Alumni Spotlight: Where Are They Now?

Graduation is just the beginning for many students at DC Media Academy, especially those pursuing careers in film. In this first installment of our alumni success series, we highlight two standout graduates whose work has already made waves on the festival circuit. Their journeys showcase not only their creative vision, but the drive and discipline it takes to get noticed in a competitive industry. From pitch to premiere, their stories offer a glimpse into what’s possible after graduation.

A Bench and A Poet : Artistry in Action

Alumni Jocellynn Sallie and Caia Coleman are shining examples of how collaboration and creative vision can elevate student work into meaningful professional recognition. During their time in our film program, the duo co-created A Bench and A Poet, a visually rich and emotionally resonant short film that earned festival recognition for its artistic and spiritual depth.

The film, a visual poem based on “The Meaning of Life” by Lecacy Severe marked Jocellynn Sallie’s directorial debut. Deeply moved by the poem’s message, which explores the meaning of life through the lens of Christianity, Jocellynn sought to create a piece that would both honor her faith and inspire others. With Caia Coleman’s creative partnership and technical expertise, the two spent several months bringing the concept to life, carefully crafting each shot to blend spoken word with captivating visuals.

The result was a powerful expression of faith and artistry, designed to share the Word of God in a visually engaging and emotionally accessible form. Their dedication was rewarded when A Bench and A Poet was selected to screen at the prestigious Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. The opportunity allowed them to share their work with a wide audience and connect with filmmakers and creatives from across the country.

“Seeing our work projected in front of a large audience was surreal,” Jocellynn recalls. “It pushed us to explore our creativity more and confirmed that faith-driven storytelling has a real place in the film world.”

Following its Smithsonian debut, the experience has left both Caia and Jocellynn more inspired than ever. Energized by the response to A Bench and A Poet, they’re eager to continue creating work that blends powerful visuals with meaningful messages. Their journey highlights the impact of purpose-driven storytelling and proves that with intention, collaboration, and faith, student projects can become the foundation for lifelong creative pursuits.

“I was really nervous to take on a creative project like this,” Caia shared. “At the time, I didn’t fully trust my own artistic vision. Working with Jocellynn gave me the chance to contribute in a way that felt safe, supportive, and collaborative. I was genuinely shocked by the recognition the film received, and I’m so thankful to both DC Media Academy and Jocellynn for giving me the opportunity to push myself creatively and gain real experience as a filmmaker. This experience showed me what’s possible when you lean into creativity and trust the process.”

Their journey is a testament to what can happen when young artists learn, grow, and create together– and a powerful reflection of DC Media Academy’s mission to nurture talent through collaboration, mentorship, and purpose-driven storytelling.