Missouri State University’s Emma Habert has won a college EMMY® award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS)-Mid-America chapter.

Her film, “The Will of the Mare,” won the Student Production Award for best Fiction – Short Form.

In addition to Habert’s win, nine other Missouri State students received honorable mentions for their work.

“We’re so proud of Emma and our honorable mentions this year,” said Dr. Deborah Larson, head of the Department of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film (CMJF).

“To win a crystal pillar ‘Student Production Award’ from NATAS is to be recognized for extremely high standards by industry and academic alike,” Larson added.

“The Will of the Mare” will be shown during the CMJF Showcase on May 5 at the Moxie Cinema in Springfield, Missouri. The event starts at 7 p.m.

Poem inspired film’s story

Habert, who is completing her first year in Missouri State’s MFA in Dramatic Writing program, wrote and directed “The Will of the Mare.”

A poem Habert wrote in high school served as the story’s inspiration, she recalled.

“‘The Will of the Mare’ is a silent short film where, in an act of rebellion, an abused farm wife frees a horse from the stables,” she explained. “Our protagonist and the horse are one [and] the same, a mirror image of each other. While the horse is burdened with a wall of bridles and ropes, the wife is trapped in a loveless marriage with a wedding ring that’s stuck on her finger.”

“It isn’t until the horse envisions freedom in the expanse of an open pasture that the wife can finally envision it for herself,” Habert continued. “Even with the threat of immediate punishment, she can only smile because there is hope.”

Working with a talented team—and a horse named Cupcake

Production began in October 2025 and ended in December, Habert said. The most challenging part of the process was filming the horse, she recalled.

“I had no prior experience of animal handling on my films,” she said. “I wanted to try something new, especially since it was challenging, because the film was so short and would be more manageable.”

Habert sought the assistance of a professional equestrian to film the horse, named Cupcake. “Through a copious amount of treats and careful framing, we were able to accomplish the goal,” Habert said.

While pleased to have met this challenge, Habert praised her actors and her cinematographer for the film’s success.

Her lead actress, Isabella Ferrari, gave a “touching performance,” Habert said. Meanwhile David Watson, who served a dual role as director of photography and editor, had “an eye for dramatic lighting and the ability to enhance the mood of a scene,” Habert said.

“I think through the brilliant acting and the planned shot choices, [the film’s] hopeful ending is tangible,” she noted.

Habert also expressed her appreciation for Associate Professor Andrew Twibell. He teaches the Visual Storytelling (MED 674) class and oversaw Habert’s project.

“He gave wonderful advice and useful feedback on the edit,” she said.

For Habert, the overall sense of working with a talented team to accomplish something worthwhile is extremely satisfying.

“The most meaningful aspect of making this project is working with talented people that are able to bring your vision to life on screen,” Habert said. “When you put in hours of work, the best part is sitting back and sharing the final film with others.”

Future is bigger, better, brighter

Habert’s win marks yet another step toward her dream of becoming a professional screenwriter. And she has big plans as she moves forward.

“With my production background, I enjoy working on set,” she said. “I see myself directing more of my own work in the years to come.”

For starters, Habert will direct her thesis project next year. “This is Gonna Tickle” is an action-comedy short script that won third place in the Graduate Scriptwriting category at the 2026 Broadcasting Education Association (BEA) awards.

Winning an EMMY® has also given Habert the confidence to complete bigger projects and enter more competitions.

“This accomplishment proved to me that my work ethic and my drive to achieve my creative vision can get me places,” Habert said. “So, I will continue to hone my craft.”

2026 NATAS winners and honorable mentions

Fiction – Short Form

“The Will of the Mare” (Winner): Emma Habert, Writer-Director

“Parfume de Garbage” (Honorable Mention): Ariah Cooper, Writer; Kellen Brixey, Director/Editor; Erin Barbieri, Performer

Fiction – Long Form

“The Past and The Present” (Honorable Mention): Amaka Onyeka, Writer/Producer/Director; Mujahed Butt, Cinematographer; Conci Nelson, Executive Producer/Supervisor

Animation/Graphics/Special Effects

“The House Next Door” (Honorable Mention): Anson Aldridge, Director-Animator; Katherine Purvin, Writer-Animator

Editor

“2025 Art Department Reel” (Honorable Mention): Evalee Lowrey, Editor

Editor Reel (Honorable Mention):  Sophie Gregoroski, Editor

Study Screenwriting @ Mo State

 

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Photo credits: Emma Habert and David Watson.

Reynolds College blog posts are human researched, written and reviewed unless otherwise indicated.