Travis Carlson has always dreamed of seeing one of his films on the silver screen. This month, the sophomore television and film arts (TFA) major will get that chance.

His 125-minute action film, The Codex, is one of 12 finalists in the student films category at the fifth annual Buffalo Niagara Film Festival. The Codex will screen at the Market Arcade Film & Arts Centre in downtown Buffalo on Sunday, April 10, at 1:30 p.m.

“The Codex is the culmination of a four-year endeavor started when I was a junior in high school,” explained Carlson, an All College Honors student. “I submitted an abridged cut of the film to the TFA program for its creative application. I was accepted into the program and have learned editing techniques I couldn’t have dreamed of. I am very excited to have the opportunity to show this feature film to anyone who is interested.”

The film tells the story of a young man who is reluctantly forced into an adventure across exotic terrain after realizing that an ancient Mayan codex with priceless value to the medical community is locked in his estranged father’s art collection.

Carlson, who wrote and directed the film, called on friends from Cassadaga Valley Central School as actors. Filming took place at the Chautauqua Gorge, Allegany State Park, the Chautauqua County Airport, Letchworth State Park, and in Quebec, Canada.

“I am very proud of Travis because he not only wrote a full-length screenplay, but had the tenacity to bring it to the screen over a number of years of hard work. He brings a superior level of commitment to all of his projects in the television and film arts program and I’m certain he’ll find success in the entertainment industry,” said Jeffrey N. Hirschberg, director of the TFA program.

The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival is a 10-day event open to the public, filmmakers, and entertainment industry professionals from around the world. The festival runs from April 8-17, with screenings at the Market Arcade Film & Arts Centre, 639 Main Street in Buffalo, and the Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster Street in North Tonawanda.