By Taylor Jensen/entertainment editor

Two short films examining personal identity and containing performances from two TCC students were shown at the Rose Marine Theater in Fort Worth on April 6.

Rob Bosquez Jr., director of the first film Beautimous, said he grew up without Facebook or any social networking tool to stay connected with friends traveling on a different path of life.

“I grew up at the time when there was no way to stay connected. When they were gone, they were actually gone,” he said. “It’s about the finality of being forgotten — the people who are close to you disappearing.”

As a result, Beautimous is the story of two childhood friends who have to meet the realization of separation from each other and the life-altering results that follow.

Bosquez said he wants the audience to remember a defining moment in their lives when they knew things would never be the same.

“I want to remind them of something that changed their lives,” he said. “Sometimes, we just live our lives and don’t cherish what we need to cherish.”

NW student Fredy Quiroga said he relates to his character Alex’s compassion and belief in everlasting friendship.

“This story is unique,” he said. “Friendship always lasts. If you truly care about each other, it will always be there.”

Following the theme of individuality, director Joseph Anzaldua presented Gladiolous, the story of two people struggling to find the identity of their suffocating relationship.

“They try to find a happy medium,” he said. “[Relationships] take work. If you can’t be true to yourself, you can’t be true in a relationship.”

TR student Cintya Segoviano said her character Maddy deals with the confusion of being a woman trying to find herself.

“Feeling alone even when surrounded by people — this is something all women can relate to,” she said.

Segoviano said self-examination is the prevalent message in Gladiolous.

“We’re a creative animal that can do that,” she said. “Don’t take it for granted.”