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What started as a goal after attending a film festival has turned into national recognition for 5X���� digital media production senior Saida Lewis. She recently won an award at the (NFFTY) for her original pilot episode, bringing her creative vision to a national stage.  

Lewis began working on the project over winter break of 2025, writing her pilot episode, “Side Effects Include,” from her iSerena series.  

“I remember when I went there, watching all those films, I was super inspired,” Lewis said. “I was like, ‘okay, this time next year I would love to submit something’ and be able to come back knowing that now I’m here for something that I put into the festival.”

NFFTY, one of the world’s largest film festivals for emerging filmmakers ages 14 to 24, showcases young creative talent from all around the globe. After discovering the festival through a peer, Lewis set a personal goal to submit her own work. She refined her script and submitted it, unsure of the outcome.

“The worst they can do is say 'no,'” Lewis said. “So, I might as well just polish it and keep adding to my skills.”

In February, she received the news that her pilot had been accepted. Weeks later, she learned she had become a top-three finalist. While not being able to attend the award ceremony in person, Lewis recalls gathering with her family and streaming the ceremony on their TV at home.  

“We heard that I won, and we were freaking out,” Lewis said.  

Her pilot tells the story of a first-year college student navigating life after a mysterious outbreak of illness. Lewis described it as having “a coming-of-age, ‘Stranger Things’ vibe with a college experience,” as the main character begins to uncover unusual abilities tied to lingering health effects.  

For faculty in Kent State’s School of Media and Journalism, Lewis’ success highlights the strength of the digital media production program.  

“It’s great for our program,” said Dana White, associate professor. “Saida is a very strong writer, and I am so proud of her for this award. She is so deserving.”

White added that achievements like Lewis’ bring broader recognition to the program and its students.  

“An award like this helps bring attention not only to Saida and her impressive talent, but also to the digital media production program and the exciting things that we are doing here,” White said.  

This national recognition is a testament to the high-quality academics found within the school. By fostering distinctive programs that encourage students to push creative boundaries, Kent State provides the career readiness and professional exposure necessary for emerging filmmakers to succeed on a national stage.

Outside of the classroom, Lewis is also a leader in the Female Filmmakers Initiative, where she serves as vice president and social media manager. She credits the organization as part of what drew her to Kent State and helped shape her creative journey.  

Looking ahead, Lewis hopes to continue developing the project and eventually produce the pilot episode.

“I think my next move is just getting feedback and guidance about where I want to take the story,” she said. “And then eventually, I do want to produce the pilot.”

For Lewis, this full circle moment has now served as an inspiration and what may be the start of a filmmaking career.  

Learn more about the digital media production major at Kent State.