Buzz building for UWO student's film exploring human connection and kindness

UWO student Jacob Lefeber has earned a heap of praise and some impressive awards for his debut short film, Cappuccino.

Were there Oscars for experiential learning, you might say Jacob Lefeber is a shoo-in.

Lefeber, a senior majoring in Radio TV Film at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, is still reeling from the success of his debut short film Cappuccino, which he wrote and directed.

The six-minute family drama won Best Student Film at the Star City Film Festival in Iowa (July 19-21) and was honord at MLC international film festival in Green Bay (Aug. 11-12). It also was an official selection at the 2024 Door County Short Film Festival.

The film, which is set in a coffee house, explores themes of human connection and kindness.

"I don't want to give too much away," said Lefeber, a native of Sturgeon Bay with roots in Oshkosh. "It's a story I wanted to tell, a message I want to send about having a better understanding on how to treat people."

Lefeber, who had experience working in coffee houses, wrote the screenplay in one day. He then presented it to the executive board of the Titan Film Society, a student organization that views, discusses and produces films.

"Everyone loved it, and they're like, 'Yeah, let's do it,'" he said.

He was supported by fellow RTF students including Sela Ortega, a Titan Film Society member who served as second assistant camera for Cappuccino as a freshman; and Sebastian Vang, a senior who was co-producer on Cappuccino and director of operations for Titan Film Society.

Grandfather in his corner

One of the most poignant elements of Cappuccino was Lefeber's decision to cast his grandfather, Dave Lefeber, in a starring role.

"I just told him he had to be a grumpy old man, who complains about coffee," Lefeber said, with a laugh. "I didn't think he'd say, 'yes' because he's not really the super outgoing type."

Dave Lefeber, whose day job is investigator with the Fond du Lac County medical examiner's office, said he was happy to help his grandson.

"Although I would rather avoid the spotlight, I was willing to do whatever Jacob asked," the elder Lefeber said.

Dave Lefeber, known to the cast crew as just "Dave," was more than willing to get into the role. For the first table read with co-star UWO student Megan Kitzman, Lefeber said his grandfather showed up wearing overalls and a dirty hat.

"I didn't give him a dress code, and I'm pretty sure he had some hay in his teeth, and he growled, 'Where's my coffee?'" Lefeber recalled. "I said, 'That's great, Grandpa, I love the enthusiasm, but that's really not what I'm looking for.'"

The grandfather quickly learned to take direction from his director-grandson. Although he had fun being part of the two-day shoot, he said he might be a one-and-done when it comes to acting.

"I don't believe I'll need an agent soon," Dave Lefeber said.

Passion for filmmaking

Jacob Lefeber's love for filmmaking dates to when he was just 5 years old.

"One of my first memories is just being in my living room, with a pretend camera, directing my parents to stand here and say a line. My mom, who was an extra on this film, when she saw my most recent film, was moved to tears. It was like seeing the child she knew, directing now as an adult," he said.

Beth Hubbard, chair of the radio TV film (RTF) department and past adviser of the Titan Film Society, said she wasn't surprised that Lefeber's short film garnered such acclaim.

"Jacob Lefeber is an incredibly driven and passionate filmmaker who isn't afraid to take risks and put his work out there," Hubbard said. "His success is a direct result of his dedication to his craft and his willingness to seek guidance and apply it effectively. Watching him grow from a student in my Intro to post-production class to someone who confidently navigates the festival circuit has been truly inspiring."

Lefeber credits professors like Hubbard in the RTF program for giving him the tools to succeed.

"All semester last year, our phrase was, 'Let's cook.' That's what we do. We cook. (Hubbard) just provided us with a book of recipes and then let us be free," he said.

Lefeber is also thankful for the guidance of Adam Diller, an assistant professor in the department who teaches narrative filmmaking, cinematography, screenwriting and ecocinema.

"He has been awesome as well. He just pushes us to go farther, go deeper and really try to create something special," Lefeber said.

As Lefeber approaches graduation in December, he plans to continue honing his craft in Oshkosh before potentially moving to Los Angeles. He plans to work on various projects with his peers and explore opportunities in directing, writing and producing.

His advice to new students aspiring to be filmmakers: "Get involved, make connections, and learn something new every day," he said. "Knocking down that first door can lead to many more opportunities. For me, Cappuccino was the first door."

Study Radio TV Film at UWO

UWO RTF alumna leads off with Red Sox media team less than year from graduation

'A full-circle moment': RTF grad is now WPR's statewide 'Morning Edition' host

Three Titans, three stations: UWO grads are dominating sports news in northeast Wisconsin

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.