The showcase, which culminates four years of study for the university's senior-level film students, starts at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The screenings will take place in the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre of the academy located at 5230 Lankershim Blvd.

Cinema and television arts professor Nate Thomas said the students in the department's film production option are given the creative freedom to produce what they want.

"It is their persistence and tireless dedication that we salute with this screening," Thomas said. "These films represent the best of the department and some of the best ever done here at CSUN."

The three films to be shown are:

• "Colorblind," directed by Danny Simonzad and Shervin Youssefian, is the story of a filmmaker whose insecurities about his height lead him to cast the woman he loves in a film in an attempt to get close to her. Hiding behind the lens of the camera, he uses his actors and his fantasy world to catch a glimpse of what true love might be like.
• "Picture Perfect," directed by Bill O'Donnell, is the story of Louis, a struggling painter whose life is turned upside down when his wishes come true and he is trapped in his own paintings.
• "Bridge to Heaven," directed by Richard Benipayo. It is the story of a photographer, Todd, who, through a chance meeting in the desert, finds out that the greatest tragedy in life is the failure to come to terms with one's self.

"These students work hard and are dedicated filmmakers, and I think it shows in their work," Thomas said. "I think we will be hearing about these talented young people in the future."

For more information about the showcase, call the Cinema and Television Arts Department at (818) 677-3192.

CSUN's film program recently was named Southern California's best by the Association of Independent Feature Film Producers. The AIFFP considered the program's curriculum, faculty projects, internships, job placements, industry involvement and balance of classroom and practical training in making its selection.

California State University, Northridge has more than 31,500 full- and part-time students and offers 63 bachelor's and 51 master's degrees. Founded in 1958, it is the only four-year university in the San Fernando Valley and the third largest in the 23-campus CSU system. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges recently said CSUN "stands as a model to other public urban institutions of higher education."