More than 300 community members joined a free special screening of Disney and Pixar’s Hoppers at Megabox Songdo on March 20, 2026, hosted by the University of Utah Asia Campus.

But the evening was more than just a movie night.

Before the film began, visitors were welcomed by Film & Media Arts (FMA) students, who distributed tickets, guided guests, and helped bring the event to life. Student-created film posters lined the venue, offering a glimpse into the creativity emerging from U Asia Campus classrooms. The audience also enjoyed a short student film, giving them a firsthand look at the next generation of storytellers.

For the students, the experience went beyond the screen.

“Providing students with opportunities to share their work with real audiences and gain hands-on experience in film distribution is an invaluable educational experience,” said Yee Sien Ang, FMA program lead. “We are committed to expanding practice-based education that bridges creative work and the industry.”

The event also carried a deeper connection to the University of Utah’s legacy. Edwin Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, is a proud University of Utah alumnus—making the screening a meaningful reflection of the university’s long-standing impact on the world of animation and storytelling.

Gregory Hill, Chief Administrative Officer of the University of Utah Asia Campus, emphasized the significance of this connection.

“We are incredibly proud that the roots of a global powerhouse like Pixar trace back to the University of Utah,” Hill said. “Through events like this, we continue to strengthen the ‘One U’ spirit that connects our students, our community, and our home campus in Salt Lake City.”

By bringing together students, families, and local residents, the screening highlighted what makes the Asia Campus unique: a place where global education meets local engagement—and where the next generation of storytellers is already making an impact.