Nathan Willis

Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute and Low Key Arts team for new doc making workshop

By John Wildman 2 years ago

Course topics for the Documentary Filmmaking Workshop will offer a deep, immersive dive for aspiring filmmakers into topics like, writing for the documentary, building relationships with on-screen participants, interviewing techniques, camera and lighting techniques, journalistic code of ethics, archive media and post-production. The course will begin Monday, July 8 and end Sunday, September 1 and the lectures are primarily hosted on Zoom. The class fee is $400/person (Limited need-based scholarships are available.).

Christina Huff, Jonathan Smith, Ann Rapp: Oxford Film Festival 2021 brings back the in-person experience with photos and interviews

By John Wildman 5 years ago

The 2021 Oxford Film Festival was one of the first to dip its toes into doing the in-person screenings this year (March 24-28) which meant a return to doing red carpets and more. Under circus-style tents, in a convention center, in a hotel lobby, and outside a multiplex, filmmakers had their films screened, did Q&As, interviews, red carpet photos and more. The film festival weathered two separate tornado threats, rain, and brought the community of Mississippi film fans and filmmakers (many of whom made the trip from various spots around the country) back together in a warm and friendly return to the film festival world so may of us have missed for a year.

Nolan Dean talks RAP SQUAD: HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY Film Fest INTERVIEW; hip-hop and spoken word to heal community

By John Wildman 5 years ago

In the interview, I talk to Dean about his relationship with director Nathan Willis and what his role as producer entailed on RAP SQUAD. We also discuss the insecurity regarding their own insight and perspective that led to a desire by Dean and Willis, who are white, to find a black editor to work on the film. We also talk about ensuring that you don’t manufacture good guys versus bad guys who aren’t really there.

Jessica Earnshaw’s JACINTA leads awards at Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival 2020 with THE VIEWING BOOTH

By John Wildman 5 years ago

“This year was one for our festival history books and we are exceedingly proud of the safe ways we brought our community together, says Artistic Director, Jen Gerber. “Through virtual talks and a mix of safe outdoor activities, we were reminded of the strength of our film-loving community and this year surpassed all our expectations for audience engagement and connectivity.”

Mary Wharton’s JIMMY CARTER, ROCK & ROLL PRESIDENT Opens Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival lineup of top doc titles for next month’s fest

By John Wildman 5 years ago

“We are thrilled to present some of the strongest titles of 2020 to the Hot Springs audience. I am especially pleased to present a program where filmmakers of color represent 47% of our feature films and over 50% of the total films presented are directed by women. We are also proud to showcase several regional titles, elevating local directors and the idiosyncratic culture of the South. The films in our 2020 program will inspire viewers, challenge perceptions, and illuminate the urgent realities of this turbulent year,” says Fairbanks.