University of Arizona

Universe Academy

A universe-building student must get his project approved before it kills him.
Director: Daniel Cadena
Producer: Phoenix Lawson
Cinematographer: Clinton Willis
Production Designer: Ashley Courter-Smith
Editor: Daniel Cadena, Andy Mourelatos
Sound Designer: Mike Choi
Cast: James Carroll, Leland Hao

Daniel Cadena

Daniel Cadena is a Tucson-born writer and filmmaker who has a deep love for fantasy, television, and music. He decided to study film at the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television to learn what it takes to pursue a career as a screenwriter and television showrunner and to create an original series of his own in the future. Daniel would like to thank his Mom for supporting his nerdy and artistic endeavors as Universe Academy wouldn’t exist without her in his corner.

2025 Films

Blush’n

Blush’n

Even Now

Even Now

No One Can Hear You For Miles

No One Can Hear You For Miles

Nostalgiathon ’99 –

Nostalgiathon ’99 –

Parallel Lines

Parallel Lines

People for Paws

People for Paws

Pizza Guy Returns

Pizza Guy Returns

Play Pretend

Play Pretend

Playing It Ghoul

Playing It Ghoul

The Glass Planet

The Glass Planet

The Grit of it All

The Grit of it All

The World We Live In

The World We Live In

Universe Academy

Universe Academy