Midwest Documentary Summit

Description

In partnership with American Documentary and Kartemquin Films, this summit, which is free to attend and suitable for documentary and fiction filmmakers of all levels, will include discussions of filmmaking ethics, festival and distribution strategies, and the contemporary landscape of nonfiction media.

SESSION ONE | Artist Development: Minding the Steps

NOON-1:30PM

Artist development opportunities and social impact can feel nebulous and out of reach. How are artist development programs vital to the development of documentary filmmakers? What can film teams do to stay mindful when navigating success & collaboration when things feel challenging? This session will serve as both an "Ask Me Anything" and structured conversation from MFF filmmakers to share thoughts and insights on the role of the artist & documentary film in these times, and how to maintain creative & personal integrity in the pursuit of social change from project development to festival premiere.

MODERATOR

haydée souffrant, Director of Programs | Kartemquin Films

ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANTS

Colette Ghunim, director | TRACES OF HOME

Allison Walsh, director & Lily Qi, producer | ALL OF THE ABOVE

Vianca Fuster, director | WHERE IT STARTED

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SESSION TWO | Meeting This Moment: Public Media and Documentary Film

2:00PM-3:30PM

Formalized by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, public media was created to provide an alternative to commercial broadcasting, focusing on education, high-quality content, and public service, especially for underserved audiences. Like public media, independent documentary has long played an important role in democratic community life. This interactive discussion will explore how public media and documentary filmmaking are meeting this moment and the various ways that the institutional infrastructure and individual creators are adapting and evolving.

MODERATOR

David Lee, President and General Manager | WUWM

ROUNDTABLE PARTICIPANTS

Stacy Robinson, Artistic Director | Kartemquin Films

Colin Crowley, director | WELCOME POETS

Laura Dyan Kezman, director & William Howell, co-director | CYCLE (MFF25 alum and Cream City Cinema Jury Award winner)

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Happy Hour to follow at 4pm at the Festival Lounge.

All panels are free and open to the public - no ticket or pass is required to attend. Seating is on an as-available basis.