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What's the EFP?

The Tallgrass Film Association Emerging Filmmaker Program (EFP) is a program for local students from 8th grade through seniors in high school. Age range runs from 13-18. Applications for the current year closed May 29th, 2026. 

Our 2026 EFPs will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with professionals in the film industry, covering a wide range of topics including: film criticism, directing, producing, screenwriting, audio production, lighting, camera technique, video editing, and more.

Successful students will receive an all-access TALLPass in exchange for their participation in the program, as well as an additional all-access pass for a parent or guardian.

NOTE: The program was previously called the Emerging Programmer Apprenticeship program (EPA). We rebranded in 2023, but we think this video helps explain a portion of what the program demonstrates.

Important Information

Meet Your Teacher
Caitlyn Cody is an award-winning cinematographer and filmmaker with a background in both narrative and commercial storytelling. She’s been actively involved with the Tallgrass Film Festival since 2017, beginning as an Emerging Programmer Apprentice (EPA), and then transitioning to a festival programmer, film projectionist, juror, and featured filmmaker. 
 
A graduate of Wichita State University with a BAA in Digital Arts—Filmmaking, Caitlyn currently works as a Senior Editor and Producer at Justin McClure Creative. There, she’s contributed to campaigns for brands like Textron Aviation, Meritrust Credit Union, Sunbelt Rentals, and more. 
 
In her free time, she collaborates with fellow filmmakers on independent projects. Most recently, she served as the cinematographer for the feature film “Meet Me at Magic Hour,” which premiered at the 22nd Annual Tallgrass Film Festival.