Lights, Camera, Connection: Riley Cosby’s Journey in Film at Westfield State

Riley Cosby, Class of 2026, a communications major at Westfield State University, is quickly making a name for himself as a young filmmaker on campus. Originally from Texas, Cosby was drawn to the supportive, community-oriented atmosphere at Westfield State after feeling overwhelmed by the larger universities. 

“The more I looked into Westfield State, the more I felt comfortable with attending because college was always overwhelming to me,” Cosby said. “The colleges in Texas are huge, especially in The University of Texas at Austin. The thing with Westfield State is, it made me feel secure and like I could do more here.”

Last spring, Cosby showcased his twelfth short film, The Art of Descent, at the Lava Film Festival in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The festival, which celebrates local artists and filmmakers, featured Cosby’s “twilight-zone, Cthulhu-inspired horror movie” in its thriller and sci-fi category. Made with the help of friends who served as cast and crew, the film received an enthusiastic response.

“This festival was less of a competition,” Cosby elaborated. “It’s more about networking and meeting people who also share your passion. It was really cool, and our film got the largest applause. I think it was because I’m so keen on storytelling, not just as an art form, but as a fundamental in this rudimentary equation. I really try to hone in on what makes a story great, which is why it seemed like everyone seemed to love it. It was good for morale, too. It was a celebration of the hard work I and my friends put into it.”

Inspired by his experiences with Dungeons & Dragons and his love for black-and-white media like The Twilight Zone, Cosby routinely experiments with vintage aesthetics and genre-heavy narratives as part of his repertoire. “I just really wanted to play with that particular aesthetic and visual, and how I can connect it with my storytelling,” Cosby added. “The big thing with student short films is, the ideas are there, but it’s the budget… and people play it safe. I didn’t want to play it that safe this time. I always want to make genre-heavy movies like Guillermo del Toro and Sam Raimi, who make very heavy pieces.”

He first became interested in film after making Youtube videos as a teenager, posting his work online, though the hobby didn’t last as he cited a lack of joy. A pivotal moment came later when his father, a fellow film enthusiast, took him to a horror festival in Texas. There, Cosby had a chance encounter with the creators of The Old Ways, a 2020 horror film that left a lasting impression, though he didn’t know it at the time.

“I was talking to these two guys outside the theater and told them that I didn’t know what I wanted to do after high school, but I liked writing and making videos, though I’m not good enough to make it as a writer. So, I showed them some of my Youtube videos, and they told me I was doing really well. Earlier on during the festival, I had watched this beautiful horror movie called “The Old Ways”, and at the Q&A for it, I then realized that the writer and director were the same people I was talking to at that film festival. There were sparks that lit inside me. I looked at my dad and said, ‘I have to do this. There’s nothing else I want to do.’ And he said, ‘All right,’ and bought me a camera for my 18th birthday.”

On campus, Cosby is already leaving his mark with projects like Watches the Secret Life of Walter Mitty Once:, a short film inspired by the 2013 movie and shot around Westfield State. Created for a videography assignment, the film explores themes of purpose and adventure, following Cosby’s character as he searches for a meaningful life. “He follows this paper trail, desperately trying to find an answer he’s already answered. The meaning of life is to experience life. People said they liked the emotional response of the film, so that was really cool.”

After completing his degree, Cosby plans to pursue graduate studies, likely in Los Angeles, to deepen his craft and build connections in the entertainment industry. His experience with an internship for Match Wits, Westfield State’s TV program, has been another rewarding step in his journey, with Cosby commenting that the gig provides him with “so much joy”.

Overall, he credits the University’s tight-knit environment and supportive faculty for enhancing his experience while also offering him the chance to hone his craft and passion in academic settings. “I’m around on campus and filming a lot,” Cosby said. “People will see me, and one of my professors told me to talk to him after class to ask about it, and now I’m going to be a Teacher Aide in his class. As long as you are open and honest with your professors here, they will constantly do everything in their power to make it work. Regardless of what I’m doing, the entire department has my back and wants to see me thrive, and that’s the best part about Westfield State. They’re going to be super adamant and positive in your own experiences.”