Schedule Of Events

11:00 am - 12:00 pm : The Exchange - In White America. Kaukauna & King 50 Years Later - Main Theater

This is the story of an exchange between Black and White high school students in Wisconsin in 1966, during the Civil Rights Movement. The participants lived in each other's homes, attended classes in each other's schools, and performed the groundbreaking play In White America in both cities. For some of the students from Kaukauna, it was the first time they had ever seen Black people in person. For the Black and White students from Milwaukee, it was their first experience living in a small, all-white town in central Wisconsin.
More than 50 years later, a new generation of high school students restages the play. Hear all their stories in this documentary.

11:15 am - 12:45 pm : NATURE'S PLACE + PANEL DISCUSSION - Spectator Lounge

Nature forms the backbone of our economy, society, and our very survival. Explore one woman's deep connection with forests and trees, the terrifying lives of wasps, how someone's relationships with birds can reflect their place in the world, and learn more about one of the most misunderstood, and surprisingly adorable, marsupials.
Stay following the block of films for a short panel conversation.
Short Films: Between Earth and Sky, Sandcastle: The Secret Life of Wasps, The Splint, Shorebirds, FÁR, Playing Possum.

12:15 pm - 1:45 pm : FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER - Main Theater

Where did we come from, where will we end up, and who will we impact along the way? From the unconditional love between pets and their owners to the complex bonds between grandmothers, mothers, and (grand)daughters, each of these seven short films invites audiences to reflect on the multifaceted nature of family connections and the impact of personal struggles on these relationships.

Short Films: Ah-Mà: A Tale of Two Generations, Misu-Misu, No More Sad Songs, The Weight of A Dog, Autumn, And that's for this Christmas

1:00 pm - 2:45 pm : LIVING…EVEN WHEN IT'S HARD - Spectator Lounge

Things that are tough: Being a woman, poverty, seeing your loved ones struggle, feeling stuck, and having options available taken away instantly. Things that are incredibly well done that you need to see: All of the films in this block.

Short Films: Courage, Skettel, The Invisible Crown, Hemorrhage, You Deserve it, Remember Me

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm : ARTISTS GOTTA ART + PANEL DISCUSSION - Main Theater

Art has the power to open our minds to fresh perspectives, ideas, and values. It can transport us to the past for reflection or propel us into the future with new insights. The art and artists showcased in these eight short films are visually stunning, deeply connective, and demonstrate the profound impact that various mediums can have on us, whether it be film, poetry, sculpture, sartorial style, music, or more. Following the film, we will have a panel conversation with the filmmakers on their films and about art and artists in Fort Wayne.

Short Films: 3 Poems by Dickinson, Le Son des Pinces (The Sound of the Claws), Layered Like a Wig: Bryan Ballinger, Top Secret Jazz, Finding Venus, Kimono, My Grandmother's Story, Sack Race With Knives: The Curious Art of Kevin Titzer

4:15 pm - 5:30 pm : IRANIAN FILM SHOWCASE - Main Theater

The five films in this block highlight rich characters and offer a window into the complexities of Iranian society. Watch as a woman creates a birthday meal for her daughter and adjusts as the awful happens, a young child struggles with his family, a father and daughter attempt to work through generational differences, a woman tries to resist oppression, and another person seeks to find themselves and community in a parking garage.

Short Films: The Steak, Yashar, Sordine, The Sunset of Green Snails

5:45 pm - 6:45 pm : DARK & TWISTY & (SOMETIMES) PRETTY FUN - Main Lounge

Zombies, cuckoo clocks, singing pastries, epic fights, murder, and the inevitable corruption that comes with absolute power and privilege! Fun times. You’re allowed to laugh during some of these six short films that will allow you to dive into your dark and twisty side.

Short Films: Onward Ye Costumed Souls, Cuckoo, Cakes!, The Taken, Bin Day, Nothing in the Middle of Nowhere

7:00 pm - 7:30 pm : Awards Ceremony + Party - Spectator Lounge

Celebrate all the nominees and the winners! Don’t miss this chance to honor creativity, talent, and storytelling at its finest during the Awards Ceremony, followed by a catered party and networking opportunity in the same space, the Spectator Lounge.

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