Lincoln College Student Wins Emmy
Zaknafein Luken Took Top Honors in Short Form/Non-Fiction Category

 

[June 25, 2021]  Lincoln College student, Zaknafein Luken, is making a name for himself in film. Luken, a junior in the Radio, TV, and New Media program, was the recipient of the prestigious Emmy Award, announced June 22 in the 45th Annual Mid-America Emmy Awards competition, sponsored by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).

NATAS has 19 regional chapters that organize award ceremonies of their own, awarding Emmy statues similar to those given out at the national ceremonies. They also administer their own regional scholarship and student productions award programs.

Luken’s honors were in the Short Form/Non-Fiction category for his original short film, Hate is Not Welcome Here, a piece that examines racial injustices and social issues. The film is a narrative piece featuring interviews and testimonials from Lincoln College students, faculty, and staff members. Radio, TV, and New Media students Jovana Jeremic, Adam Hoffman, and Spencer Davis assisted as stage hands and cinematography for the film.

“When I first posted Hate is Not Welcome Here on social media, there was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback which told me people were emotionally impacted by this film,” said Luken. “The film is easy to watch but packs a punch,” added Luken.

Luken also received honorable mention honors in the category of Best Editor.

Luken currently has submissions for Hate is Not Welcome Here, as well as his original documentary, Our Cause is Just, in seven international film festival competitions. He has already been notified that he is a semi-finalist in the Top Shorts Film Festival. Other honors will be announced in the coming weeks.

Hate is Not Welcome Here can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OaFInxjoUE.

[Lauren Grenlund]