Inspired by his own experiences growing up in the Middle East, Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts alumnus Markus Kashouh (B.A. ’25) wrote and directed the short film Halfway, which depicts conflict in tension with friendship. Recognized out of 186 submissions across the nation for its excellence, the film, teeming with themes of reconciliation, forgiveness and healing, has been nominated in the “Drama Series” category for the prestigious Television Academy Foundation’s 45th College Television Awards.

“Just as we commit to equipping our students to create compelling stories with purpose, we also love to celebrate with them when the industry validates their incredible work. I'm thrilled that the Television Academy Foundation has recognized excellence once again in Biola University's students,” said Tom Halleen, founding dean of Biola's Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts.

The film Halfway tells the story of Raphael, a young Israeli child who meets his Palestinian neighbor, Yasmine, after both families have immigrated to the United States. Each bears scars from the Middle Eastern conflict. When Raphael reaches out to Yasmine in an innocent friendship, their bond becomes a catalyst for healing, forcing both families to confront the weight of their past. Kashouh focused on the idea that reconciliation in the world is possible, drawing from personal experience. 

image shows Markus with one of the actors
Markus Kashouh sits with one of the actors

“Halfway was inspired both by my personal upbringing in the Middle East and by the growing polarization I see around the world today,” said Kashouh. “I grew up watching conflict shape people’s lives up close, and I saw how easily pain turns into shouting rather than listening. That reality felt especially relevant in this moment — not just in the Middle East, but globally.”

When Kashouh approached friend and fellow Snyder School classmate Ariana Molina (B.A. ’25) with the script for Halfway, she was hooked immediately and became the film’s producer.

“I immediately fell in love with the concept of reconciliation and how it portrayed a major theme of forgiveness. An important message Christ followers are not only encouraged to share, but to also practice,” said Molina. “At the time, there was so much darkness and anger spreading across the world and all over the media that I was encouraged to work on something that would display the opposite of what everyone was feeling and experiencing.”

During filming, the story's concepts were directly reflected in current events, presenting the crew with both obstacles and some of the project’s most meaningful moments.

“One of the greatest challenges, and also one of the greatest triumphs, was that reconciliation didn’t just happen on screen, but off-screen as well,” reflected Kashouh. “Our cast and crew came from diverse and sometimes opposing cultural backgrounds, and bringing them together required patience, trust and care. There were difficult moments, but it was beautiful to watch art create unity where people might not otherwise engage.”

Both alumni credited their education at the Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts with preparing them for the ambitious task of creating a student film. They were also sufficiently supported throughout the process, including guidance and encouragement from Dean Yamada, a professor in the Snyder School and an accomplished filmmaker.

“The school also provided funding, resources and space to create — but more importantly, it fostered a culture where storytelling, faith and craft could exist together,” said Kashouh. “That support made Halfway possible.”

image shows movie poster
Poster for "Halfway"

The Snyder School values collaboration among students, placing cameras and equipment in their hands from day one. Kashouh and Molina worked with a team of fellow students to complete the project.

“As we strive to create excellence in craft and character within our students, Halfway represents both. We're not only proud of this incredible team for well-deserved recognition, but equally proud of how well they collaborated on this project,” said Halleen. “We look forward to supporting Ariana (Producer), Markus (Writer/Director), Joseph Cunningham (Cinematographer), Kara Lawson and Samuel Vandegrift (Editors), and the entire crew at this year's College Television Awards.”

Open to undergraduate and graduate college students, the annual College Television Awards are among the most distinguished and high-profile stepping stones to careers in television and media. Winners in the competition will be announced at the red-carpet awards ceremony on March 28, 2026, at the Television Academy in North Hollywood.

The Snyder School of Cinema & Media Arts is committed to empowering a generation of biblically grounded storytellers and innovators to impact culture and bring authentic stories to life. Learn more about becoming a part of Biola’s community of storytellers and apply today to be one the first to experience the new studio facility opening Fall 2026.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.