Megan Petersen

Megan Petersen and Hannah Black ’s Drought Opens Oxford Film Festival; full lineup of virtual panels and in-person passholder events

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Oxford Film Festival Executive Director Melanie Addington, said, “These three films exemplify the best of what the Oxford Film Festival offers with its programming. Drought is a multiple award-winner on the circuit, Not Going Quietly gives rare insight into the experience of living with a disability, and Breaking News in Yuba County is a certified crowd pleaser courtesy of Tate Taylor. In year one, we showcased his talents as a young filmmaker, and eighteen years later we are all grown up and can’t wait to once again showcase his work on this Mississippi made film. Add to that, a full lineup of in-person and virtual panels and passholder parties to underline the festival experience side-by-side with our films.” Addington added, “As well as requiring all films to have closed captioning this year, our open and closing films shine with great disability representation which is something we strive to celebrate at Oxford.”

Hannah Black and Megan Petersen’s DROUGHT: Interviewed at Naples International Film Festival; a road trip that becomes stormy

Hannah Black and Megan Petersen’s DROUGHT: Interviewed at Naples International Film Festival; a road trip that becomes stormy

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, I talk to Black and Petersen about the development process and filming process and how they divided up those responsibilities (since they co-directed, co-wrote, co-produced, co-starred, and co-damn near did everything on the film), and how they would work through “crises” like having their grip truck stuck in the sand. They talk about sensing when they were on or off performance-wise, and the support they had beyond that – on a micro-budgeted production.

David Gutnik’s MATERNA leads Naples International Film Fest 2020; announces awards BASTARDS’ ROAD, and COMING CLEAN

By John Wildman 5 years ago

The 2020 Naples International Film Festival announced the filmmaker award winners following the conclusion of this year’s virtual/outdoor screening hybrid fest. The jury prize for Best Narrative Feature (and a cash prize of $1,250) went to David Gutnik’s MATERNA, and the jury prize for Best Documentary Feature (and $1,250) was given to Brian Morrison’s BASTARDS’ ROAD. Audience Awards went to Lanie Zipoy’s THE SUBJECT (Best Narrative Film) and Lynn Montgomery’s AMAZING GRACE (Best Documentary Film), which each won a cash prize of $1000.