Students in Monroe University’s Entertainment Media program are earning international recognition after their short documentary Tyrone captured awards and official selections at film festivals across the United States and Canada, an uncommon achievement for a student production.
The 5½-minute documentary, directed by 18-year-old sophomore Shavoy Alcock, has won honors from several respected festivals, including Best Student Documentary at the Toronto Short Film Festival, Best Documentary Short at the Los Angeles Film Awards, and a Silver Telly Award in the student category. The film was also selected for the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival and the New York Short Film Festival.
Alcock, who moved to the United States from Jamaica just four years ago, made his directorial debut with the project while collaborating with fellow Monroe students who handled every aspect of production, from cinematography and audio to editing and post-production.
Tyrone tells the story of New York artist Tyrone Grant, whose life has been shaped by hardship, incarceration, and ultimately redemption. Through interviews with the student filmmakers, Grant recounts growing up on the streets of New York City, spending time at Rikers Island, and coping with the death of his mother at a young age.
The documentary also explores how Grant transformed his life through art, finding purpose and becoming part of New York City’s creative community. At just over five minutes long, the film delivers a deeply personal story of resilience and second chances.
The production team includes producer Zackary Padilla, camera operator Ezekiel Ashiagbor, audio supervisor Olivia Coleman, and editor Darrin Tarulli, with mentorship from Executive Producers Dorothy Toran and Jacob Huddleston, who lead Monroe University’s Entertainment Media program.
For student filmmakers, earning acceptance into competitive film festivals can be difficult, making Tyrone‘s growing list of accolades particularly notable. The documentary premiered before an international audience in Toronto, marking a milestone for both the students and Monroe University’s Bronx-based media program.
“Festival recognition of this caliber is an achievement many filmmakers spend years pursuing,” said Dorothy Toran, Monroe University’s Executive Director of Entertainment Media and Strategic Initiatives. “For a student team to earn awards and selections across North America with a first major film project speaks volumes about their talent, determination, and commitment to authentic storytelling.”
Monroe University said the film’s success highlights its emphasis on hands-on learning, giving students opportunities to produce professional-quality projects while gaining real-world experience. As Tyrone continues to screen for new audiences, the documentary stands as an early career achievement for a team of emerging filmmakers whose work has already resonated well beyond the classroom.