December 9, 2025
As a senior Emerging Media Arts student, Marley Svoboda is finding a creative balance between learning in the lecture hall and bringing imagination to life with Cinema 16. As the president of the on-campus student filmmaking group, Marley aims to create a space of collective storytelling, allowing students to fulfill professional goals and simply enjoy the process of film creation.
You are part of Cinema 16, a student filmmaking group on campus through the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. Can you describe what this Recognized Student Organization entails?
The goal of Cinema 16 is to create a community of film lovers. This club brings people together. I want to stress that it is not just for EMA majors, but it is a pillar of the program. Cinema 16 gives people a chance to be creative together outside of the classroom. If I didn’t make things just for myself as a creative outlet, I would go crazy. I believe that is one of the best ways to process and savor the human experience. If people have fun and make things they enjoy, then all of the effort is worth it.
Our main events are our monthly film fests, which give participants 24 or 48 hours to make a five-minute film. We give them a few requirements, usually a prop or a line that must be in the film, and send them off in small groups. Often, the films aren’t serious, but more creative and fun in nature. The effort that people put into their work ranges from funny films shot on their phones to all-out production value. Once the films are complete, they are sent to our panel of judges — about ten of the club’s alumni. They score the films on sound, script, originality, cinematography and overall effect. The top three films win prizes at the screening in the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center the following week. There, all of the viewers vote for the winner of the People’s Choice Award. The screenings are the best part of Cinema 16. People aren’t afraid to laugh and cheer, which creates a very fun atmosphere. Our long, positive relationship with “The Ross” is the cherry on top that makes this club that much more special.
Besides the film fests, we often host smaller events. One of the club favorites is “Movies with Steve.” Professor Steve Kolbe is our amazing faculty advisor. In this event, we take an evening to watch and discuss a film of his choice. We also have the annual ice cream social, Film Telephones, post-production challenges, workshops and more.
Who or what inspired your passion for filmmaking and how do you continue to find inspiration in your work?
I have always loved films. I watched a lot with my dad growing up, and I would say that is where my original love came from. The excellent Assistant Professor Bryan Jackson was the first instructor I had who showed me the gritty details of filmmaking from script to grip. The people who stand out to me the most, however, are my fellow students. Hearing other emerging media artists talk about film ignites my passion for it. The two most impactful students in my life are Isaiah Griffith and Marley Hewitt. They are 2025 graduates from the Emerging Media Arts (EMA) program, and they both used to be on the Cinema 16 board. They are two of the hardest-working and passionate people I know. They really care about the school and the students, which is a requirement to run this club well. To say they have been mentors to me is an understatement. Their production company, Geez Productions, is successfully representing the club and the EMA program well. Without this program, I would not be the person I am. It is such a collaborative and positive environment. Everyone helps everyone. This means our education is enriched just as much in class as it is outside. This community has taken my interest in film and turned it into a lifelong need to create.
The people who stand out to me the most, however, are my fellow students. Hearing other emerging media artists talk about film ignites my passion for it
Talk a bit more about your role as president of Cinema 16. What kinds of responsibilities does this entail, and what excited you about a leadership position?
As president of Cinema 16, I primarily organize and schedule our events, communicate with the Ross Media Center for screenings and delegate tasks to my wonderful executive team. The club takes about as much work as you want to put into it. I love it a lot, so I try to make the club as good as it can be.
Part of being the president of Cinema 16 is being one of the more recognizable faces among the EMA students, and I have become a point of contact for students and staff. I make it a point to get to know as many people as possible to help build community within the program. I have used my position to restart the EMA mentorship program, pairing first-year students with upperclassmen with similar interests. This would have been difficult if I weren’t already in the leadership position for Cinema 16. I truly love giving back to the people in my EMA community because I feel that it is a special place.
Do you have any favorite projects or memorable moments during your time with Cinema 16?
This year, I am most excited about the record-high participation in our film fests. There were 80 people at the Back-to-School Film Fest screening. It makes me so happy to see that the hard work of the executive team is paying off. I love being a part of a club that makes space for everyone to have such an individualized experience. The most memorable parts for everyone are their own stories about filming something fun and goofy then watching it on the big screen with their friends.
Cinema 16 is one of the many hands-on learning opportunities for students to get involved in here at Nebraska. How has this experience, in conjunction with your academic studies, prepared you for your future?
Through my experience with Cinema 16 and Emerging Media Arts, I have had one of the most hands-on, project-based academic experiences of anyone at Nebraska. This program feels more true-to-life than the usual rinse and repeat of lectures and tests. EMA and Cinema 16 have strengthened my skillset in the technical sense and intangibles like leadership and creativity.
What would you tell fellow Huskers who are looking to become more involved on campus, and specifically those who are looking for hands-on learning opportunities?
If you want to get involved on campus, it is easier than you think. There are plenty of hands-on learning opportunities to find. Within EMA alone, we have Cinema 16, Animation Club, Game Design Club, VJ Club, Drawing Club and more. However, you don’t have to be in EMA to find opportunities like these. There are lots of options to choose from, no matter your interest. Most importantly, it is often easy to work your way up to a leadership position in a club. Being earnest in your work is the most important part. People know when you are being genuine. Always keep reaching out.
Is there anything people may not know, but would be interested to know about Cinema 16?
We post the film submissions on our YouTube channel. You can watch hundreds of short films from the last 14 years @Cinema16UNL. Additionally, we host more events than just film fests. We watch and discuss films, host workshops, socialize and more.
Is there anyone at Nebraska who has had a positive impact on you? If so, please share.
My professors and peers in the EMA program have had the biggest impact on me at UNL. The sense of community among the EMA students is something I have never experienced before on such a large scale. The professors never underestimate us. They give us opportunities to grow, and we lean on them for support. Everyone here pushes me to make better work, they show me new ideas and they make me feel welcome. I am glad to contribute the same to them.
What are your plans after you cross the stage at graduation?
After I graduate, I hope to find a way to experience international travel. This could be filming a documentary, working at a game company or immersing myself in international travel and working along the way. Long term, I would love to find a job that involves creative storytelling.