Global Programs

Winitsky Wins IES Study Abroad Film Contest

His short film, 'Coming to Berlin,' will be shown during Penn State’s Education Abroad Fair

Zeke Winitsky (Bellisario College of Communications '23) won 2022 IES Study Abroad Film Festival for his short film, "Coming to Berlin." Credit: IES Abroad. All Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Zeke Winitsky, a senior majoring in Film Production at the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, was recently awarded the Grand Prize in IES Abroad’s 2022 Study Abroad Film Festival for his short film “Coming to Berlin.” Founded in 1950, IES Abroad is a global, not-for-profit providing premier study abroad and internship programs. 

The film focuses on connecting his own heritage with current events, all centered around a singular place — Berlin. 

“'Coming to Berlin'" is a film that was experienced as much as it was made. Being the descendant of a Holocaust survivor, spending time in Germany was complicated,” Winitsky said. “There were moments when I felt a sense of closure and almost forgiveness, but also moments of guilt and conflict. In making this film, I meditated on my role as a Jew in America and in Europe. I wanted to illustrate my inner conflict and bring my personal dilemma to life." 

The film won via public vote as the films were posted online, and the four nominees were chosen by a panel of experts. 

The IES Abroad Study Abroad Film Festival gives attendees the opportunity to engage with students, alumni, and the local film and entertainment communities, as well as to raise awareness about the power of study abroad. The red-carpet event showcased incredible students and their enriched educational experiences through their films, in addition to helping raise IES Abroad need-based scholarship funds to send more students abroad. 

Winitsky’s film is a source of pride for the University, especially the Education Abroad office within Penn State Global. 

“We’re so proud of Zeke and all of the work he put into this film,” said Kate Manni, Director of Education Abroad. “He’s a shining example of how studying abroad can not only broaden your horizons and help you see others’ experiences, but also reflect deeply on your own.” 

The film will be shown as a part of the Education Abroad Fair on Thursday, Nov. 3, in the HUB-Robeson Center on University Park Campus. Winitsky will film a short introduction and welcome for the film. There will be two screenings, the first at 12 p.m. and another at 3 p.m., in 134 HUB. All Penn State students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to attend. 

For more information, contact Sara Paliga, Education Abroad Adviser, at spp5879@psu.edu.

Last Updated October 31, 2022