In May 2026, Chandler's second film, Estranged, won the inaugural FotoKem Visual Artistry Award at the 2026 Howard Thesis Showcase. In which 10 thesis films are selected from the Howard University film program to be screened and compete for awards in Washington, DC's most historic theater. 'The Howard Theater.' 2026's sponsors included Shot Deck, Hip Hop Caucus, Monkey Paw, and FotoKem. 

Upon winning this prestigious award, the Estarnged crew was invited to tour and meet the executives responsible for the most influential films of the last decade. 

FotoKem is the ONLY film processing lab capable of developing 70mm IMAX film and is responsible for developing and coloring the film on: The Odyssey, Sinners, Oppenheimer, and more. 

Chandler was one of four students selected from both the undergraduate and master's film programs at Howard University to attend the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and the 2026 Windrider Filmmakers Summit in Park City, Utah. The program provided students with unforgettable experiences like meeting with industry executives and notable filmmakers, including the heads of the Sundance x Adobe Ignite program and directors like Antoine Fuqua and Olivia Wilde. Touring Adobe and Cannon House. All while networking horizontally with the future of Hollywood. 

"It was so refreshing to be able to geek out with other film nerds on things that most people would never notice. What an honor to be able to say I saw some of 2026's best films in the same rooms as the people who brought them to life."

- Chandler Noelle

"I believe that filmmaking is an action word. To be a filmmaker, I can't just study film; I have to make one." 

- Chandler Noelle

After 6 months from pre-production to post-production, Chandler premiered her first-ever short film at a sold-out venue, fitting over 130 people into a theater in the heart of Washington, DC. With the goal of removing "aspiring" from her resume in mind, she wrote, directed, and produced the 12min short film. The film was not an assignment from her professors; it was a test: Could a full-time student who also worked a full-time job make a short film with virtually no budget and no time? 

The answer was yes.

After an extensive social campaign and winning four awards both nationally and internationally, Cain & Lilith is now streaming on Vimeo and stands as a testament to her commitment to the art of filmmaking. 

Over seven intense weeks, Chandler went from idea conception to completing a pilot script, treatment, series synopsis, and pitch deck as a member of the HBCU in LA Inaugural Writers Fellowship. At the program's end, she had the privilege of pitching her first-ever episodic comedy script at CAA, surrounded by industry giants "whose feedback and encouragement fueled my passion and dedication." 

"As a girl from Delaware, this experience exceeded anything I could have imagined, and I am forever grateful." 

"To my support system and industry mentors; Your belief in me inspires my commitment to paying it forward and creating opportunities for others."  - Chandler Noelle