Get to know some of our College of Media students! Nick Roacho is a Class of 2027 media and cinema studies major.
Why did you choose to major in media and cinema studies (MACS)? How did you decide that the College of Media was the right fit for you?
In the College of Media, I chose to specialize more in film criticism because of the world-renowned film critic [and University of Illinois College of Media alum] Roger Ebert. Movies are something I’ve always loved since I was a kid, and it became almost like a hobby for me. The MACS program has given me the opportunity to bring those interests together, by combining the study of film theory with hands-on experience in video production.
Tell me about your time at Illini Film and Video (IFV)?
I joined IFV in my freshman year and later became an executive member. We meet weekly and either do a workshop or a small lecture on parts of the filmmaking process and host guest speakers from Champaign. We also host students who give presentations on their filmmaking experience. IFV even hosted a 48-hour film challenge in which members write and edit a film in two days, which is then presented during an award ceremony.
Currently, I am the president of IFV, and what has really helped me grow as a MACS student is knowing how to meet people. I wouldn’t be where I am without meeting different people in IFV and making connections aside from filmmaking. This RSO allows you to meet other people from the same field, whom you might even run into and work with in the future.
Are there any achievements you are most proud of from your time at the College of Media?
Last year in Fall 2025, as part of MACS 260: Film Production, I co-directed a short film with friends titled Milk Run, which was selected and screened at the Illinois Student Film Festival to a live audience. Experiencing viewers’ reaction in real time, specifically, during the moments we had written jokes, was an incredibly rewarding experience. It has by far been one of the most memorable experiences here at Illinois, but also a great learning experience by creating a short film.
What are you involved in that has helped you build different skills?
I am the operations director for WPGU, the alternative student radio station. I have been able to work on delegating and setting priorities for the station while working with others to create the best radio station in town. This hands-on experience has allowed me to build my leadership skills both in my personal and professional life as it relates to the film projects I am working on.
I am also the president of Illini Watchers, where we watch and review films every week. Since I want to focus on film criticism, it was a welcoming experience to help run these discussions and be able to criticize or praise scenes with constructive criticism when it felt vulnerable.
What advice would you give to other incoming students majoring in media and cinema studies?
I would say to meet other people and take advantage of the time away from home. Something I appreciate about the College of Media is that it’s small. You have to get out of your shell and just speak to others because you never know where it’s going to end up.
—Interview by Paulina Alvarez, New Voices Intern
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