EagleCon brings science fiction, fantasy, and career exploration to Cal State LA

Cal State LA hosted its annual EagleCon, a student-centered sci-fi and fantasy convention, in the University-Student Union Oct. 20-22.

The three-day event, sponsored by the Art Directors Guild, welcomed students to explore their creativity and get in touch with their inner nerd through workshops, panels, and demonstrations.

The event also screened films, such as Felidae (1994), Mothra vs. Godzilla (1964), and Dead or Dying (2026). It was a mix of new and original films' visual storytelling.

This year's Prism Award recipient was actor Walter Koenig, who was well known for his role as Pavel Chekov in the original Star Trek series. The award recognizes individuals who have contributed to diversity in science fiction and fantasy media.

Although Koenig was unable to attend, director Frank Crim participated in a question-and-answer session following a screening of his 2026 film, Mr. Fleischman, starring Koenig. The screening and discussion gave attendees an opportunity to learn about the film and celebrate Koenig's work. Koenig died Sunday at 90, just days after the convention.

During artists' talks, attendees could hear directly from artists about their uniquely creative journeys. It became a space where inspiration was shared, and personal stories became focal points in artists' development.

Michael Clarke, an assistant professor in the Department of Television, Film, and Media Studies (TVFM) at Cal State LA, was the lead organizer of EagleCon this year. He said the convention was started to connect students to career and networking opportunities in a fun way.

"So like, guests, panels, vendors, contests, cosplay, all the things you typically see at a comic book or science fiction convention," Clarke said. "But then their twist on it was, oh, can we also make this sneakily a learning experience?"

Alongside opportunities to learn from established artists, EagleCon gave students a chance to contribute their own creative work.

Fourth-year graphic design major Lizette Paniagua took the opportunity to not only enjoy the convention but also to explore her graphic design skills.

She and a group of other students oversaw social media designs and content for the event. Together, they created graphics, animations, and print materials used to promote the convention.

They had been working on the concept since last semester, narrowing down color palettes and an overall theme. At the beginning of this semester, they created as many designs as possible to have enough promotion in time for the event.

"Like my social media stuff, it's on social media, you know?" Paniagua said. "I'm designing with a purpose, so it's pretty cool."

Paniagua's passion for graphic design reflects EagleCon's focus on helping students explore and share their interests.

Clarke believes EagleCon is a place for people to talk about what they like, since everyone has something in the world they like.

"You know, I feel especially now when I interact with students, everyone is a really intense fan of something," Clarke said. "Everyone has something that they really love and part of it is kind of like the internet allows that to happen."

La'Tonya Rease Miles, an author, public speaker, and advocate for first-generation college students, believes community support helps people embrace who they are and what they love.

During her panel titled "Embracing Your Inner Nerd," Miles discussed the importance of finding community, embracing authenticity, and discovering how interests can become your greatest strengths.

Miles also co-founded My Tribe Media, a media organization focused on sharing the stories of transfer students, first-gens, and adult learners. During the conference, she staffed a table alongside My Tribe Media's head of curriculum, Martha Enciso.

Enciso believes events centered on shared interests, such as EagleCon, help build community and encourage people to embrace their authenticity.

"It's a good way to bring people together through something that you both share," Enciso said. "But it really brings the community together, transcends language, [and] generations too."

Photo: Filmmaker and actor Frank Crim participates in a Q&A following a screening of his 2026 film, "Mr. Fleischman," during EagleCon at Cal State LA. The short film starred the late Walter Koenig, this year's Prism Award recipient. (Credit: Victor Mojica/Cal State LA)