BOSTON — Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) Fourth-Year Film/Video student Rich Novas, BFA ’25, has won the Grand Prize – First Place Award at the 2025 International Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston) Student Showcase Program for his Senior thesis film, The Hour.

In a highly competitive field, The Hour was selected from twelve nominated works representing distinguished film programs across the greater Boston area, including Emerson College, Boston University, Tufts University, and Suffolk University. The competition was juried by industry professionals and included a mix of undergraduate and graduate-level MFA programs.

The Hour tells the gripping story of a couple expecting their first child who must navigate moral dilemmas and treacherous landscapes as they forge a path to safety in a world on the brink of collapse. The film poignantly suggests the profound ramifications of living in a politically divided world where people have lost sight of their shared humanity.

Tammy Dudman, chair of MassArt’s Film/Video department, shared the following about Rich’s academic journey: “The adage “it takes a village” comes to mind. Throughout his time at MassArt, Rich faced a number of headwinds. His achievement is a powerful manifestation of the collective dedication of MassArt’s faculty, studio managers, and administration, each helping to create an environment that affirmed, challenged, and empowered him to excel.”

To learn more about the MassArt Film/Video program, visit https://massart.edu/program/film-video/.

###

About MassArt
The only independent public college of art and design in the country, MassArt was founded in 1873 in response to a bold idea: art and design are essential to our daily lives, and key to improving our society and economy. What began as a school to teach drawing is today a bold, comprehensive art and design institution that spans 18 undergraduate and nine graduate programs, certificates, continuing education, and post-baccalaureate study.

Media Contact
Rachael Dubinsky
Senior Communications Manager
(203) 561-7032
rdubinsky@massart.edu