Bobby Kashif Cox was an incredibly gifted storyteller. A lyrical writer with a capacity to capture intimate moments and turn them into poetry. In 2007, a few days before the semester began, Bobby received word that he had been accepted into Columbia University's MFA Film Program, his dream school. While it was only 23 miles away from his home in Far Rockaway, New York, the Morningside campus might as well have been light-years away for a 23-year-old Bobby Kashif Cox. But Bobby wasn't going to let a two-hour subway commute or the cost of tuition stop him from becoming a filmmaker. He had a passion; he had stories that needed telling; he was going to make it happen.

Despite these challenges, Bobby persevered. He was the type of charismatic person you immediately liked—a unique, introspective, kind-hearted man—and he quickly befriended his classmates. He wasn’t afraid to seek out support from faculty and supplement his education to keep up with the rigors of the program. He slept over at the apartments of friends who lived closer to campus and made himself available for shoots to further build camaraderie. When it came to his own screenplays, Bobby infused them with his personal experiences. He used his challenges to fuel a brand of authentic storytelling that reflected the world he knew.

In 2016, he was diagnosed with stage-4 colon cancer—yet another challenge. In all of this, Bobby brought joy to everyone that knew him. His smile was infectious and his honesty was refreshing. He was as committed to service as his artistic endeavors. As a teaching artist, he taught screenwriting and filmmaking to youth throughout New York City right up until he was physically unable to do so. While he never hid his struggles, he never focused on them either. Bobby was tenacious in his pursuit of a creative life no matter the challenge. He inspired us to look within; we hope his legacy will inspire generations of screenwriters to come.