Nantucket Film Festival 2024

We’re proud to support the Nantucket Film Festival

Bank of America believes in the power of the arts to enrich lives and bring communities together.

Together, we celebrate the amazing work of filmmakers, whose narratives illuminate new perspectives. Thank you to our partners at the Nantucket Film Festival, who are enriching the vast diversity of the human experience.

MAJOR

PRODUCING

CONTRIBUTING

TRADE

American Seasons

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Cisco Brewers

Effie's Homemade

GRANT SUPPORT

SIGNATURE

Gail's Tours

Hampton Water Rosé

Hy-Line Cruises

Island Kitchen

Nantucket About Town

Nantucket Crisps

True Island Digital

The Westmoor Club

Tuck Shop

WHEAT

William Raveis Real Estate

Young's Bicycle Shop

PROGRAM PARTNERS

We would love to host you at our newly renovated White Elephant flagship Hotel and Garden Cottages, as well as at our Inn and Residences. Book an unforgettable vacation this season with the signature service and complimentary amenities we are known for.

On behalf of the entire festival team, welcome to the 2024 Nantucket Film Festival®, presented by Bank of America®. We're delighted to have you join us for what will be a memorable celebration of cinema and storytelling.

With anticipation building for our 30th anniversary, we're excited to change things up this year. Among the myriad of new events lined up for this festival, one highlight that promises to inspire happiness is the live podcast taping of How Did This Get Made? Hosted by the incomparable trio of Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas, this event invites you to indulge in your guilty pleasure—movies so bad they're brilliant.

This year, we have the distinct pleasure of honoring three artists who have created films and television series that have made an indelible impression on culture at large. Kerry Ehrin has created gripping, dramatic, and theatrical television series telling universal, complex, and dynamic truths, with The Morning Show being a truly notable achievement. Roger Ross Williams has enriched our festival over the years with his captivating storytelling from God Loves Uganda to Life, Animated and we are honored to recognize his full body of work. And we are very happy to welcome Meredith Scardino, who brings a refreshing take on transforming ordinary scenarios into extraordinary comedic moments.

We're honored to host Ken Burns in a special In Their Shoes® segment, where he will explore the life and legacy of Leonardo da Vinci, the subject of his upcoming documentary.

We're also excited about our Deep Dive Screenings and Talks, which include a screening of Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams' adaptation of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's book Stamped from the Beginning with an in-depth talk following, and a presentation of the real-life political thriller War Game with an insightful panel featuring the filmmakers and participants.

Our Green Carpet Cinema program is also the subject of a Deep Dive Talk on The Water Connection Short Fim Program, examining the impact of oceans on individuals and the environment, accompanied by a special talk with acclaimed environmental photographer James Balog, who first brought the massive issue of receding glaciers to the world stage.

As we embark on our six-day festival experience together, we would like to extend a big thank you to all those who make this organization run, from our oldest sponsors to our newest ones, from our devout donors to the foundations who have thought deeply about our unique programs and have chosen to support us. And finally, to our Board of Directors and Advisors, our dedicated staff, our fantastic volunteers, and thank you for all that you do to make our little machine run!

Mystelle Brabbée Executive Director

Jaclyn Rose Wohl Festival Producer

POLICIES & FAQ

REGISTRATION

Passes and ticket packages will be available for pickup at Festival Headquarters starting June 16. Vouchers will be provided for unselected tickets and may be redeemed at any box office for any applicable ticket, if space is available. Vouchers may be used on rush lines for films, Morning Coffee With...®, and select talks and events.

ADMISSION POLICY

All attendees must be present at the venue 15 minutes prior to program's scheduled start time. We reserve the right to sell any empty seats after that time. Preferred entry for ticketless access pass-holders expires 15 minutes prior to scheduled start time; at that time patrons will join the general entry ticket holder line. All passes and tickets are single entry only. All passes are non-transferable and must be presented at entry.

WILL CALL

Starting June 12, tickets purchased online or by phone are available for pickup at the Box Office at 12 Oak Street. You may also pick up your tickets day of; venue box offices will open approximately 30 minutes before the first scheduled program.

FESTIVAL MAP

RUSH LINES

For screenings/events with no more advance tickets available, you may be able to purchase RUSH TICKETS at the venue based on availability. A rush line will form approximately 45 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Admission is first come, first served. All sales are final, with a limit of 1 ticket per person. No discounts are applicable.

RAIN POLICY

Attendees will be notified in advance in the unlikely event of cancellation or venue change due to severe weather conditions.

HELP DESK SUPPORT

Please visit nantucketfilmfestival.org/ attend/ for the answers to all your questions about attending this year's Festival. If you need more assistance please email us at helpdesk@ nantucketfilmfestival.org or call us at (646) 480-1900. We will answer all your questions as soon as possible, but please expect up to a 4-hour delay in response outside of our business hours.

A NOTE FROM OUR PROGRAMMERS

With 65 titles from nearly 20 countries, our 2024 film program shines a light on how storytelling is constantly evolving in the 21st century. These films do not shy away from the depth of emotion that comes with our lived experiences—from bittersweet nostalgia in films like Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Dìdi (弟弟 ), and Luther: Never Too Much, to rapturous joy in work like Thelma, Skywalkers: A Love Story, and Kneecap. While our entire lineup is specially curated to appeal to our loyal audience's

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

INSIDE OUT 2

In Disney and Pixar's newest film, the little voices inside Riley's head know her inside and out, but everything changes when she meets a new Emotion named Anxiety, who isn't the type to stay in the background. While Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust have just learned to get along, Anxiety disrupts the core five's newfound routine and they don't know how to feel.

Director: Kelsey Mann | Writers: Dave Holstein, Meg LeFauve |

Producer: Mark Nielsen | Cast: Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Ayo Edebiri, Tony Hale

THELMA

After being scammed out of $10,000, 93-year-old Thelma sets out on a quest for justice. In the first leading film role of her 70-year career, Oscar-nominated veteran character actor June Squibb demonstrates that Thelma is more than capable of taking care of business—despite what her daughter Gail (Parker Posey), son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg), or loving grandson Danny (Fred Hechinger) might believe. With affectionate humor, writer/director Josh Margolin puts a spin on films like Mission: Impossible in hilarious, age-appropriate ways, turning an elderly grandmother into an unlikely action hero.

Writer/Director : Josh Margolin | Producers: Zoë Worth, Chris Kaye, Karl Spoerri, Viviana Vezzani, Nicholas Weinstock, Benjamin Simpson | Cast: June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, Malcolm McDowell

USA / 2024 / 96 min / Animated

OPENING FAMILY FILM

OPENING NIGHT FILM

love for strong and adventurous storytelling, we're excited this year to introduce our new NextGen Program, which presents films we believe will have particular resonance for Millennial and Gen Z audiences, inspiring the next generation of film lovers to join us. We invite our audiences to explore this program and all of NFF 2024's films—work that honors the power of storytelling, and, in turn, our shared humanity over the course of our six-day, highly curated festival. We're excited to see you here.

- BASIL TSIOKOS, ANITA RASWANT, SONIA DESAI RAYKA

SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY

This immersive, vertiginous nail-biter takes audiences nearly 2,230 feet up in the sky. To get there, filmmaker Jeff Zimbalist crafts a real-life heist film with actual lifeor-death stakes, following its daredevil protagonists every dangerous—and highly illegal—step of the way on their mission to climb the world's last super skyscraper. Just as importantly, the film captures a strong-willed couple as they meet, develop trust in the most harrowing and exhilarating of circumstances, and fall in love. The result is a riveting, edge-of-your-seat experience about facing your fears and coming out the other side. Winner: Documentary Audience Award, Miami Film Festival.

Director: Jeff Zimbalist | Producers: Jeff Zimbalist, Maria Bukhonina, Chris Smith, Tamir Ardon

CLOSING NIGHT FILM

SUPER/MAN:

THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY

Moving backward and forward in time, filmmakers Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui expertly weave together a dual narrative exploring the life-changing impact of two pivotal moments in Christopher Reeve's career: being cast in the 1978 film Superman and becoming paralyzed in 1995. Decades before superheroes took over the cinemas, Reeve made the world believe a man could fly; his accident brought worldwide awareness of disability. In this deeply moving portrait, Reeve's family and close confidantes demonstrate remarkable candor in their reflections on life before and after the accident, foregrounding the man behind Superman.

Directors: Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui

Producers: Lizzie Gillett, Robert Ford, Ian Bonhôte

USA / 2024 / 99 min / Documentary

UK, USA / 2024 / 104 min / Documentary

Dreamland

Dreamland

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SPOTLIGHT FILMS

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: WOMAN IN CHARGE

USA / 2024 / 97 min / Documentary

In 1974, a deceptively simple garment took the world by storm: the iconic wrap dress. With it, an indelible brand and its entrepreneur, Diane von Furstenberg, became a powerhouse in the world of fashion. A true cultural icon, DVF has inspired generations of women everywhere to embrace their femininity and their power. Filmmakers Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton offer an intimate portrait of this luminous pioneer, a child of a Holocaust survivor turned European princess turned head of a multi-milliondollar empire.

Directors: Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Trish Dalton | Producers: Fabiola Beracasa Beckman, Tracy Aftergood, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Sean Stuart

WIDOW CLICQUOT

UK / 2023 / 90 min / Narrative

Based on a true story. A young Madame Clicquot becomes a widow and takes the reins of a wine-making family. In a timeless love story about determination and following your heart, she defies the naysayers and creates the legendary recipe for modern-day Champagne. Earning the moniker “the Grand Dame of Champagne,” Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot leads the famed Clicquot brand to global dominance as she becomes one of the world's first great entrepreneurs.

Writer: Erin Dignam | Director: Thomas Napper | Producers: Christina Weiss Lurie, Haley Bennett, Joe Wright | Cast: Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge, Sam Riley, Anson Boon, Leo Suter, Ben Miles

ELIZABETH TAYLOR: THE LOST TAPES

USA / 2024 / 100 min / Documentary

Drawn from 70 hours of newly discovered interviews with Elizabeth Taylor and unprecedented access to the legendary star's personal archive, this nuanced and expertly constructed portrait reveals the complexity of the groundbreaking icon's relation to her own self-image. Acclaimed director Nanette Burstein invites viewers to rediscover and reconsider Taylor's life and career, deftly demonstrating how the actress navigated celebrity and public scrutiny while maintaining personal and professional ambitions beyond the limitations imposed upon her.

Director: Nanette Burstein | Producers: J.J. Abrams, Nanette Burstein, Sean Stuart, Glen Zipper, Bill Gerber, Rachel Rusch Rich

WINNER

USA / 2024 / 104 min / Narrative

Reality Winner, portrayed by Emilia Jones (CODA), serves as an unlikely heroine in this heartwarming coming-of-age drama. Whip-smart, gunloving, and sarcastic, Reality has dedicated her life to service but suddenly becomes the center of attention after exposing Russia's hacking of the 2016 election. NFF alum Susanna Fogel returns with a cheerful take on a sobering real-life story in a snappy black comedy about a former NSA contractor who finds herself persecuted for standing by her principles.

Writers: Kerry Howley, Susanna Fogel | Director: Susanna Fogel | Producers: Julie Goldstein, Scott Budnick, Ameet Shukla, Amanda Phillips | Cast: Emilia Jones, Zach Galifianakis, Connie Britton, Kathryn Newton, Danny Ramirez

FEATURE FILMS

THE BATTLE FOR LAIKIPIA

USA, Kenya, Greece / 2024 / 94 min / Documentary

GREEN CARPET

BETWEEN THE TEMPLES

USA / 2024 / 111 min / Narrative

The grasslands of Kenya's Laikipia region have long served its traditional cattle herding community, but the area has also been home to generations of white ranchers and conservationists, the inheritors of the British colonial era who remained after the nation gained independence in 1963. Over the course of five years, directors Peter Murimi and Daphne Matziaraki chronicle the conflict that erupts as climate change transforms the land, laying bare the still unresolved legacy of colonialism.

Directors: Daphne Matziaraki, Peter Murimi | Producers: Toni Kamau, Daphne Matziaraki

DAUGHTERS

USA / 2024 / 107 min / Documentary

Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and Ja'Ana are growing up without their dads, who are incarcerated in a Washington, D.C. jail. By taking part in a groundbreaking counseling program designed to strengthen family bonds, these men have the opportunity to join their girls for a special event a daddy-daughter dance. Filmed over the course of eight years, this documentary offers a deeply moving and at times heartbreakingly honest lesson in empathy and forgiveness. Winner: US Documentary Audience Award & Festival Favorite Award, Sundance Film Festival.

Directors: Angela Patton, Natalie Rae | Producers: Natalie Rae, Lisa Mazzotta, Justin Benoliel, James Cunningham, Mindy Goldberg, Sam Bisbee, Kathryn Everett, Laura Choi Raycroft

Ben's not doing well. Since losing his wife, he's moved in with his mothers, lost his voice, and begun to lose his faith—as a cantor, that's just not kosher. Hoping to spark a love connection, Ben's rabbi introduces the cantor to his daughter, but the real connection comes after an unexpected reunion with Carla, Ben's childhood music teacher. Led by actors Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane, this anxious comedy is both wryly funny and sweetly tender.

Writers: Nathan Silver, C. Mason Wells | Director: Nathan Silver Cast: Jason Schwartzman, Carol Kane, Dolly De Leon, Caroline Aaron, Robert Smigel, Madeline Weinstein, Matthew Shear

DEVO

USA, UK / 2024 / 94 min / Documentary

Devo are famed for their infectious, groundbreaking 1980 hit "Whip It," but there's a lot more to the new wave band, and acclaimed filmmaker Chris Smith perfectly captures every surprising facet of their story. From their origins following the Kent State massacre to their multimedia concept of “de-evolution” and their art-versus-commerce clashes with their label, cofounders Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, and Jerry Casale reveal how the still-influential group developed one of the most dedicated cult fan followings in music.

Director: Chris Smith | Producers: Danny Gabai, Anita Greenspan, Chris Holmes, Chris Smith

DÌDI ( 弟弟 )

USA / 2024 / 93 min / Narrative

Thirteen-year-old Chris, a first-generation Taiwanese American, is awkwardly navigating life in the lead up to high school. His family is annoying, he's unsure how to pursue his first crush, and he struggles to impress his new skater friends. As Chris tackles the ups and downs of adolescence, will he learn to appreciate his family and to love himself? Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sean Wang draws from his own life in this joyous, funny, and universal coming-of-age story. Winner: US Dramatic Audience Award & Special Jury Award for Ensemble, Sundance Film Festival.

Writer/Director: Sean Wang | Producers: Carlos López Estrada, Josh Peters, Valerie Bush, Sean Wang | Cast : Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua

EVERY LITTLE THING

Australia / 2024 / 93 min / Documentary

GREEN CARPET

ENO

USA, UK / 2024 / 90 min / Documentary

Visionary musician and artist Brian Eno—known for producing David Bowie, U2, and Talking Heads, among many others, and as a pioneer of ambient music—reveals his creative processes in a groundbreaking generative documentary that resonates with Eno's own artistic practice. Using proprietary software, each screening of the film is unique, recombining footage drawn from director Gary Hustwit's original interviews and Eno's rich archive of hundreds of hours of never-before-seen footage and unreleased music to create a singular experience.

Director: Gary Hustwit | Producer : Jessica Edwards

With humor and pragmatism, Terry Masear has dedicated herself to saving injured hummingbirds. But what does it mean to care for another, and what impact does this act have on us? In tending to these fragile yet resilient creatures, Masear finds a sense of healing from her own past. This film of joy and wonder—full of breathtaking, beautifully detailed photography—is a reminder that in the smallest of acts, and in the tiniest of creatures, we might find grace.

Director: Sally Aitken | Producers: Bettina Dalton, Oli Harbottle, Anna Godas

GHOSTLIGHT

USA / 2024 / 115 min / Narrative

After a family tragedy, Dan, a despondent middle-aged construction worker, finds himself the newcomer in a misfit band of amateur actors in a local theater production of Romeo and Juliet. Dan's distant wife, Sharon, and disobedient daughter, Daisy, grow suspicious as Dan struggles to keep his secret. Buried emotions bubble to the surface as the family comes together in unexpected ways in this tender drama about making sense of life through art and the power of community.

Writer: Kelly O'Sullivan | Directors: Kelly O'Sullivan, Alex Thompson | Producers: Ian Keiser, Alex Wilson, Pierce Cravens, Eddie Linker, Chelsea Krant, Alex Thompson | Cast: Keith Kupferer, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Tara Mallen, Dolly De Leon

Dreamland

Dreamland

Dreamland

FEATURE FILMS

GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS

India, France, USA, Norway / 2024 / 117 min / Narrative

Strong-willed and gifted 16-year-old Mira had never thought about love until she met fellow student Sri. As Mira’s curiosities about love, sex, and relationships come to the surface, Mira’s mother sees through her schemes, which creates a tense family dynamic as they compete for Sri’s attention. In a rare glimpse of female sexual exploration within Indian culture, this tender drama approaches a coming-of-age for both a daughter and mother with deliberate vulnerability. Winner: World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award & Special Jury Award for Acting, Sundance Film Festival.

Writer/Director: Shuchi Talati | Producers: Shuchi Talati, Richa Chadha, Claire Chassagne | Cast: Preeti Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti, Kesav Binoy Kiron

IN THE SUMMERS

Vicente, an absent father, is suddenly thrown into parenthood when his two daughters visit him over the summer in New Mexico. Having missed many milestones, Vicente is desperate to gain Violeta and Eva's affection, but they are not so easily won. Throughout four summers, Violeta and Eva experience a roller coaster of emotions that come along with a complicated childhood. Authentic performances paint a poignant portrait of complex relationships as this quiet drama stuns in a beautiful ode to family. Winner: US Dramatic Grand Jury Prize & Directing Award, Sundance Film Festival.

Writer/Director: Alessandra Lacorazza | Producers: Alexander Dinelaris, Rob Quadrino, Fernando Rodriguez-Vila, Lynette Coll, Sergio Alberto Lira, Cristóbal Güell, Jan Suter, Daniel Tantalean, Cynthia Fernandez De La Cruz, Janek Ambros, Stephanie Yankwitt | Cast: René Pérez Joglar, Sasha Calle, Lío Mehiel, Leslie Grace, Emma Ramos, Sharlene Cruz

GOOD ONE

USA /

Seventeen-year-old high school senior Sam (discovery Lily Collias) reluctantly joins her father, Chris (James Le Gros), and his oldest buddy, Matt (Danny McCarthy), on a weekend backpacking trip in the Catskills. When long-simmering resentments surface between the old friends, Sam tries to keep the peace until something unexpected happens that betrays her trust and changes her view of both men. India Donaldson makes an impressive feature debut with this intimate portrait of teenage girlhood.

Writer/Director: India Donaldson | Producers: Diana Irvine, Graham Mason, Wilson Cameron, India Donaldson | Cast : Lily Collias, James Le Gros, Danny McCarthy

KNEECAP

Ireland / 2024 / 105 min / Narrative

When Belfast schoolteacher JJ joins self-confessed "low-life scum" Naoise and Liam Óg to form hip-hop group Kneecap, their defiant insistence on rapping in their native Irish language transforms them into the unlikely figureheads of a burgeoning civil rights movement to save their mother tongue. Filmmaker Rich Peppiatt captures the anarchic energy and raucous humor of the band, who play themselves in a heightened version of their origin story in this wildly entertaining and creative biopic. Winner: NEXT Audience Award, Sundance Film Festival.

Writer/Director: Rich Peppiatt | Producers: Trevor Birney, Jack Tarling Cast: Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, JJ Ó Dochartaigh, Josie Walker, Fionnuala Flaherty, Jessica Reynolds, Adam Best, Simone Kirby, Michael Fassbender

2024 / 90 min / Narrative

USA / 2024 / 90 min / Narrative

LOS FRIKIS

USA / 2024 / 105 min / Narrative

In this gorgeous ode to 1990s Cuba, we meet young and unassuming Gustavo, who reveres his brother Paco, a leader of a punk band. When the economic crisis takes a toll, the band is pushed to its limits, seeking relief. They come up with an unimaginable solution that allows them to create an oasis where their music plays on. This coming-of-age story is the latest from NFF alums Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz (The Peanut Butter Falcon). Winner: Marimbas Grand Jury Award, Miami Film Festival.

Writers/Directors: Michael Schwartz, Tyler Nilson | Producers: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Jordan Fudge, Jeremy Allen, Rebecca Karch Tomlinson, Aditya Sood, Michael Schwartz, Tyler Nilson Cast: Adria Arjona, Héctor Medina, Eros de la Puente, Luis Alberto García, Jorge Perugorría

LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH

USA / 2024 / 101 min / Documentary

Director Dawn Porter (The Lady Bird Diaries) examines the life of Luther Vandross, the legendary singer who jumpstarted his career through an unlikely source and manifested his stardom. Beyond the recording studio, Vandross faced media scrutiny about his appearance and personal relationships, which privately caused him much distress. Through archival footage and never-before-seen interviews from fellow superstars, we delve into the singer's professional triumphs and personal struggles on his journey to achieve his impossible dream.

Director: Dawn Porter | Producers: Trish D. Chetty, Ged Doherty, Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Leah Smith

LOVE MACHINA

USA / 2024 / 97 min / Documentary

In 2007, futurists Martine and Bina Rothblatt, pioneers in the disparate fields of satellite communications, organ transplantation, electric aviation, and cryogenics, commissioned Bina48, a humanoid AI based on Bina and housing her mindfile, all in a bid to take their love story into infinity. Filmmaker Peter Sillen offers an endlessly fascinating look at the Rothblatts' stranger-than-fiction love story and their refreshingly optimistic view of technology's potential to transform life as we know it.

Director: Peter Sillen | Producers: Brendan Doyle, Peter Sillen

MAYA AND THE WAVE

USA / 2022 / 95 min / Documentary

Director Stephanie Johnes follows Brazilian world champion surfer Maya Gabeira around the globe as she conquers waves and stereotypes in the male-dominated sport of competitive surfing. Maya's indomitable spirit will leave you inspired as she navigates the hazards of the ocean, antagonistic cynics, and mounting challenges in a quest to break a world record in Nazaré, Portugal, historically known for its gigantic waves. This harrowing and cinematically riveting film tells a tale like no other.

Director/Producer : Stephanie Johnes

FEATURE FILMS

NEVER LOOK AWAY

New Zealand / 2024 / 85 min / Documentary

In her directorial debut, celebrated actress Lucy Lawless tells the story of Margaret Moth, a fellow New Zealander and legendary CNN camerawoman, whose contributions to journalism remain unparalleled. After a near-death injury, she must confront her trauma and regain the strength to step behind the camera again. Moth's dynamic personality, unwavering commitment to filming all dimensions of war, and steadfast courage are all on display in this powerful and inspiring story.

Directors: Lucy Lawless | Producers: Matthew Metcalfe, Tom Blackwell, Lucy Lawless

White Heron 6/20 8:30PM White Heron 6/21 10:00AM

THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF IBELIN

Norway / 2024 / 104 min / Documentary

Benjamin Ree's life-affirming film introduces audiences to Mats Steen, a Norwegian gamer who died of a degenerative muscular disease at age 25. At first Steen's grieving parents worry that he led a lonely existence, but they soon discover that their son had a rich digital life in the online game World of Warcraft. There, he was known as Ibelin to friends around the globe, transcending the boundaries of the physical realm to forge community and relationships. Winner: World Cinema Audience & Directing Awards, Sundance Film Festival.

Director: Benjamin Ree | Producer: Ingvil Giske

Studio 6/19 12:30PM

Dreamland

PORCELAIN WAR

USA, Australia, Ukraine / 2024 / 87 min / Documentary

Faced with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, artists Slava, Anya, and Andrey make a choice to stay behind and resist. They fight back using all the weapons at their disposal—not just guns, but also their art—to defend their culture as well as their country. While Andrey picks up his camera, Anya and Slava create delicate porcelain figurines, beautifully animated to tell their story and maintain hope against the backdrop of an intensifying war. Winner: US Documentary Grand Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival.

Directors: Brendan Bellomo, Slava Leontyev | Producers: Aniela Sidorska, Paula DuPré Pesmen, Camilla Mazzaferro, Olivia Ahnemann

White Heron 6/22 4:00PM

SATISFIED

USA / 2024 / 84 min / Documentary

In an intimate look at the life and career of Renée Elise Goldsberry, the Tony-Award-winning actress from Broadway’s Hamilton, we are invited to reflect on the universal struggle working artists face: can you truly have it all? Through never-before-seen personal video diaries and archival footage of the hit musical’s initial workshop to the historic Broadway run, Goldsberry balances personal struggles, having a family, and her meteoric rise to fame performing in the role of a lifetime.

Directors/Producers: Chris Bolan, Melissa Haizlip | Producers: Steven Cantor, Kelli O'Hara, Jamie Schutz

3:30PM

STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING

USA / 2023 / 92 min / Documentary

Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams (2024 NFF honoree for Career Achievement in Filmmaking) brings Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's best-selling book to the screen. Blending testimony from scholars with vivid animation, reenactments, and clips from popular culture, the film explores the history of anti-Black racist ideas while challenging the notion that racism has always been part of the human condition.

Director : Roger Ross Williams | Producers: Alisa Payne, Roger Ross Williams, David Teague

6/22 1:00PM

Dreamland Studio

This screening is accompanied by a Deep Dive conversation - see Page 30.

WAR GAME

USA / 2024 / 94 min / Documentary

What if the January 6 U.S. Capitol attack had been even worse, with activeduty military going rogue to join a rapidly spreading insurrection? That's the question tackled by the participants in a unique, unscripted role-play simulation meant to stress-test our government's officials and policies. Playing like a political thriller, this gripping documentary follows a bipartisan group of key U.S. defense, intelligence, and legislative leaders as they must contend with a violent coup while safeguarding the principles of American democracy.

Directors: Jesse Moss, Tony Gerber | Producers: Todd Lubin, Jesse Moss, Jack Turner, Mark DiCristofaro, Jessica Grimshaw, Nick Shumaker

6/20

3:00PM

White Heron

This screening is accompanied by a Deep Dive conversation - see Page 31.

SUGARCANE

Canada, USA / 2024 / 107 min / Documentary

Directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie bear witness to the intergenerational legacy of trauma inflicted on Indigenous children by Canada's residential school system—including forced family separation, physical and sexual abuse, and the destruction of culture and language. Drawing on their backgrounds in activism and journalism—as well as NoiseCat's own personal connection to the story and community—the filmmakers conduct an intimate investigation while also spotlighting the resilience of the survivors and their determination to seek answers and accountability. Winner: US Documentary Directing Award, Sundance Film Festival.

Directors: Julian Brave NoiseCat, Emily Kassie | Producers: Emily Kassie, Kellen Quinn

White Heron 6/20 12:15PM

IS THRILLED TO RETURN AS A PROUD CO-SPONSOR

NARRATIVE SHORTS: TOUGH STUFF (82 MIN)

A mysterious wire trap, an abandoned baby, and strained family dynamics all lend a hand in amping up the tension in these dramatic short films.

1. I CAN'T BE SORRY USA / 2024 / 15 min

Writer/Director: Robert Machoian | Writer: Elizabeth Overton

A woman travels to a diner planning to meet someone from her past.

2. KEEPERS USA / 2024 / 10 min

Writer: Eric Stumpf | Director: Paul Emile

A desperate fisherman is tempted by an enigmatic lobster trap.

3. OH CHRISTMAS TREE USA / 2024 / 10 min

Writer: Mark Duplass | Director: Katie Aselton

A family tries to recreate their favorite Christmas traditions.

4. THEREBY HANGS A TALE Canada / 2024 / 13 min

Writer: Brynn Byrne | Director: Aaron Yeger

A young woman interviews her mysterious grandmother and learns about their shared family history.

5. IN OUR OWN WAY USA / 2024 / 5 min

Writer/Director: Jason Headley

A man misses his chance to say goodbye to his brother.

6. LYRICAL USA / 2024 / 18 min

Writer/Director: Carter Stewart

A young Black law student finds himself in a potential police violence situation on campus.

7. FAVOURS Sweden / 2024 / 11 min

Writer/Director: Agnes Skonare

At a busy train station, Sonja struggles to get help for a baby she claims has been abandoned.

DOC SHORTS: PERSEVERANCE UP CLOSE (75 MIN)

Stories on personal and collective resilience setting new precedents for generations to come.

1. KOWLOON! USA / 2024 / 16 min

Directors: Mona Xia, Erin Ramirez

Bobby Wong and his family reflect on the generational legacy of running the largest Chinese American restaurant in the United States.

2. JUMPMAN USA / 2024 / 20 min

Director: Tom Dey

Meet the photographer behind the iconic Michael Jordan mid-air shot copied by Nike and turned into one of the world's most famous logos.

3. THE UGANDAN QUIDDITCH MOVEMENT

USA, Uganda / 2023 / 15 min

Director: Ben Garfield

A new sport encouraging social change has roots in something magical, expanding the imagination of young athletes in Uganda.

4. JARDINES USA, Mexico / 2023 / 24 min

Director: Alfredo Torres

Queer and trans migrants seek refuge at a sanctuary house in Tijuana, finding traces of joy and community despite a looming unknown future.

White

Heron

6/20

THE WATER CONNECTION (70 MIN)

Highlighting the impact of climate change both locally and globally, these two documentary short films on water emphasize the symbiotic relationship between our thriving humanity and our thriving ocean. White Heron 6/21 1:00PM

This screening is accompanied by a Deep Dive conversation - see Page 32.

CHASING TIME

USA / 2024 / 39 min

GREEN CARPET

SHAPED BY WATER USA / 2023 / 31 min

This meditative exploration of time and mortality follows photographer James Balog as he brings the 15-year Extreme Ice Survey project to a close. Accompanied by the Emmy-winning team behind Chasing Ice, the film spotlights the power of mentorship and the intergenerational effort to inspire hope and action toward a sustainable future.

Directors: Jeff Orlowski-Yang, Sarah Keo | Producers: Brette Ragland, Larissa Rhodes, Jeff Orlowski-Yang, Stacey Piculell

VIEWS FROM NANTUCKET (57 MIN)

An exploration of the bond between athletes and their intimate relationships with water.

Director: Dean Leslie | Producers: Corinna Halloran, Alessandra Ghezzi, Jeremy Pochman, Rob MacMillian, Wendy Schmidt

SPONSORED BY

Studio 6/19 10:30AM

These shorts are about Nantucket, by Nantucket filmmakers! Come for our annual Teen View film, the story of a famous island disappearance, and a documentary about a surprising hidden discovery.

TEEN VIEW FILM: IN THE CARDS

USA / 2024 / 15 min

The 2024 Teen View class film! At the end of the world, a grieving group of teenagers choose to spend their last afternoon together.

Directors: Lizzy Aguilar (Freshman), Lucy Bell (Sophomore), Hadley Cooke (6th Grade), Rex Dixon (Graduate), Shayquan Francis (Sophomore), Jeremiah Nustar (Freshman), Saraiah Nustar (Graduate), Anna Popnikalova (Senior), Marley Viselli (Senior)

LOST IN NEVERS LAND

USA / 2024 / 24 min

Residents of Nantucket recount the sudden disappearance of Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne from her home on a freezing winter night in 1980.

Directors: Dee White, Penny Dey | Producers: Penny Dey, Frank Schadt, Dan Driscoll

USA / 2024 / 18 min

A century-old dildo discovered in a colonial Nantucket home sparks controversial discussions about sexuality on the island.

Director: Mike McGuirk | Producers: Mike McGuirk, Patricia Beaury, Emma Barber, Phil Robinson, Del Harvey

Dreamland

THE DILDO FROM NANTUCKET

SHORT FILMS

KIDS SHORTS: IMAGINE A WORLD (78 MIN)

Short films on connection, nature, and creativity, suitable for children ages 5 to 10. 1 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

1. THE QUEEN'S FLOWERS USA / 2024 / 12 min

Writer/Director: Ciara Leina'ala Lacy

A young Hawaiian girl sets out to create a gift for the last monarch of Hawai'i, Queen Lili'uokalani.

2. BOUQUET France / 2024 / 3 min

Writer/Director: Cécile Robineau

A friendship blooms through the preparation of a bouquet of flowers.

3. THREE TREES Canada / 2023 / 5 min

Writers/Directors: M.R. Horhager, Aaron Hong

Three trees express gratitude for their unique beauty during the four seasons.

4. CAT CAFÉ UK / 2023 / 4 min

Writer/Director: Ottilie Collingridge

When a café closes down for the night, the cool cats of Paris come out to party.

5. TODAY, WE CLIMBED A HILL USA / 2024 / 8 min

Writer/Director: Gordon LePage

Two mice build a mountain to reach a box of corn flakes.

6. SHELTER France / 2023 / 3 min

Writer/Director: Julie Daravan Chea

Two children on a camping trip create stories with their shadows to comfort themselves during a thunderstorm.

7. NUBBINWOOD USA / 2023 / 8 min

Writer/Director: Tim Granberg

A beaver reflects on his dreams of making it as a Hollywood star.

8. RICE BALL UK / 2023 / 2 min

Writer/Director: Kristina Pringle

At lunchtime, a British-East Asian student braces for her classmates' reactions to her home-cooked meal.

9. A TINY VOYAGE France, Switzerland / 2022 / 8 min

Writer/Director: Emily Worms

A parakeet escapes from its cage, introducing its owner to a technicolor reality.

10. LITTLE FAN Germany / 2023 / 5 min

Writers/Directors: Sveta Yuferova, Shad Lee Bradbury

Through unexpected circumstances, a portable fan and a paper crane develop a meaningful friendship.

11. BATTERY MOMMY South Korea / 2023 / 8 min

Writer/Director: Seungbae Jeon

When disaster strikes, Battery Mommy runs to the rescue.

12. UPSIDE DOWN Latvia / 2023 / 12 min

Writer/Director: Dace Rīdūze

A young bat goes against the grain of his peers and chases after the warmth of sunlight.

COMEDY SHORTS: DARE TO LAUGH (83 MIN)

Between puppies, summer camp, and an alternate dimension, these comedic short films remind us not to take life too seriously.

1. PUPPY LOVE USA / 2024 / 12 min

Writer/Director: Daniel Rashid | Writer: Elizabeth Valenti

Emily has to decide if her connection with Austin is a deep one or if she just likes his dog.

2. SHUT UP, JACK USA / 2024 / 9 min

Writer/Director: Alec Bewkes

Jack's anxiety spirals out of control at a party.

3. GOLDEN CHILD USA / 2024 / 10 min

Writer/Director: Hannah Levin

A young woman is reunited with her childhood friend at a pool party.

4. BETA LOVE USA / 2024 / 12 min

Writer/Director: Stuey Pliskin

A man builds and programs an AI-robot girlfriend for himself but she develops a mind of her own.

5. TERMINALLY ILL USA / 2024 / 8 min

Writer/Director: Chris J. Cole

A man visits his grandmother in the hospital and expresses his emotions through a freestyle rap.

6. WE MET AT CAMP USA / 2024 / 16 min

Writer/Director: MC Plaschke | Writer: Alexander Heller

A young girl scrambles when a lie grows out of her control at summer camp.

7. 4TH DEMENTIA USA / 2024 / 16 min

Writer/Director: Ian Wexler | Writers: Ally Condrath, Jake Mann, Kyle Miller

A woman with Alzheimer's enters alternate dimensions in search of her husband.

CARPET CINEMA

NFF's Green Carpet Cinema Program returns for its third year. As Nantucket faces the serious impacts from rising sea levels and powerful coastal storms driven by climate change, NFF is committed to being an active participant in the conversation.

THE WATER CONNECTION

For Short Films, see Page 17.

For the Deep Dive Talk, see Page 32.

EVERY LITTLE THING

More information on Page 11.

NEXT GEN

THE BATTLE FOR LAIKIPIA

More information on Page 10.

MAYA AND THE WAVE

More information on Page 13.

Our brand new NextGen Program presents five films we're excited to introduce to the NFF audience, and especially–but not exclusively!–to Millennial and Gen Z viewers.

SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY (PG 7)

LOS FRIKIS (PG 13)

NFF 2024 SCHEDULE

SCREENWRITERS TRIBUTE

We have the distinct pleasure of celebrating three artists who have created films and television series that have made an indelible impression on the Nantucket Film Festival and the culture at large.

HOSTED BY OPHIRA EISENBERG

Ophira Eisenberg is a standup comedian, writer, and host of the award-winning comedy podcast Parenting Is a Joke with iHeart and Pretty Good Friends. She also hosted NPR's Ask Me Another, where she interviewed stars like Sir Patrick Stewart, Rosie Perez, and more. She's appeared on CBS's The Late Late Show, Comedy Central, and HBO. Her memoir, Screw Everyone: Sleeping My Way to Monogamy, was optioned for a TV series, and her recent comedy special Plant-Based Jokes is streaming on YouTube.

EXCELLENCE IN TELEVISION WRITING AWARD

KERRY EHRIN

Two-time Emmy nominee Kerry Ehrin was the first writer with whom Apple signed an overall deal. In The Morning Show, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, and more, Ehrin has created stories that have a profound impact on the viewer. These gripping, dramatic and theatrical television series have been placed in the hands of some of our finest actors and tell universal, complex and dynamic truths. We are excited to recognize her continuing success.

(1988)

(2010)

Motel (2013)

Morning Show (2019)

From left to right: The Morning Show (2019), Bates Motel (2013), Friday Night Lights (2006), Parenthood (2010), Boston Public (2002), Moonlighting (1985)

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 | 'SCONSET CASINO | DOORS OPEN 6:30 PM | CEREMONY STARTS 7:15 PM

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT IN FILMMAKING AWARD

BY

ROGER ROSS WILLIAMS

Roger Ross Williams is an Oscar, Emmy, NAACP Image, and Peabody award-winning director, producer, writer, and the first African American director to win an Academy Award. Williams enriches our festival with his captivating storytelling; over the years we have been honored to showcase several of his films including our memorable Opening Night in 2016 with Life, Animated. Roger's films elevate marginalized voices, bringing them to the forefront of our collective awareness. We are so proud to recognize him for his mark on cinematic storytelling.

CREDITS SPONSORED

Music by Prudence (2010)

God Loves Uganda (2013)

PRESENTED BY DR. IBRAM X. KENDI

Life, Animated (2016) The Apollo (2019) High on the Hog (2021) Cassandro (2023)

Love to Love You, Donna Summer (2023)

Stamped from the Beginning (2023)

The Super Models (2023)

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University and the director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research. He is the author of 16 books for adults and children, including 10 New York Times bestsellers. In 2020, Time magazine named Kendi one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world.

From left to right: Music by Prudence (2010), God Loves Uganda (2013), Life, Animated (2016), Cassandro (2023), Love to Love You, Donna Summer (2023), The Super Models (2023)

NEW VOICE IN TELEVISION WRITING AWARD

SUPPORTED BY THE HOLMES FAMILY CHARITABLE FUND

MEREDITH SCARDINO

Meredith Scardino is a resonant voice in the world of comedy. As the writer of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Girls5eva, among others, Meredith's refreshing take on transforming ordinary scenarios into extraordinary comic moments is a rare gift and we are happy to welcome her to NFF. She got her start in comedy writing in late night and spent six years writing for The Colbert Report, where she won four Emmys, three Writers Guild Awards, and a Peabody.

PRESENTED BY PAULA PELL

CREDITS

Late Show with David Letterman (2002)

Saturday Night Live (2002)

The Colbert Report (2005)

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015)

At Home with Amy Sedaris (2017)

Mr. Mayor (2021) Girls5eva (2021)

Paula Pell is an accomplished actress, producer, and legendary screenwriter in the comedy world. Pell currently stars in the critically acclaimed series Girls5eva, which focuses on a former girl group from the 1990s. Upon its release on Netflix, the show received rave reviews, calling out Pell as “the true revelation” and “a major yet overlooked force in comedy.” Pell has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films and television shows, including Wine Country, Birdman, Inside Out, Other People, Comedy Central's Documentary Now!, Showtime's SMILF, Judd Apatow's Netflix series Love, Big Mouth, and Peacock's A.P. Bio

From left to right: Girls5eva (2021), Mr. Mayor (2021), At Home with Amy Sedaris (2017), Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015), The Colbert Report (2005), Late Show with David Letterman (2002)

KEN BURNS

Join Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated documentarian Ken Burns for an in-depth conversation on his latest project, Leonardo da Vinci, airing this fall on PBS.

Leonardo da Vinci is a two-part, four-hour documentary directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon that explores the life and work of the 15th-century polymath.

Ken Burns has been making documentary films for almost fifty years. Since the Academy Award®-nominated Brooklyn Bridge in 1981, Burns has gone on to direct and produce some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made. His films have been honored with dozens of major awards, including 17 Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards and two Oscar nominations. In 2008, Burns was honored by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2022, Burns was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

Credits include The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, The War, The National Parks: America's Best Idea, Prohibition, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, The Vietnam War, Country Music, and The American Buffalo

MODERATED BY LUKE RUSSERT

Luke Russert is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author as well as an Emmy-winning journalist who served as an NBC News correspondent from 2008 to 2016. Primarily covering American politics, he was seen on popular outlets such as NBC Nightly News, Today, NBCNews.com, and MSNBC. After leaving media, Russert embarked on a three-year, six-continent travel expedition that took him to nearly 70 countries. Published by Harper Horizon in May 2023, his first book, Look for Me There, is a reflection of his deeply personal internal journey across many diverse external places. Critically acclaimed, the book spent seven weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list.

Dreamland Main 6/22 6:30PM

HOW DID THIS GET MADE?

THURSDAY, JUNE 20 | 'SCONSET CASINO | EVENT BEGINS 7:00 PM

Have you ever seen a movie so bad that it's amazing? Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas want to hear about it! Since 2010, they have been watching bad movies on their hit movie-review podcast so you don't have to. From cult faves to arthouse sleeper hits, we guarantee this evening will be the most fun watching a bad movie you'll ever have.

THE FILM: BAIT! 3D

In anticipation of this hilarious live event, prepare by watching the movie they'll be covering! Stream it now on Amazon Prime!

JASON MANTZOUKAS

is an American actor, comedian, writer, and podcaster. He is best known for his recurring role as Rafi in the FX comedy series The League and the films The Dictator, Sleeping with Other People, They Came Together, Conception, and John Wick: Chapter 3. He has also had recurring roles on hit television shows such as Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, and the Netflix animated comedy Big Mouth

JUNE DIANE RAPHAEL

is an actress, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. Most recently, she has appeared on the hit Netflix series Grace and Frankie, The High Note, Abbott Elementary, and the Lionsgate comedy Long Shot, as well as reprising her role in the Netflix series Big Mouth. She is also the founder of The Jane Club, a digital community for women, and co-author of Represent: The Woman's Guide to Running for Office and Changing the World

PAUL SCHEER

is an American comedian, actor, filmmaker, and podcaster. Scheer is best known for his roles in FX's The League and Showtime's comedy series Black Monday. Scheer also co-created and starred in MTV's Human Giant, Adult Swim's series NTSF:SD:SUV::, and has had roles on ABC's Fresh Off the Boat and HBO's Veep. Scheer is the author of a memoir, Joyful Recollections of Trauma, which will be published by HarperCollins.

PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY GINNY GRENHAM + PAUL ZEVNIK

GARDEN CONVERSATION FLIPPING THE SCRIPT

SUNDAY, JUNE 23 | AT THE HOME OF CECELIA JOYCE JOHNSON | EVENT BEGINS AT 11:00 AM

Come grab a Bloody Mary and brunch, take a seat, and let's have a laugh with these writers and performers, all of whow have helped shape powerful female characters across theater, television, and film. This lively talk will be moderated by Ophira Eisenberg.

The Morning Show, Bates Motel, Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, Boston Public, The Wonder Years, Moonlighting KERRY EHRIN

PAULA PELL

Girls5eva, 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live, Documentary Now!, Inside Out, Birdman, SMILF, Love, Big Mouth, A.P. Bio

RENÉE ELISE GOLDSBERRY

Satisfied, Girls5eva, Hamilton, The Color Purple, Rent, The Good Wife, One Life to Live

MEREDITH SCARDINO

Girls5eva, Mr. Mayor, At Home with Amy Sedaris, Unbreakabale Kimmy Schmidt, Saturday Night Live, The Colbert Report , Late Show with David Letterman

HOSTED BY CECELIA JOYCE JOHNSON , PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY CINDY AND EVAN JONES

SCREENINGS AND TALKS

STAMPED FROM THE BEGINNING

Following the screening of Stamped from the Beginning (Page 14), join us for a conversation with author, scholar, and activist Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and 2024 NFF honoree Roger Ross Williams, moderated by Sunny Hostin.

ROGER ROSS WILLIAMS

Roger Ross Williams is an Oscar, Emmy, NAACP Image, and Peabody awardwinning director, producer, writer, and the first African

American director to win an Academy Award, with his film Music by Prudence (2010). Williams directed Life, Animated (NFF 2016) which was nominated for an Academy Award and won three Emmys. His prolific body of work includes Stamped from the Beginning, Cassandro, The Super Models, and High on the Hog.

DR. IBRAM X. KENDI

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is the author of Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, which won the

National Book Award for Nonfiction. He also authored the international bestseller How to Be an Antiracist, which was described in the New York Times as “the most courageous book to date on the problem of race in the Western mind.” Kendi has written over 16 books, including 10 New York Times bestsellers.

MODERATED

BY:

SUNNY HOSTIN

Emmy Award winner and New York Times bestselling author Sunny Hostin has been a co-host of The View since 2016. She previously served as a host and legal analyst at CNN. Hostin is founder and CEO of Sunny Hostin Productions, a global, multiplatform media company that produces content highlighting social justice issues and underrepresented groups. Hostin is also a former trial attorney and federal prosecutor with the United States Justice Department. During her time as an assistant U.S. attorney, she was awarded the Special Achievement Award by the attorney general for her prosecution of child sexual predators.

SPONSORED BY

WAR GAME

After the screening of War Game (Page 15), hear from the participants in this timely, urgent poltical documentary thriller. Moderated by Addie Morfoot.

TONY GERBER

is an Emmy and PGA award-winning filmmaker, and has directed over a dozen films for National Geographic, including Kingdom of the White Wolf. His feature docs include Full Battle Rattle with Jesse Moss and The Notorious Mr. Bout. He produced Jane and the Oscar-shortlisted Takeover.

JESSE MOSS

is an award-winning filmmaker whose films include Boys State, Girls State, The Overnighters, and The Mission. For Netflix he directed The Family, a five-part series, and Payday, an episode of the series Dirty Money.

JANESSA GOLDBECK

is the CEO of Vet Voice Foundation, a national nonprofit organization with over 1.5 million members that mobilizes veterans to have a voice in our democracy. Goldbeck, a Marine Corps veteran, was deployed as a combat engineer officer managing engineering, logistics, and explosive ordinance disposal missions in support of NATO operations.

ELIZABETH NEUMANN

served as a senior advisor and deputy chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security for the Trump administration. She also worked for the George W. Bush administration, including time on the Homeland Security Council from 2003 to 2006.

MODERATED BY:

ADDIE MORFOOT

Addie Morfoot has been reporting on the entertainment industry for the last 20 years. She currently serves as the lead documentary reporter at Variety. In addition to Variety, her work has appeared in several publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Times

AND TALKS

THE WATER CONNECTION

1:00PM

Following the screening of The Water Connection Shorts Program (Page 17), join us for an in-depth conversation about the health of our oceans and what it means to see them through a professional lens of sports, filmmaking, and photography.

SPONSORED

BY

JAMES BALOG

For 40 years, visionary photographer James Balog has revealed the most crucial environmental issues of our time. His 2018 award-winning film, The Human Element, has been screened worldwide. Balog's Extreme Ice Survey is the most extensive, ground-based, photographic study of glaciers ever conducted and was the basis of the film Chasing Ice, which won an Emmy and the Sundance award for cinematography. An avid mountaineer, Balog is the author of eight books. His photographs are in many dozens of public and private art collections, and are extensively published in electronic and print media worldwide.

JEREMY POCHMAN

Jeremy Pochman is a co-founder and the CEO of 11th Hour Racing, a captain, and a professional sailor. Pochman worked at Nantucket Community Sailing as director of operations and sailed many miles on the classic yawl Impala. Through 11th Hour Racing, his goal is to underscore the bonds between humans, water, and land through sailboat racing, recognizing that we can push each other to find better solutions for better sailing practices.

White Heron 6/21

45 MIN | THURSDAY - SUNDAY at 9:00 AM | SISTER SHIP

COFFEE WITH®

Kickstart your day with a cup of coffee and conversation with NFF filmmakers, producers, and actors. Join us at Sister Ship to enjoy this daily, iconic Festival event series with light fare and moderated conversation. Complimentary coffee and tea from WHEAT, and breakfast pastries from Island Kitchen.

PRESENTED BY

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT HORSESHOE CRAB CELEBRATION

SATURDAY, JUNE 22 | 11:00 AM | MARIA MITCHELL

Our free community event with the Maria Mitchell Association celebrating the horseshoe crab aims to inspire young audiences to appreciate and protect our marine ecosystems. Horseshoe crabs are evolutionary survivors that have been on earth for at least 445 million years, over 200 million years before dinosaurs! As a keystone species, horseshoe crabs play a crucial role in maintaining the health of coastal and marine ecosystems.

SPONSORED BY

ACTIVITIES + HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

- Horseshoe crab feeding at 11:15 AM

- Horseshoe crab arts and crafts

- Free ice-cream from Island Kitchen

- Live music with singer-songwriter Debloise

- Hands-on interactive scientific learning activities

- Many raffle giveaways (including a surfboard!)

Join NFF and MMA for a fun morning celebrating these unique sea critters!

LOUNGE

THURS, FRI, SUN: 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM | SAT: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM DREAMLAND HARBOR VIEW ROOM | ACCESS FOR PASSHOLDERS ONLY

Located within the heart of the Festival overlooking Nantucket Harbor. Available to Festival passholders as a great space to relax between screenings!

MARKETPLACE BY SENECA WOMEN

WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY | 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM | FARAWAY HOTEL OPEN TO ALL

Discover and shop from these women-owned businesses with new offerings from custom cashmere sweaters to skincare products to wonderful gifts. Shops include Caire Beauty, Dance Happy Designs, Global Goods Partners, Ibu Movement, Lingua Franca, Sequence Collection, Twee, and Zaazey.

NFF 2024 FILM AWARDS

ADRIENNE SHELLY AWARD

From our Screenwriters Tribute and Tony Cox Screenplay Competitions to our Best of Fest and Audience Awards, we are proud to honor screenwriters and filmmakers who display a mastery of their craft.

This $5,000 award is presented in partnership with The Adrienne Shelly Foundation to a female writer or director working in the film arts in honor and remembrance of Adrienne Shelly's film legacy. All feature-length films in the NFF lineup written and/or directed by women are eligible. The award winner is announced in June at the Festival.

PAST WINNERS INCLUDE:

Nicole Newnham – The Disappearance of Shere Hite, Amy Bandlien Storkel – The Pez Outlaw, Crystal Moselle – The Wolfpack, Alexandra Dean – Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, Nancy Schwartzman – Roll Red Roll, Irene Taylor Brodsky – Beware the Slenderman

MARIA MITCHELL VISIONARY AWARD

Named after the Nantucket native who was the first woman inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Maria Mitchell Visionary Award is given to a female filmmaker who stretches innovative boundaries.

The recipient of the award is announced during the festival and will receive a $5,000 grant and an engraved telescope designed by Nantucket jeweler Anna P. Jay. Created in partnership with The Maria Mitchell Association.

PAST WINNERS INCLUDE: Sophie Barthes – The Pod Generation

SHINE GLOBAL CHILDREN'S RESILIENCE IN SCREENWRITING AWARD

The Children's Resilience in Screenwriting Award presented by Shine Global is a new prize given to a film with outstanding storytelling that effectively portrays the resilience and strength of children. The winner is awarded $2,500 and an invitation to participate in Shine Global's upcoming 2024 Resilience Awards.

TEEN VIEW SHORT FILM AWARD

A group of Nantucket seventh and eighth graders are selected as a jury with the goal of picking the best short film at the Festival. The middle school students screen, deliberate, and judge each film and in the process learn the fundamentals of critical film analysis. At the end of the Festival, the jury presents the Teen View Award to the film that rises above the rest.

AUDIENCE AWARDS

Each year our audiences take on the distinct honor of awarding their favorite features and short films with Audience Awards. All films in the NFF lineup are eligible and winners are announced at the end of the Festival.

PAST WINNERS INCLUDE:

It Ain't Over; The Full Monty; Burden; Bathtubs Over Broadway; The Big Sick; Other People; Life, Animated; Sleepwalk with Me; Me and Earl and The Dying Girl; Being Elmo; Run Lola Run; The Cable Guy

SCREENPLAY COMPETITION

FILM COMPETITIONS

FEATURE SCREENPLAY

Recognizes one exceptional unproduced screenplay as the best from a pool of submissions, winning the writer a spot in the Almanack Screenwriters October writer's retreat on Nantucket . Also included: a $2,500 cash prize, a complimentary trip to the Festival with access to programming and events, and a bound copy of their script.

SHORT SCREENPLAY

Awards the writer of the bestunproduced short script a $500 cash prize, a bound copy of their script, and access to the Festival's programming and events, where they can discuss the project with fellow filmmakers and key industry attendees.

KATHERINE DIECKMANN

is a writer-director whose feature films include Strange Weather, Motherhood, Diggers, and A Good Baby

SUSANNA FOGEL

most recently directed Winner (Page 9), the Disney+ series A Small Light, and an adaptation of the New Yorker story Cat Person Previous credits include Booksmart, The Spy Who Dumped Me, and the HBO Max series The Flight Attendant.

EPISODIC COMPETITIONS

60-MINUTE SCREENPLAY

Honors the writer of the best 60-minute episodic pilot with a $1,000 cash prize, a bound copy of their script, and access to the Festival's programming and events.

30-MINUTE SCREENPLAY

Honors the writer of the best 30-minute episodic pilot with a $1,000 cash prize, a bound copy of their script, and access to the Festival's programming and events.

The finalists and winners for each competition will be announced during the Festival and on nantucketfilmfestival.org

SARAH VACCHIANO

is vice president of business affairs at United Talent Agency in Los Angeles. She began her career at FilmNation Entertainment, where she negotiated deals for the feature film slate, including Oscar-winner Promising Young Woman

REBECCA ALTER

is an ASME Awardwinning entertainment journalist based in New York. As a staff writer for Vulture, she covers movies, television, and comedy. Her work frequently appears in the pages of New York magazine.

EPISODIC JURY

KATIE ASELTON

is an actor and filmmaker. She made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film The Freebie Oh Christmas Tree (Page 16) is Aselton's short film directorial debut.

DEREK NGUYEN is a screenwriter, director, producer, and cofounder of The Population. He directed The Housemaid (IFC Films, 2018), The Resemblance (Tribeca, 2022), and The Potential Wives of Norman Mao (2011).

Scenes from the October Almanack Screenwriters retreat on Nantucket

2024 TEEN VIEW

Since 2000, the Nantucket Film Festival has provided free educational opportunities for Nantucket teens throughout the year. Teen View on NFF is in keeping with the Nantucket Film Festival's mission of highlighting screenwriters and storytelling and has served as a staple of NFF's educational initiatives for more than 24 years. It focuses on empowering Nantucket teens by cultivating young filmmakers and teaching critical storytelling skills.

Teen View Director: Stephanie Serra | Teen View Assistant Director: Sarah Fraunfelder

This year's Teen View student film is featured in our VIEWS FROM NANTUCKET Shorts Program - Page 17

TEEN VIEW JURY

Teen View Jury Coordinator: Rick Colon

2024 Teen View Jury Students: Brennan Baker, Tomas Young, Gabi Petkov, Ben Congdon, Orla Cressman, Albina Tepsur, Markus Vitanov

SCREENWRITER

SESSIONS

EDUCATIONAL PARTNER

Screenwriter Sessions provides the unique opportunity for writers to be a part of a cohort for five weeks of live, one-of-a-kind intimate conversations and guidance from some of the foremost screenwriters working today. The Sessions include interactive writing workshops and feedback from a rich community of peers. Throughout the program, participants generate new screenplay ideas, develop works in progress, and hone their craft with personalized tips and inspiration from the best screenwriters in the world. Guest speakers have included Charlie Kaufman, Nancy Meyers, Lulu Wang, Nicole Holofcener, Sian Heder, Destin Daniel Cretton, Tom McCarthy, Shaka King, Michael Arndt, Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani, and many more.

SPONSORED BY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JILL BURKHART, Festival Founder

JONATHAN BURKHART, Festival Founder

DONICK CARY

SAM COX

MARK DONATO

NANCY DUBUC

BETH ENGLISH

GINNY GRENHAM

CECELIA JOYCE JOHNSON

CINDY JONES

DEBORAH KIRK KAHN

JILL KARP, Vice Chair

KATY KNOX

OUR STAFF

YEAR-ROUND

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MYSTELLE BRABBÉE

FESTIVAL PRODUCER

JACLYN ROSE WOHL

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

MEGAN INABA

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS PRODUCER

BETH EMELSON

SENIOR PROGRAMMER

BASIL TSIOKOS

LEAD PROGRAMMER

ANITA RASWANT

FESTIVAL COORDINATOR

HANNAH TYMANN

2024 INTERNS

LORI ENG

ANDRE GARCIA

KATHY HOLBROOK

FIONA TORRES MOINO

CHRIS MATTHEWS

KATHLEEN MATTHEWS, Board Chair

MILAN POPELKA

ABBE RAVEN

ALICE ROGOFF

RYAN RUNSTADLER

STEVEN B. SAMUELS

FELIX SANCHEZ

TOM SCOTT

CARTER STEWART

BEN STILLER

RHODA H. WEINMAN, Secretary

NFF BOARDS

BOARD OF ADVISORS

CONOR BAGLEY

PENNY DEY

AARON DICKSON MILLHISER

CAROLINE B. GOTTSCHALK

JAY HANLEY

GILL HOLLAND

EMILY MULLINS

JOHN SCHMIDT

LINDSAY TORPEY-CROSS

HONORARY BOARD

ANNE MEARA, In Memoriam

JERRY STILLER, In Memoriam

FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL OPERATIONS + PROGRAMMING

Sonia Desai Rayka, Program Coordinator

Sam Lively, Production Coordinator

Keaghan Tierney, Office Assistant

Lori Eng, Screenings Assistant

MARKETING

Molly Fulton, Publications & Creative Manager

Rachel Newkirk, Marketing Coordinator

Justin McIntyre, Graphic Desginer

GUEST SERVICES

Casey Hindman, Director

Greg Pacer, Registration Manager

Alexandira Kelly, Travel Coordinator

Brianna Trip, Ground Transportation Coordinator

Oliver Tymann, Registration Assistant

SPECIAL EVENTS

Charles Warburton, Director

Beatrix Weber, Assistant

DEVELOPMENT

Sarah Rogers, Sponsorship Manager

Fiona Torres Moino, Development Assistant

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS

Grace Ann Robert, Assistant Producer

EDUCATION

Rick Colon, Teen View Jury Coordinator

BOX OFFICE

Bradley Ellis, Manager

Hilary Hodgson, Agent

Angela Robinson, Agent

Bradi Mason, Agent

PUBLIC RELATIONS - FRANK PR

Clare Anne Darragh

Lina Plath

Stephanie Davidson

Mark Duffy

VENUE STAFF

Forest Bell

Kwame Berry

Tiffany Clifton

Jordana Fleischut

Solomon Peck

Anna Peterson

Wynton Wong

PROJECTION | TECH

Maria Pavlova, Exhibition Coordinator

John Quackenbush, Projectionist

Timothy McDonald, JP3

Karl Mehrer, K2 Imaging

ADMINISTRATIVE

Rob Diaz, Bookkeeper

Robert L. Powley, Legal Services

READING AND SCREENING COMMITTEES

Paul Angotta

Cameron Asharian

Ivana Eiger-Burgos

Jonathan Burton

Tiffany Clifton

Amy Currul

Sheila Smith Drapeau

Kendall Graham

Charysse Harper

Spencer Hillman

Rena Jensen

Susan Keyloun

Chris LeClere

Lucy Livingston

Ariya Mamum

Robyn Matuto

Solomon Peck

Owen Sullivan

Bill Tivenan

Rachel Zimmerman

THANK YOU

DIRECTORS CIRCLE

Gonzague de Luze and Franck Giraud

Caroline Bergman Gottschalk and Allen W. Nelson

Ginny Grenham and Paul Zevnik

Cecelia Joyce Johnson

Cindy and Evan Jones

Jill and Stephen Karp

Katy Knox and Jeff Krupa

Chris and Kathleen Matthews and Family

Abbe Raven and Martin Tackel

Alice Rogoff

The Samuels Family

FOUNDER

Lisa and Bill Becker

Gary and Carole Beller

Anne Marie and Doug Bratton

Trace Carson and Christine Simeone

Nancy Field

John Finn

Elizabeth Galvin

Maureen and John Graf

Karen Ketterer

Tom Kim and John Olson

Kimberly and Dennis Kozlowski

Mr. Andronico Luksic

Holly Maisto

Debbie Miller

Carol Nast

Robin Rednor

Sara Sandler

Harry Wilcox and Patricia Hambrick

Jonathan and Karen Wohl

LEGACY

Mark Walsh

Linda Saligman

PRODUCERS CIRCLE

Matt Holt

The Holmes Family Charitable Fund

Franci Neely

HOMESTAY SUPPORT

Eileen Cahill and Family

Mary Louise and Bruce Cohen

Peg and Phil Condon

The Cox Family

Nancy Dubuc and Michael Kizilbash

Meg and Matt Dwyer

Caroline Ellis

Deborah and Peter Kahn

Lee Real Estate

Susan O'Malley

Jen McCormick

Our House Nantucket

Olwen and Don Pongrace

Tom and Susan Roeder

John and Wendy Schmidt

Dina Schwartz

Sam and Jill Sheppard

The Stone Family

Linda Vollkommer

William Raveis Real Estate

Lisa Winn

For more information on how to join the Major Donor Circle by supporting NFF, visit nantucketfilmfestival.org/festival-passes or for more information on our homestay program, visit nantucketfilmfestival.org/homestay