowment has grown to more than $2 million.
With 135 guests in attendance, student filmmakers and their crews walked a real red carpet in full Hollywood glam, even meeting a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. Adrienne Brandes, chair of the Women of Chapman Stars of Tomorrow gala, welcomed the sold-out audience.
“The true stars tonight are our students,” she said. “To every young filmmaker—those living your dreams and those dreaming them into existence—this is your moment. We are here because of your passion, late-night editing sessions, bold visions, and powerful stories you’re destined to tell. We love you and we honor you.”
Brandes then introduced Dodge College Dean Stephen Galloway, who led an on-stage conversation with the students about the filmmaking process and their next steps after graduation. Guests then watched the five films with theater snacks in hand.
“Screening these films tonight is a milestone—one that wouldn’t have been possible without the tireless dedication, creativity, and sheer determination of so many people in this room,” Brandes said.
The films focus on various themes, including those related to personal freedom, the complexities of friendship, and the bittersweet aspects of growing up, among others.
Student filmmaker Roxie Arce ’25 shared how transformative the award was to her team’s production.
“Between rental fees in downtown Los Angeles and acquiring the many props, furniture, and costumes, we couldn’t have brought to life the spaces we did without it,” she shared. “We would have had to scale down our production without the generous award, but our storytelling could be more ambitious because of it.”
After completing her thesis film, Arce applied her experience to produce Dodge College’s promotional videos. Using the skills she learned in film school, Arce organized a five-day production for eight undergraduate program videos, managing budgeting, scheduling, hiring, and location securing while juggling graduation and assignments. She also applied for her first post-graduate internship and is preparing for her second year as an Associate Feature Film Programmer at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
“My experience at the Stars of Tomorrow gala was like no other,” concluded Arce. “To be part of an inaugural event and be allowed to share our experience and thank the many people who support students in filmmaking was humbling and inspiring.”
In addition to fundraising for the arts, Women of Chapman, which was founded in 1971, has donated over $9 million in gifts to support Chapman University. Membership dues and signature events fundraise for student scholarships, various programs, and capital campaigns across Chapman’s campuses.
If you want to support the next generation of filmmakers, join Women of Chapman today or donate to the Women of Chapman Endowed Student Filmmaker Fund.
