The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored 19 student winners from colleges and universities around the world at the 45th Student Academy Awards ceremony last night at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal awards were announced and presented by Arthur Dong, Catherine Hardwicke, Kumail Nanjiani, and Patricia Riggen.

Brian Robau’s (MFA/FP ’17) film ESTA ES TU CUBA was representing Chapman in the Domestic Narrative category, and took home the Bronze Medal. This is Brian’s second Student Academy Award win, his last award came in 2016 when he took home the Silver Medal for his film IT’S JUST A GUN.

ESTA ES TU CUBA is inspired by the real-life stories of the children involved in Operation Peter Pan (or Operación Pedro Pan), the mass exodus of over 14,000 unaccompanied minors from Cuba to America.

Brian Robau, winner of the bronze medal in the narrative film category for “Esta Es Tu Cuba”/“This Is Your Cuba,” during the 45th Annual Student Academy Awards® on Thursday, October 11, in Beverly Hills.

During his acceptance speech, Brian explains that this film is inspired by his father–“it’s his story of coming from Cuba to Miami as a boy during the Communist Revolution in Cuba. He was one of over 14,000 children that experienced this, and being able to make this film with [my father] has been one of the greatest joys of my life so far.” Brian also thanked Chapman University and his “fellow classmates, students, incredible teachers, and thesis advisor, Rachel Goldberg.”

Be sure to check out Brian’s full acceptance speech.

Congratulations to Brian and the entire cast and crew on a very deserving award!

Catherine Hardwicke and Brian Robau, winner of the bronze medal in the narrative film category for “Esta Es Tu Cuba”/“This Is Your Cuba,” during the 45th Annual Student Academy Awards® on Thursday, October 11, in Beverly Hills.

Head over to the Academy’s website to see the full list of winners and to watch the full ceremony