If you think student films are just a part of coursework, think again. University of Houston students produce many short films, but they often go unnoticed.
CoogTV, a student-led visual media organization at UH, focuses on the creation and production of different types of media content, including short films.
One of their missions is to make their content more widespread across the university and beyond. Short films produced by CoogTV are posted regularly on their website and also on their YouTube channel, making media more accessible for everyone.
Let’s take a look at some of the best short films produced by UH students and why you should watch them.
Ghostlight
“Ghostlight” is the University of Houston’s biggest and most ambitious short film ever to be produced.
Not only did the film have the largest number of crew members working on set, but it also received substantial funding. Students successfully raised more than $4,000 to contribute to the production of the film and worked relentlessly to bring a vision to life.
The film was produced under the supervision of Hollywood director Michael Grossman, who has directed episodes of popular TV shows, such as “Pretty Little Liars” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
“Ghostlight” was different from other short films because it was similar to a musical, something never done at UH before.
The film wrapped up at the end of spring 2025 and had a special screening at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Auditorium.
Though this film wasn’t produced by CoogTV, it was worth mentioning on this list because of its large scope and the dedication of all the crew members who worked on this project.
We’d Love To Have You
“We’d Love to Have You,” a short film produced by CoogTV, was showcased at their annual film festival on campus in Cullen Performance Hall. It also won three awards for best screenplay, best cinematography and best in show.
Despite how short it is, the film leaves the audience with goosebumps as it approaches the end.
What begins as a routine delivery spirals into a mystery when a young courier encounters a couple hiding more than just a package. The husband’s bloody hand, the wife’s unsettling cheerfulness and a breaking news report about a missing businessman leave the audience questioning what really happened inside that house.
It is worth a watch because it manages to create an impact and leave the viewers unsettled in such a short time, which is a sign of a well-planned and executed film.
Executive Producer Charlotte Russell and Chief Communications Officer Karina Del Villar at CoogTV both personally recommend this film too.
“It is a beautiful looking film that has a combination of comedy and fear,” Russell said.
“The film was just so well made,” said Del Villar. “The screenwriting, the cinematography and the acting worked so well together to create such an eerie and creepy film.”
Caffeinated
As the name suggests, the short film “Caffeinated” is about a college student who consumes so much caffeine to the point that she begins to hallucinate.
This film is an eye-opener for college students, who sometimes don’t realize the harmful effects of overconsuming caffeine. Insomnia, restlessness and delusions are all negative effects the main character experiences in the film. It sends out an essential message to college students who may have chosen to disregard it otherwise.
The Codex
“The Codex” is another short film screened at the annual film festival hosted by CoogTV. Unlike the other films on the list, “The Codex” has a more adventurous and light-hearted feel to it. The film centers on three friends who are trying to solve a mystery and shows the journey they go on all around campus to solve it, just like a scavenger hunt.
This short is a must-watch because it depicts a lot of beautiful locations on campus, making us appreciate the beauty of our university. The ending is open to multiple interpretations, which is another fun element of the film.
Read The Room
This short film might be up your alley if you are into fortune telling and astrology.
Centered on a conversation between a curious seeker and a tarot card reader, “Read The Room” explores how much of our future can be revealed through the cards.
Some people might find the story funny because of the way the story builds up and how it actually ends, suggesting that we may sometimes place too much importance on such activities.
Another reason to watch this film is the behind-the-scenes footage included at the end, which allows viewers to appreciate the dedication of the crew behind the final product.
These short films are a combination of passion, talent, creativity and hard work. By watching them, you’re not only watching fresh and quick content, but you’re supporting student filmmakers who pour their hearts into bringing these films to life.
Every view, every comment, every share and every conversation about these films goes a long way. Do your part and give these films a quick watch.
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