Panel Discussions and Q&A’S
This year includes an exciting line-up of panel discussions and filmmaker Q&As. Part of our goal with the festival is to highlight important stories and engage in meaningful dialogue about issues our community is facing. Not only are you getting to see great films, you get the chance to hear directly from the filmmakers and community members about the process and themes presented in the films. Check out below the great conversations happening this year.
Filmmaker Q&A with Dawn Mikkelson, Director of Finding Her Beat
Date: Friday August 11th at 6 PM. Q&A immediately following the screening.
Join us for an exciting conversation with 3-time Emmy Award winning producer, and 2010 McKnight Filmmaking Fellow Damn Mikkelson after a screening of her film Finding Her Beat.
More about the film:
For thousands of years women have been locked out of Taiko drumming. Not any more
Filmmaker Q&A with Mark Thiedeman
Date: Friday August 11th at 8 PM. Q&A Immediately following the screening.
We are thrilled to be previewing new work by Mark Thiedeman this year! Mark is a talented local director and always offers a thoughtful discussion of his work!
Q&A with the filmmakers of the Arkansas Short Films
Date: Saturday August 12th at 3 PM. Q&A immediately following the screening.
We are thrilled to be able to highlight many talented local filmmakers. Join us for engaging dialogue after the Arkansas Shorts blocks to learn more about their work!
Filmmaker Q&A with Emily Railsback and Doreen Bartoni of American Parent
Date: Saturday August 12th at 5 PM. Q&A immediately following the screening.
Emily is local filmmaker and professor at UCA! Come join Emily and Doreen, Co-writer and Executive Producer, as they discuss the making of their film and what inspired them to tell this story.
More about the film:
A lesbian couple raise a baby amidst job loss, financial instability, and their in-laws.
Panel Discussion Black as U R
Date: Saturday 12th at 7 PM. Q&A immediately following the screening.
The film, directed by Michael Rice, delves into the complex and often underrepresented experiences of Black individuals, addressing issues of identity, self-acceptance, and the importance of cultural representation in media. Join us for thought-provoking discussion about the topics presented in the film led by HRC Arkansas. The panel will feature Athena Sinclair (MD Hunter) and Jet Garcia.
More about the film:
In the wake of Black Lives Matter, filmmaker Michael Rice addresses the trans/homophobia within the Black community by magnifying the stories of Black LGBTQ+ people and their contributions to the Black liberation movement.