True/False 2021 Program Book by True/False Film Fest

WELCOME A WELCOME IN THIS MOMENT can’t help but feel like a welcome back. By now, it’s trite to say this year has been unprecedented—even so, we’re still reeling from just how unprecedented preparing for the 18th edition of True/False has been. We have been jarred—personally, professionally, collectively—out of our stability, our selves, our certainty. And absent other familiar foundations, the Fest has been a welcome liferaft bobbing away on stormy seas; a north star around which we’ve attempted to orient our vertigo. When describing this inherently communal event, words like “intensity” and “density” are bound to come up. But who among us is ready for a return to a frenetic weekend jammed shoulder to shoulder with thousands of friends and neighbors? We’re still a little uncertain about how to get back to that ourselves. What we do know is that this year’s Fest was crafted with more space in every sense: space to breathe, space to process, space to stretch out. And we hope that this True/False is calm in a way that feels right for the moment—allowing for reentry into sharing space with others as we all engage in the necessary work of rebuilding community. We hope that by being present, together, a kind of cathartic shock absorption begins to take place. At the heart of that catharsis, as always, are the films. Like us, the filmmakers and subjects of the 2021 lineup have contended with missing their loved ones, masks, physical distancing, and Zoom. While many films were shot pre-pandemic, every director still met the complex hurdles of completion with grit and creativity. It was a year when the baked-in uncertainty of great nonfiction filmmaking collided with the fractal-like unknowns of everyday life. And it is, perhaps, no coincidence that there are more first-time filmmakers in our slate than ever before—for them, deferring their dream was not an option. Despite—and, well, in part because of—the hardships of this past year, we are hard-pressed to think of a time when we’ve been more grateful for the opportunity to bring about True/False. While there are parts of this year’s Fest that will likely remain unique to 2021, we’re confident that we’ll learn a lot from our time in the Park. And, with your help, we expect to move forward stronger as an organization—and a community. Certainly, Arin, Barbie, Camellia, and David

THANK YOU TRUE/FALSE, FOR BRINGING US ALL BACK TOGETHER AGAIN.

LOVE, XTR AND DOCUMENTARY+

CONTENTS 5 FILMS TRUE LIFE FUND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 TRUE VISION AWARD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 FEATURE FILMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 SHORTS BEFORE FEATURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 SHORTS PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 NEITHER/NOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 33 MUSIC MUSICIANS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 CONCERTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 47

ART & DESIGN THE NATURE OF UNCERTAINTY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 BUMPERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 INSTALLATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

SCHEDULE GRID

63 EVENTS TICKETED EVENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 SO EXTRA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 73 LEARN COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 MENTORSHIP PROGRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 ROUGH CUT RETREAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 81 SUPPORT PAY THE ARTISTS!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 LEGACY FUND. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 85

THANK YOU RAGTAG FILM SOCIETY: FEST CORE & CINEMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 CONTRIBUTORS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

HOW TO FEST BOX OFFICE FAQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 NAVIGATING T/F. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 ACCESSIBILITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 COMO SQUARE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 MAP KEY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

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TRUE/FALSE PROGRAMMING SEEKS TO EXPLORE the far reaches of nonfiction cinema. We champion filmmakers who approach the world with playfulness, sensitivity, discipline, daring, and imagination. We also understand that creating art from reality is, at its heart, an act of interpretation. There is no right way to approach the process. We are drawn to films that boldly confront this challenge. Films that demand active viewership and transport the audience to new places—or help us see familiar places with fresh eyes. We are honored to present these films, created by formidable artists from all around the globe, and grateful to have you join us on the journey. notes films that are fully subtitled notes films that are Mentorship Program selections notes projects that are Teleported Fest selections 5

FILMS

THE TRUE LIFE FUND 2021 SELECTION: SABAYA

THE ARABIC WORD SABAYA can be roughly understood to mean “a captive woman.” While the exact translation may be elusive, the concept is all too familiar. Men in times of war use women and girls as trophies, bargaining chips, and worse. Here, Yazidi women who survived massacres in their home villages find themselves enslaved by Daesh (ISIS) holdouts in the labyrinthine tent city of al-Hol, a refugee camp in northeast Syria. But all hope is not lost. Yazidi women bravely enter the camp, going undercover to try and locate those still trapped there. Then the Yazidi Home Center, a loose-knit group led by everyday heroes Mahmud and Ziyad, springs into action. Swooping into the camp, driving SUVs and rickety vans, these men spirit the women to safety—sometimes pursued by angry insurgents. These are acts of extreme bravery. And the payoff? They themselves become the targets of the extremists. Through the True Life Fund, True/False acknowledges the risks, sacrifices, and contributions of documentary subjects—those who appear in front of the lens and share their lives. Director Hogir Hirori, an Iraqi Kurd himself, is uniquely positioned—not only to tell this story but, through his Swedish production company, help make sure that every dollar raised by the TLF goes toward supporting the efforts of the Yazidi Home Center and the subjects of Sabaya. The genocide perpetrated by Daesh against the Yazidi people is almost unfathomable in its brutality. But by telling a story that, on the surface, seems impossible to capture, Sabaya allows us a window into the aftermath and encourages us to not turn away but reach out to support the heroes and heroines we meet on screen. 6

FILMS

SABAYA

A: SATURDAY, MAY 8 / 8:30PM / TWELVE POINT // B: SUNDAY, MAY 9 / 7PM / WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG // C: SUNDAY, MAY 9 / 8:30PM / SLED HILL

Dir. Hogir Hirori; 2021; 93 min. Live remote Q&A The al-Hol refugee camp in northeast Syria has fallen under the control of Daesh (ISIS). There, hidden from the world, women and girls from the Yazidi ethnic minority of northern Iraq are kept as slaves. But a small group of activists, led by the mild-mannered Mahmud and his friend Ziyad, is working to change that. The activists' heroism alongside that of the young women who voluntarily reenter the camp to help those still trapped there form the heart of this incredible film. The action is immediate and riveting, whether we are looking through a camera hidden inside a chador or riding along in a high-speed van chase as bullets whiz by the windows. This is a film that shouldn’t exist in the world, that should be too difficult and dangerous to make. But thanks to Hirori and his subjects, we are granted a window into their precarious world. What we do afterward is up to us. (DW) 7

FILMS

TRUE VISION AWARD 2021 RECIPIENT: ROSINE MBAKAM

Born in Cameroon to a traditional family, Rosine Mbakam grew into filmmaking at a young age, training in Yaoundé at the Italian-run NGO Centro Orientamento Educativo in 2000. Her delicate approach to storytelling began to take hold after leaving her role at Spectrum Television in 2007 and moving to Belgium for further filmmaking training. The emotional weight of this migration is woven between her three remarkable features. The Two Faces of a Bamiléké Woman and Chez Jolie Coiffure (T/F 2019), along with her latest film, Delphine’s Prayers, cement Mbakam as a powerful director exploring intimacy, womanhood, and African identity. In The Two Faces of a Bamiléké Woman, Mbakam returns to her native Cameroon from her home in Belgium, where she moved to study film at the age of 27, married a European, and had a son. Her mother, Mâ Brêh, still lives in Cameroon and returns to their familial village of Tonga to meet Rosine; the elder woman joins their other female relatives as they go about their daily tasks, sharing stories that reveal the strength of their solidarity in the face of many adversities. Her newest film, Delphine’s Prayers, focuses singularly on Delphine, a Cameroonian woman living in Belgium, as she recounts her turbulent life of sexual exploitation and dislocation. Like her previous films, Mbakam’s inclination towards collaborative storytelling, coupled with her preternatural skill at building rapport, creates real trust between filmmaker, subject, and audience. Rosine Mbakam will receive this year’s True Vision Award in honor of her achievements in and contributions to the field of nonfiction filmmaking. Her latest film, Delphine’s Prayers, will screen at the festival in addition to her feature debut, The Two Faces of a Bamiléké Woman. The award is given with support from Dr. Timothy McGarity of Restoration Eye Care. The award is designed by local metal artist Michael Marcum.

PRESENTED BY 8

FILMS

DELPHINE'S PRAYERS

A: THURSDAY, MAY 6 / 8:40PM / SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER // B: SUNDAY, MAY 9 / 8:40PM / SAPLING

Dir. Rosine Mbakam; 2020; 90 min. Live remote Q&A In a messy but bright bedroom, Delphine, a Cameroonian transplant in Belgium, shares her compelling and heart-wrenching story. Lighting a cigarette, Delphine recounts her life of hardships and moments of love. Beginning with the tragic death of her mother, she tells of the sexual exploitation she endured in Cameroon and her current, unfulfilled marital life in Belgium. True Vision Award recipient Mbakam grants her subject the space to reflect upon the trauma she’s survived. Oscillating between humorous and playful to staggeringly painful, the conversation maps the intersections of gender, race, class, and displacement. Mbakam is no distanced observer but an equal participant, co-crafting a narrative. Through this palpable intimacy, we are privileged to bear witness to the undimmable light of Delphine. (AC) 9

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FILMS 03

ALL LIGHT, EVERYWHERE

A: FRIDAY, MAY 7 / 7PM / WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG // B: FRIDAY, MAY 7 / 8:30PM / SLED HILL

Dir. Theo Anthony; 2021; 106 min. Live remote Q&A How is the act of observing politicized? Weaponized? These questions reverberate throughout this prismatic essay film from T/F alum Anthony (Rat Film, T/F 2017). The history of surveillance is extensive—from the early methods of charting the movement of the sun to the evolving use of body cam technology in police departments. Displaying a flair for creative juxtapositions, Anthony whisks us from a community meeting in Baltimore that pits concerned citizens against a technocratic monitoring scheme to the halls of the Axon corporation, where the tools of observation and subjugation (cameras and Tasers) are produced side by side. As the film skillfully connects the dots, we are pushed to consider the unblinking eye of surveillance as a weapon of racial injustice. (AC)

DIRTY FEATHERS

A: THURSDAY, MAY 6 / 8:40PM / SAPLING

Dir. Carlos Alfonso Corral; 2021; 75 min. Live in-person Q&A with director Carlos Alfonso Corral A deeply poetic portrait of the unhoused surviving on the periphery of El Paso. While some of that city’s unhoused community are welcomed into the OC (the Opportunity Center for the Homeless), the film introduces us to those who aren’t, many of whom struggle with severe addiction and mental health issues. Soon-to-be father Brandon makes a bed for himself and his pregnant wife, meditating on his dream of opening a soul food restaurant. The prophetic words of Ashley, a teen girl who’s found her purpose and chosen family on the streets, punctuate the bleak hardships with spirituality and hope. Photographer-turned-director Corral handles each story of grit and grace with a close-up openness that reveals the intimacy and respect he and his subjects share. (AC) 11

FILMS 05

FAYA DAYI

A: WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 / 7:30PM / BIG RAGTAG // B: SUNDAY, MAY 9 / 8:30PM / SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

Dir. Jessica Beshir; 2021; 120 min. Live in-person Q&A with director Jessica Beshir Khat is a mildly narcotic evergreen shrub native to East Africa, chewed for centuries by Sufi Muslims in their religious meditations and now traded as a cash crop. Faya Dayi presents a luminous portrait of the flowering plant and the commerce-driven culture that surrounds it. The euphoric excursion takes us through khat fields and factories in the highlands of Harar, Ethiopia, and introduces us to a pair of brothers who contemplate a better life. Enchantment abounds in this dreamlike, immersive film, as Beshir weaves together a tapestry of intimate stories and lyrical sequences. The lush blackand-white cinematography blends lived experiences with illusory reverie and allows the mythic undertones to rise to the surface. This is a beguiling debut feature that marks the arrival of a major new talent. (AG)

FROM THE WILD SEA

A: SUNDAY, MAY 9 / 8:30PM / TWELVE POINT

Dir. Robin Petré; 2021; 78 min. Live remote Q&A Along the shore, beachgoers watch in awe as an uncaged and anxious seal fidgets its way back into its natural habitat. Although it's happy to return home, its life in the ocean remains a day-to-day battle, with ferocious storms, pollution, and propeller boats all contributing to the demise of aquatic species. From the Wild Sea is told from both human and animal perspectives and shot on the shores of the North Sea during the coronavirus pandemic. We follow field support officer Dan Jarvis as he navigates the stormy coast of Cornwall. His vision of the future is somber, as is that of his close collaborator James Barnett, a veterinarian whose pathological research focuses on the consequences of environmental pollution. Petré keeps the impacts of climate change ever-present, as her calm, dispassionate lens witnesses the captivity and release of marine wildlife and the people who attempt to protect it. (AG) Preceded by “Fire Season” (Dir. Quinn Else; 7 min.). 13

FILMS 07

THE GROCER’S SON, THE MAYOR, THE VILLAGE & THE WORLD

A: THURSDAY, MAY 6 / 7PM / WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG // B: THURSDAY, MAY 6 / 8:30PM / SLED HILL // C: FRIDAY, MAY 7 / 7:30PM / BIG RAGTAG

Dir. Claire Simon; 2020; 110 min. Live remote Q&A It’s film festival season in the picturesque French village of Lussas, where farming and filmmaking drive commerce and culture. Tënk, a startup subscription-based digital platform, hopes to usher in a new wave of documentary viewing. The mastermind behind the Tënk platform is film aficionado Jean-Marie Barbe, who has taken up operations in what used to be his family’s grocery store. The initiative is a labor of love for the passionate and optimistic Barbe and his team. Simon, the 2017 True Vision honoree, delivers a condensed spinoff of her nine-hour opus, The Village, in this even more exhilarating pilgrimage to the small-scale utopia of Lussas. Ask yourself: Does this radiant statement about small towns and the beauty of imagining an alternative way of life feel familiar? (AG)

HOMEROOM

A: WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 / 7PM / WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG // B: WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 / 8:30PM / THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN // C: THURSDAY, MAY 6 / 8:30PM / TWELVE POINT

Dir. Peter Nicks; 2021; 90 min. Live in-person Q&A Nicks has been honing his craft for years, exploring institutions throughout Oakland, California. From his debut, The Waiting Room (T/F 2012), to The Force (T/F 2017), Nicks has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to catch lightning in a bottle by being in the right place at the right time and having the patience and skill to capture what transpires. Homeroom completes his hometown trilogy, introducing us to the senior class of Oakland High School as the 2019-20 school year begins. Brimming with dramatic irony, the film captures these kids experiencing a brief flourishing of normal life before one calamity after another takes hold of the narrative. But these resilient teens don’t give up easily—their organized engagement inspires and helps us envision a future to which these young people will lead us. (DW) Presented by Fresh Ideas. 15

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FILMS 09

INSIDE THE RED BRICK WALL

A: FRIDAY, MAY 7 / 8:20PM / TWELVE POINT // B: SATURDAY, MAY 8 / 8:30PM / THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN

HK Documentary Filmmakers; 2020; 88 min. Amidst the chaotic swirl of protests that erupted in Hong Kong in 2019, student activists face off with police to maintain their democratic freedom from mainland China. Our filmmakers (who are not named to protect their identities) embed with students at Polytechnic University, which becomes the site of a particularly reckless and dangerous protest. Activists blast anti-police songs from their position. The police fire back with witty songs of their own. These frenzied interactions quickly escalate into an astounding and wildly lopsided 13-day standoff between the determined activists and police forces. Like the actions themselves, this film is a uniquely collective experience, providing a multiplicity of perspectives from behind and outside the blockade. As the police press in, the dizzying handheld shots and frenetic pace launch us into the center of this action to restore democracy. (AC) Preceded by “Club Quarantine” (Dir. Aurora Brachman; 7 min.). Presented by the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy.

NO KINGS

A: FRIDAY, MAY 7 / 8:30PM / SAPLING

Dir. Emilia Mello; 2020; 85 min. Live in-person Q&A with director Emilia Mello The warm sun shines on the Brazilian waterfront, with the smell of salty ropes and rotting jackfruit permeating the air. In the isolated but selfsufficient Caiçara community, fishermen repair their nets by hand while Lucimara—a precocious, determined young girl—leads her friends to a tide pool to see what they can catch. This gauzy, sensuous debut from Mello explores the secluded and diverse village, with residents descended from indigenous people, escaped African slaves, and European pirates. With her inquisitive lens, Mello is very much a part of this film, receiving poems from the vibrantly smiling Ismail and being peppered with questions about her heritage by Lucimara. The Brazilian government looms just offscreen, creeping in to modernize the Caiçara, but the residents of this seaside hamlet remain committed to stewarding both land and sea. (AC) 17

FILMS 11

PETIT SAMEDI

A: THURSDAY, MAY 6 / 7:30PM / BIG RAGTAG // B: SUNDAY, MAY 9 / 8:30PM / THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN

Dir. Paloma Sermon-Daï; 2020; 75 min Live remote Q&A With tenderness and gentle humor, first-time director Sermon-Daï finds her subjects close to home. In a small Walloonian village, we meet Damien Samedi, a genial presence and on-again, off-again heroin addict. Damien maintains a quiet existence, racked with shame by his inconsistent attempts at sobriety but hoping to shield his family from the neighbors' scorn. Ysma, Damien’s caring and at times overbearing mother, is stretched thin by her desire to help her son kick the habit and move forward with his life. Their codependency wobbles between endearing and toxic; Damien reliably checks in on Ysma each week while his siblings tend to their own lives, and Ysma relishes the opportunity to help Damien fill out job applications. It makes perfect sense that this lovingly observed take on the complicated beauty of family comes from one of their own. (AC)

ROCK BOTTOM RISER

A: THURSDAY, MAY 6 / 8:30PM / THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN // B: SATURDAY, MAY 8 / 8:30PM / SAPLING

Dir. Fern Silva; 2021; 70 min. Live remote Q&A As rivers of lava weave a molten web across the islands of Hawaii, a pulsating electronic beat grounds us in the age of technology. In his feature debut, experimental film veteran Silva playfully teases out surprising connections between humankind, geology, and the cosmos, composing an anti-extractive riff on Hawaii’s checkered history. Tourism churns the capitalist machinery of the island, while native Hawaiians contemplate the most effective means to stave off sprawling development and the effects of climate change—might Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson help? As another telescope is proposed on the sacred grounds of Mauna Kea, unchecked scientific advancement becomes the new colonialism. Simon and Garfunkel’s refrain “I am a rock, I am an island” is re-imagined in this dazzling exploration of the push-and-pull between the natural world and our desire for unlimited knowledge. (AC) 19

FILMS 13

SONGS THAT FLOOD THE RIVER

A: SATURDAY, MAY 8 / 7PM / WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG // B: SATURDAY, MAY 8 / 8:30PM / SLED HILL

Dir. German Adolfo Arango; 2021; 75 min. Live remote Q&A Oneida was a child when she learned how to sing “alabados,” traditional funeral songs used by Black communities in Colombia to secure their safe return to the realm of the souls. When she was 8 years old, a snake devoured her left leg, leaving her to spend the rest of her life in a village set deep in the jungle. As an adult, she survived the 2002 Boyajá massacre that decimated her community. Refusing to submit to multiple traumas, Oneida fights her fears by writing songs that use the melody of alabados over lyrics that illuminate her reality. Her scars are the source of her strength, and her songs are the voice of thousands that fight for peace in one of the longest conflicts in modern history. Director Arango presents an elegiac feature debut that embraces its role in collective healing. (AG)

SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED)

A: WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 / 8:20PM / SLED HILL // B: FRIDAY, MAY 7 / 8:30PM / SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER [SHOW ME TRUE/FALSE] // C: SUNDAY, MAY 9 / 7:30PM / BIG RAGTAG

Dir. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson; 2021; 120 min Live remote Q&A In the summer of 1969, the nine-week Harlem Cultural Festival created stimulating, inspirational, and stirring experiences for the Black and Brown communities of Harlem—then it was all forgotten. First-time filmmaker Thompson resuscitates a lost archive and invites attendees of the landmark festival to recall and recapture their soulful memories. Thompson leads viewers into a sonic time machine with appearances from Sly and the Family Stone, Nina Simone, and a vivacious 19-year-old Stevie Wonder, to name a few. This vibrant revival is a substantial document of Black cultural history, brimming with joy and memories nearly lost. The spiritual possession of Black music acts as motif as we witness the onstage energy reflected in the faces of the captivated audience. More than a film about music, Summer of Soul highlights how the Harlem Cultural Festival provided a vital diversion from the tumultuous chaos of America. (AG) 21

FILMS 15

THIS RAIN WILL NEVER STOP

A: WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 / 8:45PM / SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

Dir. Alina Gorlova; 2020; 103 min. Live remote Q&A Scattered across Ukraine, Germany, and Kurdish Iraq, the Suleyman family fled Syria during the civil war only to encounter new conflicts and unwelcoming neighbors. Youngest son Andriy unsteadily navigates his new home in Ukraine, working as a Red Cross volunteer and helping those affected by the military conflict. Despite the rewarding work, his feelings of displacement are only exacerbated by visits to his extended family, until an untimely death sets him on a journey back to his unstable homeland. The cyclical nature of war permeates this emotionally arresting film, with Andriy acting as our resilient guide. And while the elliptical storytelling brings into focus the recurrent fighting that upends families, director Gorlova gives us moments of joy and connection that offer hope for peaceful days ahead. (AC)

THE TWO FACES OF A BAMILÉKÉ WOMAN

A: SATURDAY, MAY 8 / 7:30PM / BIG RAGTAG

Dir. Rosine Mbakam; 2018; 76 min. Live remote Q&A Rarely has a filmmaker burst onto the international scene with a debut feature as assured and self-aware as this. Seven years after leaving her native Cameroon to study film in Belgium, Mbakam returns, accompanied by her young son. Meeting up with her mother in Tonga, her birth village, she is surrounded by the women who raised her, immersed in their daily tasks and inundated with stories of their lives—from arranged marriages gone awry to bitter conflict with the French colonizers. Mbakam neither looks down on nor idealizes the women we meet; instead, her level gaze helps us imagine a new model of collaborative nonfiction, a reordering of the power dynamic between filmmaker and subject. Mbakam’s eye for detail never blinks—even as she questions her own role in the community and the advantages (and disadvantages) of her new home in Europe. (DW) 23

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FILMS 17

USERS

A: FRIDAY, MAY 7 / 8:30PM / THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN // B: SUNDAY, MAY 9 / 8:30PM / TWELVE POINT

Dir. Natalia Almada; 2021; 81 min. Live remote Q&A Is technological progress inevitable? Does it isolate us or bring us together? Familiar questions, maybe, but the asking has never felt as perceptive, nor as breathtakingly well-composed, as in this new film from the brilliant Almada. Twisting the form of the essay doc like a pretzel, Almada finds the human core amidst the clutter of technology. Her children act as the jumping-off point for this far-ranging exploration of whether tech is an expression of our humanity or, perhaps, the harbinger of its destruction. But Almada is no Luddite—rather, her patient ruminations return answers that, fractal-like, evoke new questions and fresh journeys. It’s best not to come to this film seeking solutions—the voyage itself might be all you need. (DW) Preceded by “.srt” (Dir. Africanus Okokon; 9 min.).

SHORTS BEFORE FEATURES .SRT Dir. Africanus Okokon; 2020; 9 min. A staggering 16mm performance film that confronts the far-ranging effects of colonialism. (Plays with Users)

CLUB QUARANTINE Dir. Aurora Brachman; 2020; 7 min. Finding community and connection amidst the pandemic by way of a queer Zoom dance party. (Plays with Inside the Red Brick Wall)

FIRE SEASON Dir. Quinn Else; 2020; 7 min. Technology filters our relationship to climate change in subtle and dangerous ways. (Plays with From The Wild Sea)

FILMS

SHORTS PROGRAMS 18

CICADA 69

A: SATURDAY, MAY 8 / 10:45PM / SAPLING

In these four ethereal shorts, bodies move in spaces both simulated and real, emerging from the darkness, manipulated by unseen forces. In "O arrais do mar" (dir. Elisa Celda, 18 min.) we witness a traditional form of nighttime fishing as hookups happen along the shore. "Homage to the Work of Philip Henry Gosse" (dir. Pablo Weber, 22 min.) sends our fascination with historical artifacts spiralling into some truly unexpected locales. We navigate military training and post-traumatic stress through video game development in "My Own Landscapes" (dir. Antoine Chapon, 18 min.), and, finally, experience the joyful chaos of Carnival in Galicia just days before pandemic lockdown in "The Bodies" (dir. Eloy Domínguez Serén, 11 min.). (AC)

COYOTE 77

A: WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 / 8:20PM / SAPLING

Live in-person Q&A with dirs. Travis Wood, Chloe Gbai, & Dan Schneidkraut The eponymous trickster watches over these sly experiments in modern meaning and visionary expression. "Department of Injustice" (dirs. Travis Wood & Chloe Gbai, 6 min.), asks: What might a phone service for police accountability sound like? A Portuguese town employs both spiritual and practical methods as it weathers cyclical natural disasters in "Spirits and Rocks: An Azorean Myth" (dir. Aylin Gökmen, 14 min.). In "VO" (dir. Nicolas Gourault, 17 min.) we consider the human element of self-driving cars. "Maat Means Land" (dir. Fox Maxy, 30 min.) invites us into a refreshingly fearless collage-like juxtaposition of the digital and physical worlds. Meanwhile, in Nebraska, "The Truth About Hastings" (dir. Dan Schneidkraut, 10 min.) follows Marjorie’s 93rd birthday descent into darkness. (DW) 27

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FILMS 20

STAG 67

A: SATURDAY, MAY 8 / 8:20PM / SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

Live in-person Q&A with dir. Jack Dunphy Masculinity, in all its fragility, is held up to the light. "Brontosaurus" (dir. Jack Dunphy, 8 min.) allows the filmmaker to reflect upon an abandoned love affair and his miscalculation of emotions. The volatile history of lobbyist and NRA leader Harlon Carter finds daylight through meticulously researched archival material in "The Rifleman" (Sierra Pettengill, 18 min.). "Why Don't You Eat More?" (dirs. George Du & Sinclair Neff, 4 min.) shares a vulnerabile self-portrait of body image and distorted eating. A military school in Russia recruits young boys from dysfunctional families in "The Golden Buttons" (dir. Alex Evstigneev, 20 min.). In "Das Spiel" (dir. Roman Hodel, 17 min.), a soccer referee must keep a level head lest the crowd erupt into violence. (DW)

STURGEON 73

A: WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 / 10:30PM / SAPLING

Live in-person Q&A with dir. Zac Manuel Meditations on place, identity, and ritual connect these six short films. A Seminole Tribe in the Everglades carries a collective memory of alligator wrestling in "Halpate" (dirs. Adam Piron & Adam Khalil, 14 min.). Superstition surrounds the production of a film in Thailand in "Lemongrass Girl" (dir. Pom Bunsermvicha, 17 min.). In "The Cut" (dir. Zac Manuel, 7 min.), the traditions of a Black barbershop in New Orleans transform during the pandemic. "The Flooded House" (dir. Lucía Malandro, 14 min.) shares decaying footage of a past life in Uruguay while piecing together family trauma. Taxi drivers in both Hong Kong and mainland China discuss the 2019 protests in "Red Taxi" (dir. Anonymous, 14 min.). "The I and S of Lives" (dir. Kevin Jerome Everson, 7 min.) presents a black man on roller skates gliding peacefully around Black Lives Matter Plaza. (DW) 29

FILMS

NEITHER/NOR 2021 PROGRAM: 90 DAY FIANCÉ AND AMERICA'S CURRENT REALITY

In a year of moving our lives onto screens, the Neither/Nor program virtually migrates in its eighth edition to explore the world of reality television. For as wide a swath of the nonfiction landscape as reality television occupies, it is woefully underexplored critically. We’ve known for years that it would be fertile ground for a Neither/Nor retrospective but also that it required a critic who could tackle the complexities of the genre with a healthy balance of rigor and playfulness. Ashley Ray-Harris, host of the weekly TV-specific podcast TV, I Say, is a prolific TV writer and culture critic, and her extensive coverage of reality TV has made her one of our favorite online personalities. For this year’s Neither/Nor, Ray-Harris will look at the myriad ways in which reality TV engages audiences—from cutthroat competition shows like America’s Next Top Model to real-life dramas like Teen Mom. Focusing on the iterations of 90 Day Fiancé, Ray-Harris reflects on the evolution of the reality TV landscape, pointing to how politics and culture shape the form—and vice versa. In lieu of traditional film screenings, selected episodes of 90 Day Fiancé will be available to stream online. Additionally, this year’s monograph will be interactive, including links to clips, interviews, and podcast episodes that expand upon Ray-Harris’ writing. All Neither/Nor screenings, along with this year’s monograph, will be made available at truefalse.org/neither-nor. The Neither/Nor program is made possible with a FilmWatch grant provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. To read about past Neither/Nor programs, visit truefalse.org/neither-nor.

PRESENTED BY

FILMS

“This isn’t actually reality; this is the reality of our fantasies.” Ashley Ray-Harris 31

WELCOME TO

COLUMBIA PROUD HOME OF THE TRUE/FALSE FILM FEST In the early spring, Columbia bursts to life with a weekend full of non-fiction films, music showcases, captivating Q&A sessions, thought-provoking art and even a parade! True/False not only celebrates the most groundbreaking documentary films, it also showcases all of the amazing things Columbia has to offer. We like to think of Columbia as a cool neighborhood in a big city, with a young vibe, an active buzz and an engaged community. We’re also a friendly and welcoming community, with a thriving downtown and an abundance of cultural opportunities. We’re Columbia... What You Unexpect!

VisitColumbiaMO.com @VisitColumbiaMO

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music

LY R A

R i g h t a s c e n s i o n 1 8 h 1 4 m t o 1 9 h 2 8 m D e c l i n a t i o n 2 5 . 6 6 ° t o 4 7. 7 1 °

VEGA

R I NG N E B U LA

MUSIC MUSIC IS INTERWOVEN IN EVERYTHING WE DO; our long-standing tradition of live music at every screening is just the start, and remains a hallmark of our curatorial offerings. As the 2021 Fest came into focus, we knew we’d be bringing music even closer to the heart of our offerings, devoting a large part of our weekend to showcasing the sounds that make the festival festive. Blostered by a selection of farther-flung acts, this year’s program celebrates the talent of our region, spanning genres and pushing boundaries.

music

A. Savage

MUSICIANS A. SAVAGE Singer-songwriter A. Savage, best known as the co-frontman for New York indie rock band Parquet Courts, writes quieter, introspective love songs on his 2017 debut solo album, a departure from the angular, frenetic sound of his acclaimed post-rock outfit.

ANTHONY WILKERSON Local gem Wilkerson keeps the heartbreak in honky-tonk. With a full band of ramblers, Wilkerson delivers the warbling, energetic, and at times sorrowful songs that are the hallmark of the genre. Venmo: @AnthonyWilkerson

BLVCK SPVDE A true cornerstone of the national music community. We’re

fortunate to hold the talents of multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Blvck Spvde in such close proximity. Along with his robust ensemble, this St. Louis representative utilizes the language of neo-soul, future funk, and hip-hop to lead audiences to a place of resonance and healing.

CARA LOUISE BAND A compelling singer-songwriter with a

penchant for captivating crowds, Cara Louise combines the familiarity of classic country and folk rock to create a modern alternative style with an indie sheen.

THE COSMIC RIDERS The Cosmic Riders are an alt-country outfit laced with psychedelic sonics and powered by the steady vocal stylings of Tyle Toomsen, creating music that might be considered regressive by modern “country” standards. Venmo: @Tyle-Toomsen

MARTHA DANIELS

Hear What You’ve Been Missing

music DOS SANTOS One of the best traits a band can carry is restraint, despite housing multiple components. Chicago’s Dos Santos embodies that ideal. In the process of creating an inclusive space for fans across the spectrum of progressive music, this high-octane outfit serves as the climax to a collision of psychedelia, Latinx rock, and loose jazz notes.

THE HOOTEN HALLERS The Hooten Hallers are truly hometown

heroes. Starting in Columbia in 2007, the band is far from their days at epic open mic nights at The Blue Fugue as they now brings unmatched blend of gritty blues and raucous rock ’n’ roll to audiences across the world. Venmo: @Hooten-Hallers

J. ARTIZ Chicago-raised and Columbia-based, J. Artiz, perhaps best known as co-lead singer of Columbia’s Loose Loose, uses his sonorous vocals as a vessel for messages of peace and positivity. Venmo: @jartiz

JACK GRELLE An acclaimed country rocker from St. Louis, Jack Grelle

tells all Americans' stories while weaving elements of honky-tonk, bluegrass and rock ’n’ roll to create a distinctive but familiar sound. Venmo: @Jack-Grelle

JACOB LUEKE Utilizing his prowess on the acoustic guitar, Lueke paints

verdant portraits of a wide-open America, evoking visions of sweeping plains, rolling hills, and winding country roads. Venmo: @JacobLuecke

JAMES TILLMAN A lightning strike into the quiet storm tradition, Tillman

augments an unforgettable vocal ability with an effusive pen and timelessly slick production. We’re surely witness to a star’s ascent in this Brooklyn resident.

JOHN GALBRAITH TRIO Led by their versatile and prolific frontman John Galbraith, JG3 combines classic sounds from rock of all eras to craft catchy riffs that can drive, jangle, or work the angles in between, forming the perfect foundation for Galbraith’s full-hearted brand of storytelling. Venmo: @John-Galbraith-33

JORDAN HAMILTON Michigan-based cellist and vocalist Hamilton boasts a classical skill set and a contemporary palette, merging genres and making a sound that stands alone. Venmo: @Jordan-Hamilton-Music

Clockwise from left: J. Artiz, Yasmin Willams, Ohmme 37

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music JR. CLOONEY While the “math rock” label may intimidate some, the

geometric technique of Jr. Clooney’s music is merely the cosmetic layer of a sound that involves a deeply heartfelt, creative, and welcoming approach to performance and musicianship.

KAREN MEAT Iowa-based pop-rock duo Karen Meat brings a rare

theatrical component to their live performance, accentuating the youthful moodiness inherent to their sound. Bright vocals, punchy guitar solos, and 80's-inspired beats culminate in anthems of defiant delight. Venmo: @arineatn

KYREN PENROSE A young giant, formerly known as The Adaptation,

Penrose writes songs that seem to come from a slightly older soul, new notes that seem nostalgic, and hooks that could have found a home on 90's alt-rock radio. Venmo: @Kyren_Penrose

LAKE MARY Columbia-based but nationally acclaimed guitarist Lake Mary makes music that can reside as comfortably at the forefront of the avantgarde as it can in a backyard in the Midwest on a mid/summer day.

LIAM KAZAR In writing and arrangement, Kazar's soulful voice seems to

emerge at the right moments, falling tastefully into the spaces between the instruments whether he's lightly strumming a traditional-sounding folk tune or driving forward with a funked-up dance number.

NAPPY NINA From the Bay to the BK, Nappy Nina, along with partner-inrhyme Stas Thee Boss, melds fluent swag with hard-nosed lyricism to firmly establish herself amongst a rising crop of underground MCs.

NOAH EARLE Midwestern treasure Earle charms audiences with sincere songs that reflect the man himself—farmer, family man, troubadour. Complex yet essential, Earle’s music satiates and delights listeners who crave earnest, substantial work.

OHMME Chicago-based Ohmme left their mark on the hearts of T/F music

lovers years ago—this year, we get to have them back for a return performance of their dueling electric guitars and acrobatic vocal harmonies. Venmo: @ohmme

THE OTHER YEARS The Other Years, an aptly-named folk duo from

Louisville, pair their arresting vocals with expert musicianship to make music as timeless as it is anachronistic. Their haunting harmonies highlight their stunning arrangements.

SHY BOYS The Kansas City-based and Polyvinyl-signed indie rockers

Shy Boys showcase intricate harmonies within catchy hooks with a playful earnestness befitting of their moniker.

YASMIN WILLIAMS Ms. Williams has supplied a youthful tinge to the

practice of fingerstyle guitar, merging her virtuosic ability with accessible pop undertones to coax in an expansive fanbase. Venmo: @YasminWIlliamsMusic

ZAP TURA Don't expect this project of Andrew Jones to fall neatly into

any category. After wading through some psychedelic weirdness, you'll find yourself afloat on poppy goodness and melodies that won't let you go. Venmo: @andrewjonesandrewjones 39

music

CONCERTS

@TF_MUSIC

It’s a long-held tradition to “pass the hat” during pre-film busker sets; this year, like so many things, our “hats” will look a little different. At each venue, staff will carry large signs with our @TF_Music Venmo QR code; to tip your buskers, sign up for a Venmo account and simply point your smartphone’s camera at the QR code, enter the amount you’d like to tip, and write which venue you’re at in the memo. For convenience, we’ve also included the QR code to the left. As always, tip early and tip often!

Venue Doors open 1 hour before start time.

22 BUSKERS FIRST STAND

Saturday, May 8 / 11am-1pm / Stephens Lake Park Kick off the weekend’s musical activities with an exploration of beautiful Stephens Lake Park as your favorite buskers are hidden about the grounds in this festive, sonic scavenger hunt!

23 A. SAVAGE & KAREN MEAT

Saturday, May 8 / Noon-2pm / Showtime Documentary Films Amphitheater New York-based singer-songwriter and lead singer of Parquet Courts, A. Savage joins quirky Iowa duo Karen Meat to kick off the concerts. Savage’s more intimate solo project is a departure for the post-punk frontman, while Fest favorites Karen Meat bring their familiar blend of indie pop.

24 JACK GRELLE & ANTHONY WILKERSON

Saturday, May 8 / 12:30pm-2:30pm / Twelve Point A showcase of the region’s best country acts, as the now-nationallyrenowned Jack Grelle joins the up-and-coming Anthony Wilkerson to open up the Twelve Point stage.

25 COSMIC RIDERS & JACOB LUEKE

Saturday, May 8 / 1:30pm-3:30pm / CoMo Square Mid-Missouri's hidden gems are unearthed in CoMo Square as Columbia’s own Cosmic Riders join Jefferson City’s Jacob Lueke in this rootsy showcase. Lueke’s deft Americana guitar stylings are the perfect complement to the understated country sounds of The Cosmic Riders.

26 NAPPY NINA & JORDAN HAMILTON & JAMES TILLMAN

Saturday, May 8 / 3:30pm-6pm / Showtime Documentary Films Amphitheater The Amphitheater comes into bloom under the combined influence of sublime melody, lyrical exercise and exquisite instrumentation in this unique showcase. Underground hip-hop heavyweights Nappy Nina and Stas Thee Boss take command of the T/F stage, flanked by the sonic alchemy of Jordan Hamilton and the aching sentiment of James Tillman.

WE LOOK OUR BEST

WHEN WE REFLECT

OUR COMMUNITY.

music

27 SHY BOYS & LIAM KAZAR

Saturday, May 8 / 4:30pm-6:30pm / Twelve Point Kansas Citians Shy Boys and Liam Kazar make their way east down I-70 for a concert filled with intricate harmonies, catchy melodies and carefully crafted indie rock.

28 SANCTUARY SHOWCASE

Sunday, May 9 / 11am-Noon / Stephens Lake Island Shelter The beloved Sanctuary Showcase returns, this time quite literally in the middle of Stephens Lake, as guitarist Lake Mary and banjoist Ben Bentele bring their cinematic brand of experimental folk to soundtrack Sunday morning.

29 YASMIN WILLIAMS & THE OTHER YEARS

Sunday, May 9 / Noon-2pm / Twelve Point This irresistible bill showcases the skill of guitar phenom Yasmin Williams and her distinctive fingerpicking style alongside Louisville folk duo The Other Years and their otherworldly talents, arresting timbre, and adept instrumentation.

30 OHMME & JR. CLOONEY

Sunday, May 9 / 1pm-3 pm / Showtime Documentary Films Amphitheater Don’t call it a comeback: The Chicago rock technicians of Ohmme have been here for years. We’re proud to welcome the acclaimed outfit back into the T/F fold, supported here by the post-genre prowess of St. Louis squad Jr. Clooney.

31 J. ARTIZ & KYREN PENROSE

Sunday, May 9 / 2:30pm-4:40pm / CoMo Square J. Artiz of Loose Loose and Kyren Penrose of The Adaptation, two of Columbia’s most familiar frontmen, step out on their own for a lively rock ’n’ soul showcase in the heart of CoMo Square.

32 THE HOOTEN HALLERS & CARA LOUISE BAND

Sunday, May 9 / 4pm-6pm / Twelve Point The rowdy and raucous rockabilly of The Hooten Hallers is balanced out by the careful crooning of St. Louis’ Cara Louise Band in a fire-and-sice bill that features two markedly different approaches to blues-based country.

33 DOS SANTOS & BLVCK SPVDE

Sunday, May 9 / 4:30pm-6:30pm / Showtime Documentary Films Amphitheater Latinx pioneers Dos Santos and St. Louis hip-hop impresario Blvck Spvde bring the musical offerings of 2021 to a close with an exclamatory display of regional might. Neo-soul, psychedelia, cumbia, and jazz engage in the finale of an unforgettable year.

E N O O B e h T E L D W DA

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14, 2021

Join Ragtag Film Society for a leisurely late-summer bike ride down the Katy Trail from downtown Columbia to the Blufftop Bistro at Les Bourgeois in Rocheport. Along the way, enjoy trailside surprises, buskers, and local treats. The day culminates in a blufftop picnic, concert, and outdoor screening of a new film—all under the stars and overlooking the Missouri River.

PAV O

Ri ght ascensi o n 1 8 h 1 0. 4 m to 2 1 h 32 . 4 m

Declination −56° 35.4

t o − 74 ° 5 8 . 8

art & design

ART & DESIGN WHAT BEGAN 18 YEARS AGO as a visual backdrop is now an integral part of every aspect of the Fest; art installations form one of the key pillars of our creative program. This year, art has blanketed our venues in the cozy embrace of work inspired by our theme: The Nature of Uncertainty. You’ll find the venue artists exploring plant life on a micro-and macroscale, along with human links to the natural world through language and built structures. But the art doesn’t stop there: throughout the undulations of Stephens Lake Park, you will encounter life forms and creatures both familiar and strange— in water, on land, and in the air. We encourage you to keep navigating the unknown; you never know what might be just ahead. 45

art & design

THIS YEAR'S THEME

THE NATURE OF UNCERTAINTY Our 2021 theme, THE NATURE OF UNCERTAINTY, contains a number of seeming dichotomies—risk/reward, nature/technology, order/chaos. We took up the challenge to see past the binary and explore the unstable middle ground. We have a proud history of working with brilliant designers and poster artists; this year it felt particularly important to engage with artistic voices that have not been represented in our past editions. We were thrilled to find Mazatl, an artist whose body of work embodies elements of nature and uncertainty. His art is not just about the environment: his soulful takes on ecology brim with sly wit and breathtaking craftsmanship. For our first (only?) outdoor fest, we can’t imagine an artist better-suited. ARTIST STATEMENT Huehuecoyotl and the 5 Elements is an invitation to celebrate life in these trying times of uncertainty, coming together as a community through creativity and art. It’s also a reminder that no matter how hard and chaotic things may be, we always have the elements to ground us, help us find our creativity, learn to adapt, be expansive, and think freely in order to feel our connection to one another and everything that surrounds us. Each of the elements is represented by the characters below the coyote’s head, which represents Huehuecoyotl. Huehuecoyotl is the trickster, patron of the arts, storytelling, music, dance, and celebration: very much what it seems to me True/False embodies. ARTIST BIO Mazatl is an artist based in Chiapas, Mexico. His work uses the public space to communicate ideas and emotions and creates conversations toward collective healing and liberation. He dedicates a large part of his work toward collaborating with other artists and movements that seek social, political, and environmental justice. He is a member of the Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative and Animal Power Crew.

art & design

BUMPERS

For a year in which everything felt new and worthy of re-imagining, it seemed appropriate to take a different tack with our pre-film bumpers. Reaching out to our now-vast cohort of True/False directors, we asked them to send us short reflections on the idea of uncertainty. Not only did they respond, but, befitting the creative breadth of T/F films, they approached the concept from as wide a variety of perspectives as one could imagine. All the bumpers we received will live on our website, but five will screen live each night of the Fest in the Park and at The Executive Drive-in throughout the Fest. They are: Charlie Shackleton (“Paint Drying,” Provocations 2017) revisits the British Board of Film Censors as it questions the appropriateness of an intimate meditation. Jack Dunphy, director of “Brontosaurus” (T/F 2021), reflects on his relationship with his grandfather. Yance Ford, director of Strong Island (T/F 2017), recounts an unforgettably uncertain downtown Columbia sidewalk moment. Catherine Bray (producer of “Fish Story,” T/F 2017) makes clever use of her phone’s search feature. Kim Hopkins (Voices of the Sea, T/F 2018) shares the indomitable spirit behind the oldest amateur filmmaking club in the U.K. And a huge thanks to our longtime friends at Chimaeric for helping to make this crop of bumpers Fest-ready. 49

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art & design

ART INSTALLATIONS SLED HILL (Map #02) Artist Jane Georges explores our theme through color experimentation and invisible movement in her piece POSSIBLE POSSIBILITIES. Individually hand-dyed flags—with the unpredictable wind moving each one—represent all the possibilities found in wavelengths and invite the viewer to sail the waves of color combinations, even those our minds create outside the spectrum.

TWELVE POINT (Map #03) Installation artist GeoVanna Gonzalez references architecture and design by reflecting on how the voids in the spaces we inhabit affect our everyday. The colorful symmetrical pattern sculptures of TWELVE POINT enliven the intrinsic landscape and simultaneously function as pod seating, inspiring expressive, nondirective play.

SHOWTIME DOCUMENTARY FILMS AMPHITHEATER (Map #04) HYPERFLORA, brought to us by the newly formed artist collective Velvet Sol (Stephen Abernathy, Haley Cook, Yara Jones, Paulina Santamaria, and Joshua Tsang), imagines an uncertain future with new, fantastical organic forms. These varied plants, scattered throughout the hill, encourage physical distancing and create a synthetic utopia. Crafted by our beloved Production crafters and seasoned with flame to commemorate our “lost” T/F weekend in early March of this year, THE FIRE SCULPTURE rises again for the May festival, with colorful fire performances.

SAPLING (Map #05) Walking into artist Kristina Rolander’s THE SAPLING verges on a transcendent experience. Her psychedelic style evokes a winsome, floral atmosphere that enhances the natural surroundings of Stephens Lake Park, remixing the trees with an alluring animated presence. FORREST TREES Over the course of 15 years, local artist Michael Marcum built a small forest for the Forrest Theater; this year, illuminated with support from Missouri Department of Conservation’s Trees Work and adorned with your floral wishes from Rites of Spring, Marcum’s trees will mingle with their living relatives under the sun, wind, and stars, leading festgoers to Sapling.

COMO SQUARE (Map #08) Artist Rebecca Sullinger’s distorted renditions of our tried-and-true downtown venues (Ragtag Cinema, The Blue Note, and Missouri Theatre) turn these familiar, beloved facades into bizarre funhouse re-imaginings; her optical illusion signage for CoMo Square is perfect for hashtagging.

THE DRAGON (Map #10) Springing from the earth between Sapling and Twelve Point, Willy Wilson’s DRAGON rises from its annual slumber with new scales and a piercing glance, invoking Fests past. 51

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art & design

Individuation by Euan McLeod

FLYING FISH (Map #11) Along the Stephens Lake Boardwalk, returning T/F artist Carrie Elliott’s FLYING FISH leap from the depths. These denizens of the lake have migrated here from Downtown and are caught midair, glowing with an otherworldly power.

INDIVIDUATION (Map #12) Coming to the Fest from the deep Playa in the Nevada desert, artist Euan McLeod brings us INDIVIDUATION. Find the orthogonal connections between your conscious and unconscious as you gaze into its reflective surface.

ROUTE SOLUTION (Map #13) Yes. No. Outlook uncertain. As the aluminum leaves flash their messages near CoMo Square, ROUTE SOLUTION, by Arkansas-based artist Maggy Rhein, offers you more answers than you expect. But do you know the question?

BIG FIELD (Map #14) Columbia’s favorite Rhode Island-based artist collective, Pneuhaus, is at it again, this time bringing us the playful, gigantic, inflatable STREET SEATS. The Seats multifunction as striking sculptural centerpieces and experiential furniture, enlivening and unifying a complex space.

DISCO GARDEN BALLOON SCULPTURE (Map #16) Climbing through the air, curling through space, and then lightly touching down on earth, DISCO GARDEN BALLOON SCULPTURE, by artist Destiny McKnight (a recent transplant to Columbia), literally buoys up the Disco Garden.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER Look up to the branches in trees throughout the park, and you’ll see a clutch of familiarlycolored avian visitors in local artist Becca Smith’s BIRDS OF A FEATHER. Bring your best bird-watching skills and see how many you can spot! 53

schedule

T/F VENUE WALKING TIMES All walking times are an approximation. Take into consideration your own pace! SHUTTLE STOP RIECHMANN / BOX OFFICE

SHUTTLE STOP 63

SLED HILL

TWELVE POINT

SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

SHUTTLE STOP RIECHMANN / BOX OFFICE

SHUTTLE STOP 63

SLED HILL

TWELVE POINT

Distance in minutes

SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

SAPLING

COMO SQUARE

BIG FIELD

COUNCIL CIRCLE

WEDNESDAY SLED HILL

TWELVE POINT

SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

06A

15A

SAPLING

6pm 7pm 8pm 14A

9pm 10pm

Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) 8:20 - 10:20pm

From the Wild Sea

8:30 - 9:55pm

This Rain Will Never Stop

19A Shorts: Coyote 77 8:20 - 9:37pm

8:40 - 10:23pm

21A

11pm

Shorts: Sturgeon 73 10:30 - 11:43pm

RFS CODE OF CONDUCT: Ragtag Film Society exists to captivate and engage communities in immersive arts experiences. We value inclusivity and encourage an atmosphere of festivity, free from hate, discrimination, and bigotry in all forms. HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: 1) Wash your hands. 2) Except when actively eating or drinking, masks that cover the nose and mouth must be worn throughout the park and within all Fest venues. 3) Stay 6 feet apart from people outside your household or quaranteam.

schedule

Distance in minutes

SAPLING

COMO SQUARE

BIG FIELD

COUNCIL CIRCLE

SHUTTLE STOP RIECHMANN / BOX OFFICE

SHUTTLE STOP 63

SLED HILL

TWELVE POINT

SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

SAPLING

COMO SQUARE

BIG FIELD

COUNCIL CIRCLE

THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN

BIG RAGTAG

WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG

OTHER

6pm 7pm

08A 05A

08B

9pm

Homeroom 7 - 8:30pm

8pm Faya Dayi

7:30 - 9:30pm

Homeroom 8:30 - 10pm

10pm 11pm

FILMS

EVENTS

CONCERTS

• Q&As (15–20 mins.) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RUNTIME • NB: Films will be played with open caption when available

schedule

THURSDAY SLED HILL

TWELVE POINT

07B

08C

SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

SAPLING

6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm 10pm

The Grocer’s Son, the Mayor, the Village and the World 8:30 - 10:20pm

Homeroom 8:30 - 10pm

02A

04A

Delphine’s Prayers

Dirty Feathers

SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

SAPLING

8:40 - 9:55pm

8:40 - 10:10pm

11pm

FRIDAY SLED HILL

TWELVE POINT

6pm 7pm 8pm 03B

9pm

All Light, Everywhere

8:30 - 10:16pm

10pm

09A Inside the Red Brick Wall 8:20 - 9:55pm

14B

10A

Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) 8:30 - 10:30pm

No Kings

8:30 - 9:55pm

11pm

schedule

THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN

BIG RAGTAG

WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG

OTHER

6pm

34 The Flick-nic

7pm Petit Samedi

The Grocer’s Son, the Mayor, the Village and the World 7 - 8:50pm

BIG RAGTAG

WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG

OTHER

03A

Campfire Stories

11A

8pm 12A

9pm

6 - 7:30pm

07A

7:30 - 8:45pm

Rock Bottom Riser 8:30 - 9:40pm

10pm 11pm

THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN

6pm 35A

7pm 07C

8pm 17A

9pm

Users

The Grocer’s Son, the Mayor, the Village and the World 7:30 - 9:20pm

6:45 - 7:45pm

All Light, Everywhere 7 - 8:46pm

8:30 - 10pm

10pm

11pm

10pm - Midnight

FILMS

@CTION

EVENTS

CONCERTS

• Q&As (15–20 mins.) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RUNTIME • NB: Films will be played with open caption when available

schedule

SATURDAY SLED HILL

TWELVE POINT

SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

SAPLING

11am 12pm

23 24

1pm

Jack Grelle Anthony Wilkerson

2pm

A. Savage Karen Meat 12 - 2pm

12:30 - 2:30pm

3pm 26

4pm 27

5pm

Shy Boys

Nappy Nina Jordan Hamilton James Tillman 3:30 - 6pm

Liam Kazar

4:30 - 6:30pm

6pm 7pm 8pm 13B

9pm

Songs that Flood the River 8:30 - 9:45pm

01A Sabaya

20A Shorts: Stag 67 8:20 - 9:27pm

8:30 - 10:03pm

12B Rock Bottom Riser 8:30 - 9:40pm

10pm 39

11pm

Gimme Truth! 10:30 - 11:45pm

18A Shorts: Cicada 69 10:45 - 11:54pm

schedule

THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN

BIG RAGTAG

WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG

11am

OTHER

Kickball 11 - 12pm

12pm

Buskers First Stand 11am 1pm

1pm 25

2pm

Cosmic Riders Jacob Lueke

3pm

1:30 - 3:30pm

4pm

5pm The Fête 4 - 7pm

6pm 35B

7pm

13A 16A

8pm 09B

9pm

The Two Faces of a Bamiléké Woman 7:30 - 8:46pm

Songs that Flood the River 7 - 8:15pm

Campfire Stories 6:45 - 7:45pm

Inside the Red Brick Wall 8:30 - 10:05pm

10pm 11pm

FILMS

EVENTS

CONCERTS

• Q&As (15–20 mins.) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RUNTIME • NB: Films will be played with open caption when available

schedule

SUNDAY SLED HILL

TWELVE POINT

SHOWTIME AMPHITHEATER

SAPLING

9am 40

10am

Waffles with Wilson 9:30 - 10:45am

11am 12pm

1pm

The Other Years

Yasmin Williams 30

Noon - 2pm

Ohmme

2pm

Jr. Clooney 1 - 3pm

3pm 4pm

32 The Hooten Hallers

5pm

Cara Louise Band 4 - 6pm

33 Dos Santos Blvck Spvde

4:30 - 6:30pm

6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm

01C

17B

Sabaya

Users

8:30 - 10:03pm

10pm 11pm

8:30 - 10pm

05B Faya Dayi

8:30 - 10:30pm

02B Delphine’s Prayers

8:40 - 10:10pm

schedule

THE EXECUTIVE DRIVE-IN

BIG RAGTAG

WILLY WILSON @ RAGTAG

OTHER

9am 10am 11am

28 Sanctuary Showcase 11am - Noon

12pm 1pm 2pm 31

3pm

J. Artiz Kyren Penrose 2:30 - 4:30pm

4pm 5pm 6pm

35C

7pm

01B 14C

8pm 11B

9pm

Petit Samedi

Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) 7:30 - 9:30pm

Campfire Stories 6:45 - 7:45pm

Sabaya

7 - 8:33pm

8:30 - 9:45pm

10pm 41

11pm

Buskers Last Stand 10:30 - 11:30pm

FILMS EVENTS CONCERTS • Q&As (15–20 mins.) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RUNTIME • NB: Films will be played with open caption when available 61

AQ UA R I U S

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events

EVENTS HOW DO YOU THROW A PARTY IN A PANDEMIC? First, discard every preconceived notion of what a “party” is; second, move it outdoors. Back in 2019, a few of us gathered together to develop what we call our “Unified Party Theory”—what we didn’t know at the time was that those conversations would help us prepare to pivot, and pivot, and pivot again in 2021. And here we are, at the intersection of distance and togetherness, glad to say that we’ve kept true to our deeply held party ideals for the events and activities in the following pages, bringing you a chiller vibe that’s still unmistakably True/ False: a picnic in a field, a podded-out dance party, an ACTUAL campfire, and, beyond the traditional “event,” evocative online discussions, ghostly stories at the drive-in, and tools for calming the body and mind. 63

events

Campfire Stories

TICKETED FEST EVENTS 34 THE FLICK-NIC Thursday, May 6 / 6pm-7:30pm / Big Field With this year’s bucolic environs, we couldn’t not do a picnic. The Flicknic is emblematic of a community that pools its resources for the greater good (and in this case, goodies). Enjoy a cornucopia of tastes from CoMo’s favorite purveyors, including Les Bourgeois, Schlafly, and Broadway Brewery. Sit back, nosh a bit, and bask in the tunes of our toe-tapping buskers. Ticket required; open to Lux and above.

35 CAMPFIRE STORIES Friday, May 7, Saturday, May 8, Sunday, May 9 / 6:45pm-7:45pm / Council Circle For three of the five Fest evenings, we'll gather to listen to filmmakers, artists, musicians, and storytellers swap tales of uncertainty. Each night will feature a unique lineup of tale-spinners, hosted by local bard Noah Earle. Ticket required for each event.

36 @CTION Friday, May 7 / 10pm-Midnight / Big Field With a more chill vibe, this year’s distanced @CTION should inspire elaborate masking, nonverbal noisemaking, and cross-pod dance-offs. So grab your pod pals and move it, move it to the radiant vibes and eclectic beats of our DJs. Ticket required; open to Super/Silver Circle, Lux, and Parks & Rock passholders.

events

2020 Gimme Truth!

37 KICKBALL Saturday, May 8 / 11am-Noon / Big Field Docs + springtime + sports = an inaugural celebrity kickball game of True vs. False. It’s sure to bring out the competitiveness in our surprise T/F-famous players, but it’s all in good fun. Are you rooting for Team True, or Team False? Ticket required for capacity: tickets are free. Presented by XTR

38 THE FÊTE Saturday, May 8 / 4pm-7pm / Disco Garden The Fête is our banquet to honor visiting artists, nestled in the oasis of the Hindman Discovery Garden and featuring sweet and savory culinary creations from Fresh Ideas. Enjoy wine and bubbly courtesy of Les Bourgeois Vineyards, beer from Broadway Brewery and Schlafly, and handbrewed coffee from Shortwave as you enjoy the views. Open to Super/Silver Circle passholders. Presented by Simmons Bank and Fresh Ideas

39 GIMME TRUTH! Saturday, May 8 / 10:30pm-11:45pm / Showtime Documentary Films Amphitheater America's most raucous documentary game show offers local filmmakers the chance to try and fool seasoned doc directors by presenting their totally true or totally false two-minute movies. Hosted by the illustrious Brian Babylon, a Chicago-born comic who’s a frequent guest on the news quiz show “Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me!” Tech support provided by Vidwest and CAT TV. Ticket required. Presented by Showtime Documentary Films

www.freshfooddesign.com | 573-445-4321 x217

Immersive Culinary & Event Experiences

We’re ready to craft a remarkable catering and event experience for you and your guests. Fresh Food Design offers culinary ingenuity with menus designed for every occasion. Our passionate chefs thrive on creating meaningful connections through flavors that surpass expectations and delight each guest.

events

40 WAFFLES WITH WILSON Sunday, May 9 / 9:30am-10:45am / Showtime Documentary Films Amphitheater Little-known fact: David Wilson loves making waffles. We decided to test just how much—he’ll be slinging waffles for 150 audience members while simultaneously bantering with a few special guests. This sure-to-be-legendary (and possibly singular to 2021) morning-talk-show-slash-breakfastspectacular features surprise guests. Assistance provided by Columbia Area Career Center. Ticket required. Presented by Documentary+

41 BUSKERS LAST STAND Sunday, May 9 / 10:30pm-11:30pm / Big Field With a tear and a beer (courtesy of Schlafly and Broadway Brewery), the festival ends as the last note is strummed, drummed, and yodeled. Join True/False's own second line under the stars at the Big Field, as we throw an instant wake for T/F 2021 following the Q&A after Users. Ticket required. 69

events

SO EXTRA MASSAGE Friday, May 7 / 3pm-7pm / CoMo Square Saturday & Sunday / 11am-7pm / CoMo Square Moon Valley Massage will be waiting with open arms (and hands) in CoMo Square to soothe muscles, improve circulation, and restore calm. Fee based on duration; walk-ups welcome.

MISSOURI ON MIC Saturday, May 8 & Sunday, May 9 / Noon-6pm / Stephens Lake Park Island A traveling audio storytelling booth that kicks off its journey around Missouri at this year’s Fest! Participants will get the opportunity to record brief stories about their experiences as Missouri citizens. In partnership with KBIA and the State Historical Society of Missouri, the stories collected will be archived at the State Historical Society of Missouri, and a selection will play before films at Ragtag Cinema this fall. Free and open to the public.

SOUND BATH Saturday, May 8 & Sunday, May 9 / 2pm / Council Circle Transcendental musician Joseph Edwards will offer vibrational ascension in the round. Free and open to the public.

SPECTRAL TRANSMISSIONS: Hosted by Mike Palmieri and Donal Mosher May 5—May 9 / 8pm / The Executive Drive-In A filmmaker-centric radio show, interwoven with original music and clips from radio, TV, and cinema that deal with the idea of the haunted story, the intimacy of the voice, and general “ghostliness” in media. Presented in the style of a 1930s/1940s radio series that includes folk tales, memories, and personal accounts of hauntings, from the supernatural to the political. Coming through your car radio speakers each night for those attending at The Executive Drive-In.

YOGA Saturday, May 8 / 11am and 6pm / Splash Grounds Sunday, May 9 / Noon and 6pm / Splash Grounds Yoga Sol will hold community yoga sessions by the water’s edge, accompanied by the soothing sounds of live music. Please bring your own mat and a $10 donation. Open to the public.

YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS: Hosted by Karina Longworth Ep. 1 available May 4 wherever you get your podcasts Ep. 2 sneak peek see truefalse.org/events Writer, film historian, and podcast host Karina Longworth shares the secret and forgotten history of 20th-century Hollywood in her award-winning podcast, You Must Remember This, and we’re getting a sonic sneak preview of her latest season, “Gossip Girls: Louella Parson and Hedda Hopper.” The duality of these women, who broke the glass ceiling but wielded their power to enforce their narrow-minded views, shapes this truly “behind-the-scenes” look at early gossip journalism. 71

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T R I A N G U L U M C O N S T E L L AT I O N

M OT H A L LA

LEARN

AT THE HEART OF TRUE/FALSE is the spirit of critical inquiry, applied through a framework of media literacy, and the encouragement to create and consume media that plays with the traditionally defined boundaries of nonfiction. Reimagining our education programs and community relationships this year has illuminated how vital it is to connect our program participants with stories that draw us closer to the human experience, whether we are near or far. While at times we’ve all felt mired in uncertainty, one thing has remained consistent: our excitement to create new ways of learning with and from each other. Regardless of where you are on your journey with nonfiction film, whether you are engaging with it for the first time or have been making your own films for years, there is a place in the T/F ecosystem for you. 73

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE TRUE/FALSE FILM FEST

YOUR SOURCE FOR

LOCAL WEATHER

PERSONALIZED TO

YOUR LOCATION

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO DOWNLOAD THE APP

SHOW ME CARDS DAVID A. JAMES 573-449-1630 djshowme@aol.com WWW.ShowMeCards.Net

learn Learn

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS & EDUCATION RFS COMMUNITY PARTNERS Ragtag Film Society’s learner-centered approach to community partnerships and education honors the roles that people of all ages play as both teachers and learners, deliberately blurring notions of expertise. As we begin to emerge from the challenges of the past year, we do so with excitement and in partnership with our community, knowing the best way forward is together. In that spirit, we have joined forces with five local community organizations in a new, formalized Community Partnership program. The inaugural group of partners is made up of the Asian Affairs Center at the University of Missouri, Boone County Community Against Violence, The Center Project, Four Directions at the University of Missouri, and ROCK the Community. This program’s primary collaborative project, the Show Me Series, will offer free monthly community screenings at Ragtag Cinema throughout the coming year. The Show Me Series is a nod to both our long-established proclivity as Missourians to approach new things with a hint of skepticism (until we see them for ourselves, of course), as well as a challenge to show our community all the possibilities shared experiences with film can hold, including the potential to serve as a catalyst for conversations that move our collective pendulum closer to equity, inclusion, and unity. Launching the series, Show Me True/False will honor our community partners and offer community members who have not attended T/F in the past the opportunity to get a taste of the Fest. We are excited to show our gratitude for the support of our community members and partners with this event. The Show Me True/False film is Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.

MAKING .WAVS Friday, May 7 / 11am-1pm / See truefalse.org for location Making .WAVs is a two-part DIY community workshop. Participants will work with musician and RFS CPE Manager Josh Runnels (J. Artiz) to write and record a song. During the songwriting process, participants will learn about basic music theory, lyric writing, song structure, and more. Ragtag Film Society is presenting this program in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

EDUCATION SCREENING Every year, we partner with Columbia Public Schools to host a screening for all CPS high school sophomores—almost 1,400 students. This year, the screening took place virtually, including a Q&A that centered student questions and connected them with the filmmakers. This year’s Education Screening was Daniel Lindsay and T.J. Martin’s Undefeated (T/F 2012). Supported by Columbia Public Schools.

FILMS

SHORTS

PODCASTS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2021 T/F FILMMAKERS!

Have a sports/athleticism story you want to tell? Bring it to us, we’d love to work with you!

13 S Ninth St . Columbia

573-442-0211

Proud Sponsor of True/False Film Fest FILMINKC.COM

learn Learn

TRUE/FALSE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM The True/False mentorship program was launched in 2007 as a way to help new nonfiction filmmakers navigate the sometimes treacherous terrain of the documentary film world. This year, meetings with seasoned industry professionals take a different approach, and firsttime filmmakers will get advice on being an artist and navigating the film industry during a pandemic.

2021 FILMMAKERS GERMÁN ADOLFO ARANGO, director, Songs that Flood the River JESSICA BESHIR, director, Faya Dayi CARLOS ALFONSO CARROL, director, Dirty Feathers ROBIN PETRE, director, From the Wild Sea

2021 MENTORS DANIELLE DIGIACOMO is an entrepreneurial, creative, and intelligent go-getter with a passion and commitment to developing, financing, packaging, producing, and distributing high-quality independent films and episodic content. KATHRYN EVERETT the head of film for XTR, is a filmmaker, political strategist, and activist whose mission is to uplift and empower disenfranchised communities through storytelling. DAVID LAUB is a distribution executive for film and television studio A24, where he works in all aspects of film distribution, including acquisitions, marketing, publicity, and exhibition. JOHN VON THADEN is the head of acquisitions for Magnolia Pictures, Magnet Releasing, Magnolia Home Entertainment, and Magnolia International. Since joining the company is 2011, John has negotiated deals for 100+ films, including T/F selections such as Collective:2020, Some Kind of Heaven:2020, Peter and the Farm:2016, and I Am Not Your Negro:2017. He graduated from Boston University and currently resides in Brooklyn.

learn

plus PRIDE

Accounting Plus is proud to support True/False. We’re proud of our community. And, above all, we’re proud of the local business owners we advise each and every day. We provide a range of powerful business solutions for proud business owners. Visit accountingplusinc.com or call us at 573-445-3805 to get started.

learn Learn

The 2020 Rough Cut Retreat

ROUGH CUT RETREAT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CATAPULT FILM FUND & THE CHICAGO MEDIA PROJECT

Launched in 2016, RCR unites nonfiction filmmakers and mentors in a creative, supportive, and engaged atmosphere. In 2020 that atmosphere expanded to Zoom, pushing us to rethink the what, how, and where of online retreats. “Whether in-person or virtual, building community is essential to the success of any documentary film,” —Catapult co-founder Lisa Kleiner Chanoff After months in an edit suite, filmmakers often lose perspective; this is a key moment for fresh eyes in a safe space—a focus group for filmmakers to diagnose what is and isn’t working with their film. When selecting projects, priority goes to work that displays an ambitious, idiosyncratic approach to nonfiction storytelling. Additionally, preference is given to emerging filmmakers and projects that are not already receiving significant institutional support. Chosen mentors are professionals who embody creativity and generosity of spirit. For more information, visit roughcutretreat.org.

THE 2020 INVITED PROJECTS included Bitterbrush (dir. Emelie

Mahdavian), The In Between (dir. Robie Flores), North By Current (dir. Angelo Madsen Minax), Razing Liberty Square (dir. Katja Esson), and Ascension (dir. Jessica Kingdon).

THE 2020 SELECTED MENTORS were Don Bernier (editor, Athlete A), Bonni Cohen (producer/director, Athlete A, Audrie & Daisy), Omar Mullick (director/cinematographer, These Birds Walk [T/F 2013]), Rahdi Taylor (producer, Time [T/F 2020]), and David Teague (editor, Cutie and the Boxer [T/F 2013]).

support

P E RS E US

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SUPPORT RAGTAG FILM SOCIETY had the incredible good fortune to be able to hold the 2020 festival as planned. Our Fest taking place when it did—and the time that our staff had afterward to pivot, pirouette, and otherwise adjust to a world of uncertainty in the wake of the coronavirus—was a not-so-insignificant part of our ability to survive this past difficult year. The other most vital component we’ve been lucky to count on is a profoundly dedicated audience that believes in our mission and our place in both the local community ecosystem and the greater arts world. Whether you are driven to champion filmmaker sustainability, give back to the subjects of a film, increase the reach of our educational and professional development programs, invest in the long-term health of T/F and Ragtag Cinema, or help with our overall operations, we thank you deeply and celebrate your goodwill. 81

support Support TRUE/FALSE RELIES ON THE GENEROSITY OF OUR DONORS and their enduring commitment. In addition to the designated fund donors listed below, Ragtag Film Society has been extremely fortunate to have generous support for making its everyday operations possible. Thank you to our 20th Birthday Fundraiser donors for sharing in celebration, our CoMo Famous contestants for their championship, and our CoMo Gives donors and matchers for closing out 2020 with a true spirit of giving. Special thanks to Nola Ruth, Stephen Lang, Jeremy Root & Amanda Hinnant, Stephen & Mari Ann Keithahn, Andrew McMaster & Jodi Lincoln, and Craig & Sandy Edlund.

PAY THE ARTISTS! THE PAY THE ARTISTS! (PTA!) initiative is part of a larger effort to

create a viable ecosystem for nonfiction filmmakers, who often lose money bringing their work into the world. Festivals increasingly act as a de facto substitute for movie houses, and crowdfunding and foundation grants are often not enough to support getting one’s film to the viewing public. The PTA! program exists as a partial remedy to this problem. Since 2014, PTA! donors have enabled T/F to award an honorarium to each visiting filmmaking team. The generous support of PTA! donors directly makes bringing films to festivals like ours a more sustainable venture for filmmakers. Funds for the PTA! program are provided through multiyear financial gifts of a minimum of $10,000 per year from patrons who care deeply about the future of nonfiction filmmaking. Half of the funds are used to support filmmakers and our other artistic programs, and half are used to support the programming activities of the festival.

2021 PAY THE ARTIST! DONORS Genuine Article Pictures Jolly Roberstein Fund Jonathan Murray Peter Kingma & Thom Lambert Public Square Films

support Support

THE LEGACY FUND In 2013, Bill Bondeson and Linda Butterfield Cupp established the Ragtag Film Society Legacy Fund in memory of Willy Wilson, local thespian, high school teacher, dragon designer—and David Wilson’s dad. The Legacy Fund exists to ensure the long-term health, vitality, and sustainability of Ragtag Cinema and the True/False Film Fest. This fund is designated for planned giving or for substantial recurring gifts to the organization. For information on including RFS in your will or other types of planned giving, please contact Stacie Pottinger.

RAGTAG FILM SOCIETY LEGACY FUND DONORS Dianna & Rodney Adkison

Aaron & Nikki Krawitz

Bill Bondeson & Linda Butterfield Cupp

Doris Littrell

Diane Booth & Jeanne Sebaugh

Amy McCombs

Ron & Judy Carter

Ann & David Mehr

D & BJ Family

Richard & Peggy Poe

Kathleen Ehrhardt

Michael & Susan Roberts

Barbara Fairman

Margie Sable & George Smith

Michael & Emy Friedman

Jerry & Judy Schermer

Bill & Barb Froke

Sally Silvers

Joanne Fulton

Tom Smith

Barry & Pam Gainor

Charles & Jan Swaney

Larry Ganong & Marilyn Coleman

Vicky Riback Wilson

Betsy Garrett

Harriet & Bill Yelon

Carol Hurt Donations may be made for organizationwide support or earmarked for a program of choice. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law, and general contributions will be shared equally to support the operations of our programs, unless designated to a particular fund or program. To find out more about how you can support True/False and Ragtag Cinema, please contact: STACIE POTTINGER Director of Development & Communications 573.819.7270 | stacie@truefalse.org

VO LANS

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thank you

THANK YOU TRUE/FALSE SIMPLY COULDN’T EXIST WITHOUT OUR PEOPLE. Without a whole lotta love and loyalty, the party wouldn’t have lasted as long as it has, or survived this past year of extremes. Here’s our attempt to thank all the folks who make it happen. Around 400 volunteers devote their precious time and energy, 16 board members donate their varied expertise, 60 members of the CORE team put their lives on hold, and the backbone of RFS, Ragtag Cinema, makes extra space for Fest shenanigans—all in order to transform our vision into reality. Local, regional, and national businesses and organizations lend their financial support, and our generous donors open their pocketbooks to keep the whole thing sustainable. 85

thank you

RAGTAG FILM SOCIETY True/False Film Fest and Ragtag Cinema are projects of the 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization Ragtag Film Society

RAGTAG FILM SOCIETY MANAGEMENT ARIN LIBERMAN: RFS Co-Custodian BARBIE BANKS: RFS Co-Custodian CAMELLIA COSGRAY: RFS Co-Custodian

TRAVIS BIRD: RFS Technical Director SAMANTHA BOISCLAIR: RFS Financial Director KELLY FAMULINER: RFS Director of Community Partnerships & Education CARLY LOVE: RFS Operations Director STACIE POTTINGER: RFS Development & Communications Director HOLLY SMITH-BERRY: RFS Sponsorship Director DAVID WILSON: RFS Interim Artistic Director BRANDON AIKENS: Cinema Operational Staff REBECCA ALLEN: Photo Team Coordinator MARK ALEXIOU: Booze Admiral & PassMaster LINDSEY ARRINGTON: Programming Coordinator & Chief Teleportation Technician DJ BURTON: Assistant Production Manager BRAD CARLSON: Audio Manager JACKIE CASTEEL: RFS Production Manager ANGELA CATALANO: Film Programmer JOHANNA COX: Events Manager NICKIE DAVIS: Assistant Merchandise Director JUSTIN DEAN: DCP Creation & Inspections Manager TONY DEMARCO: Assistant Lighting Director JENNIFER ERICKSON: Mentorship Coordinator RAE FITZGERALD: Music Coordinator FAITH FLEMMING: Cinema Operational Staff ALEX FOUNTAIN: Assistant Technical Director JEFF GABEL: Print Traffic Controller AMIR GEORGE: Film Programmer & Art Curation KATE GORMAN: Art Installations Coordinator SARAH HAAS: Presentation Manager GRADY HARRINGTON: RFS Membership Coordinator & Box Office Manager SARAH JUSTICE: Materials Coordinator MARTIN KAMAU: Music Director KORY KAUFMAN: Special Ops, COVID Compliance Coordinator CHRISTINA KELLEY: RFS Merchandise Director JAMIE KROLL: Construction & Production DANNY LAWRENCE: Lighting Director SERGIO LOBO-NAVIA: Virtual Cinema Manager LEEANNE LOWRY: Marketing & Communications Specialist ASHWINI MANTRALA: Music Coordinator 86

thank you MICHAEL MARCUM: Production Assistant CLINT MCMILLEN: Graphic Designer JOSH OXENHANDLER: Legal Counsel & Special Operations EYNAR PINEDA: Hospitality Coordinator STEPHEN QUACKENBUSH: Water Diviner CAMERON REEVES: Cinema Operational Staff WIL REEVES: Music Coordinator GLENN RICE: Production, Sign Czar, & Ticket Consultant KELSEY RIGHTNOWAR: Manager of Theater Operations TED ROGERS: Cinema Programmer STEVE RUFFIN: Senior Projectionist JOSH RUNNELS: RFS Community Partnerships & Education Manager MARIE SCHALLER: Special Ops EMMA SCHIERMEIER: Hazardous Materials TRISCHA SPLITTER: Volunteer Coordinator STACEY THOMPSON: RFS Sponsorship Coordinator EMMI WEINER: Sponsorship & CoMo Square Coordinator PATRICIA WEISENFELDER: RFS Development & Communications Manager ERICA WOODS: Community Partnerships & Education Assistant JAKE WORSHAM: Cinema Operational Staff

RAGTAG FILM SOCIETY 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT: Gary Oxenhandler VICE PRESIDENT: Carol Hurt SECRETARY: Betsy Garrett TREASURER: Michael Lefebvre PAST PRESIDENT: Shon Aguero BOARD MEMBERS: Cat Comley Adams, Brian Booton, Linda Butterfield Cupp, Meichele Foster, Sheri-Marie Harrison, Nikki Krawitz, Dan Lennon, Charlie Nilon, Jeremy Root, Ron Rottinghaus, Karen Touzeau, David Wilson

CONTRIBUTORS T/F would also like to thank the hundreds of individuals who have contributed their time and talents to the success of T/F 2021, including our vast army of Volunteers. Juggernauts, who generously contribute 40+ hours of their time, are noted with an asterisk (*). Ziggurats give 75+ hours of their time, and are noted with (†). Special thanks to our 2021 Volunteer Sponsor: Evans & Dixon.

CORE SUPPORT

GIMME TRUTH! COORDINATOR: Steve Giesecki SPONSORSHIP INTERN: Grace Wogomon† SPONSORSHIP RESEARCHER: Kevin McKiernan THEATER OPS INTERNS: Megan Altschul† & Sam Holland†

APW THANKS BUILD VOLUNTEERS: Richard Barber, Jane McElroy, Jonathan Asher, Hannah Satterwhite, Shannon Lauer, Christopher Gubbels; On the Level Carpentry & Remodeling: xoxo; Double M Metalworks; Sound Concepts; A1 Party & Event Rental; Boone County Lumber; Bright City Lights; and—as always—Michael Bacon

thank you ART INSTALLATIONS

A special thanks to Stephanie Smith and the Columbia Mall team. An extra-special thanks to Laura Haynes and the students of Hawthorne Elementary. To our talented Art Volunteers: Michel Barker*, Kelli Daugherty, Mike Denehy, Secily Devese*, Montiera Ferrell-Nelson, Kira Garvin, Mae Godwin, Alyssa Gutwein, Puja Halder, Maura Hanson*, Stephanie Hanson, Robin Holcomb, Frances Lakatos*, Mark Lehman*, Lynn Malley, Candace Massman, Danielle Perez*, Holley Pering*, Barbie Skinner, Esther Stroh, Yuzhi Zhu And to the Production team for making amazing things happen.

BOX OFFICE

TEAM BOX OFFICE: Paula Callis, Sam Roth; Sarah Berndt, Jordan Collins, Cortney Daniels*, Robyn Kaufman, Bridget Pegg, Cece Riley, Riley Steinbrecher, Evelyn Stone*, Heather Tearney*, Claire Wilkins, Reiss Wegman, Gloria Young, Alex Zurawik TECH SUPPORT: Jonathan Sessions & the Gravity crew; and Socket

CANARY SCREENING COMMITTEE

Stephanie Andreou, Luis Gutierrez Arias, Jeanelle Augustin, Nadia Awad, Molly Bagnall, Christianne Benedict, Raul Benitez, Burke Bindbeutel, Sarah-Tai Black, Tabs Breese, Rebecca Fons, Liz Fornango, Grace Harper, Dakota Hommes, Julia Kipnis, Nathan Kouri, Heather McIntosh, Zack Neuman, Reaa Puri, Kelsey Rightnowar, Ted Rogers, Mindy Stueckel, Ambriehl Turrentine, Devine Utley, Stacey Woelfel

COMMERCIAL TEAM

DRONE FOOTAGE: Paul Jackson EDITING: David Anderson and Chimaeric SPECIAL THANKS: Chelsea Myers and all the dedicated video documentation crews of T/Fs past.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION

VOLUNTEERS: Hannah Bilau*, Erin Davis, Carina Hawks*, Kelsey Kupferer, Janna Lancaster, Jason Russell, Lila Witte, Steve Woods RFS COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Asian Affairs Center at the University of Missouri, Boone County Community Against Violence,The Center Project, Four Directions at the University of Missouri, ROCK the Community EDUCATOR PARTNERS: Joy Bess, Michael Coleman, Greg Irwin, Kelsey Kupferer, Ann & David Mehr, Melissa Smith, Ellen Wilson, Stephen Witzig Our deepest gratitude to all the educators from the Columbia Area Career Center and Battle, Douglass, Hickman, and Rock Bridge High Schools. ADVISORY COUNCIL: Jimmie Briggs, Kath Connolly, Polina Malikin, Eddie Martinez, Christian Rozier, Kristen Schulte PODCAST: Maggie Doheny, Ryan Famuliner, Hannah France, Sebastiàn Martinez-Valdivia, Olivia Moses, Fernando Narro*, Isabella Paxton, Abigail Ruhman, Janet Saidi*

ERRAND RUNNERS

Jackie Bell*, Chloe Brewer, Megan Cates, Symone Hamilton, Maximilian Hessler, Tina Hissong, Zoe Rich, Robin Rotman, Mike Rowson*, Suzanne Stilwell*

thank you EVENT TEAM

EVENT COORDINATORS: Joelle Fronzaglio*, Samantha Jedlow*, Sabra Mitchell, Jennifer Roelands, Cindy Sheltmire EVENT VOLUNTEERS: Cameron Ellis, Joelle Fronzaglio, Alexze Hansen*, MaKayla Hart, Samantha Jedlow, Katie Jovanovic, Amelia McEntire, Tia Thurman, Lisa Wright, and the Culinary team at Columbia Area Career Center

GAIL SHEN MEMORIAL D’ATELIER T/F

POSTER DESIGN: Mazatl PROGRAM DESIGN TEAM: Michelle Marcum, Siena DeBolt PROGRAM COPY EDITOR: Pete Bland Travis Stephens, our printing press hero, and everyone at Modern Litho.

GIMME TRUTH!

TROPHY DESIGN: Michael Marcum & Johnny Naugahyde TECH SUPPORT: Vidwest & CAT-TV EVENT & VENUE SPONSOR: Showtime Documentary Films

LIBATIONS

TEAM BOOZE: Adam Boisclair; Rylee Duckworth, Chase Jamieson SPONSOR SHOUT OUTS TO: Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Broadway Brewery, and Schlafly Brewing

MERCH TEAM

MERCH MANAGERS: Brittany Utterback* & Becca Elder FEATURED ARTISTS: Wes Bonifay, Kirsteen Buchanan, Carrie Elliott, Andi Fink, Elsa Kelley-Marcum, Adrienne Luther, Abby Thompson, Lauren Zera. SEWISTS: Kim Hilden, Elsa Kelley-Marcum, Anna Lingo, Melody Nashan, Cassandra Rogers MERCH VOLUNTEERS: Ellie Carver-Horner, Josh Eagan, Lauren Hubbard, Hana Kellenberger, Lydia Merkerson*, John Petralia, Jen Reeves, Jordan Reeves, Ariel Robinson, Aubrey Thomnson-Goodman, Haley Valente SPECIAL THANKS to Clint McMillen for his amazing designs and Fast Yowi for making our merch dreams a reality.

MUSIC TEAM

Kyle Cook. Taylor Bacon and the squad at Hitt Records; Ron Rottinghaus & Uprise Bakery, Dubs, Sonny Singh & India’s House, and Chelsea Myers. A very special thanks to the annual efforts of Ryan Groom, Emily Edwards, Lily Moore, Noel Spiva & Claire Winegarner. Peace to the organizational support of Matt Crook & Dismal Niche, KCOU 88.1, and KOPN 89.5. VOLUNTEERS: Emma Boyle, Kelsey Christianson, Grace Engel, Reese Higgins*, Mark Lehman* Josh Margherita, Ellisa Morris, Molly Nash, Emma Powell

PASSES

Taylor and the entire staff at the CoMo FedEx Office for letting this PassMaster infiltrate your business when it’s pass making time. Wear them well, friends.

PHOTO TEAM

ASST. COORDINATOR/LEAD EDITOR: Megan Stilley EDITORS: Billie Stock, Sadie Thibodeaux PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jonathan Asher*, Shannon Beck, Maya Bell, Stephen Bybee*, Ethan Cannon, Amy Enderle, Frank Finley*, McKinleigh Lair, Billie Stock VOLUNTEER THANK YOU VIDEO PRODUCER: Karl Bussen* 89

thank you PRESENTATION

Margaret Waddell and team of “Secret Shoppers”

PRESS & MARKETING

Charlie Olsky, Cinetic Jo Duncan, The Beenders-Walker Group, Megan McConachie & Amy Schneider, Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau And cheers to Michael English and our social media sleuths for keeping their eyes peeled, ears to the ground, and cell phones charged all weekend long.

SETUP/BREAKDOWN

CREW CHIEFS: Fergus Moore, John Nichols*, Vernon White, Roger Meissen, Sarah Justice, Marley Magner, Matt Schacht, Martin Wills, Marley Magner, Virginia Trauth, Alaina Boyett, Evan Lindorff-Ellery SUBD VOLUNTEERS: Jeffrey Barrow, John Crane*, Michael Currier, Jake Edgar, Shannon Lauer, Mark Lehman*, Tyler Price, Ben Reid, Matt Schacht*, Zan Schumann, Lynnya Simmons, Barbie Skinner*, Virginia Trauth*, Brianna Vuagniaux*, Preston Williams*

SPECIAL OPS

Jacqueline Acton, Dylan Akins, Donna DeLong, Aaron Hodges, Dakota Hommes, Cory Johnson, Bill Kalinkos, Brad Kelley*, Chris Kendrick*, Rebecca Meisenbach, Robert Nix*, Jason Russell, Teresa Salsbury*, Anna Temple*, Darin Tuck*

SUSTAINABILITY GREEN TEAM

Michelle Burgess, Rachel Craig*, Lizzy Donnelly, Cate Enrooth, Veronica Fritz, Leila Gassmann, Caden Hanrahan, Desiree Holloway, Kateryna Kalugina, Austin Kimes, Beeler Lile, Amelia Littrell, Becca Newton, Avery Peach, Emmett Pottinger, Lydia Reed, Cameron Rowe, Aric Wilson*, Kate Yeager

TECH

VIDEO ENGINEERS: James Bond, Brian Hupke, Joaquin de la Puente, Bob Basinitch, Alex Fountain, Bri Merkel, Ryan Gardner Smith, Chris Bredenberg, SanChavis Torns, Maureen Wheeler, Zaida Souissi, Steve Ruffin, Justin Dean, Jeff Gabel, Sergio Lobo-Navia AUDIO TECHS: Eddy Bickford, Justin Craig, Justin Dennis, Phillip Evans*, Dan Hilse, Joy Kaplan*, Ryan Lupardus, Dylan Martin*, Olivia Moses, Babs Randazzo, Andreas Sherman, Parker Smith, Evan Spaulding*, Landon Swartz, Vincente Williams, Steve Woods TECHNICAL CONSULTANT: Chris Howe

TELEPORTED T/F

Catapult Film Fund, Impact Partners, Blake Bennett & BPKC, Christina Kelley, and the phenomenal Teleported Volunteers: Dawni Henry*, Peggy O’Connor*, Sabrina Weaver, Cindy Gergen, Stephanie* & Maura Hanson, Sam Christensen, Lara Dieckmann*, Katelyn Green*, and Emily Morrison & her shrimping crew!

THEATER OPS

Beni Adelstein, Silvia Aguila, Owen Bazigian, Josh Beck*, Catherine Bohnert, Linda Brown, Madeline Cook, Maddy Creach, Leela Cullity Younger, Lily Drage, Sean Duan*, Esther Ellis*, Maleah Gagliardi*, Jayme Gardner, Kaitlyn Garrison*, Kaitlin Gelina, Maddy Gomez*, Katie Greer, Emma Hardy, Danielle Hardy, Aubrey Hildebrand, Karen Hodges*, Amos Jaimes*, Morgan Keller, Jessica Kittle, Lynn Kreul, Sarah Kuhlmann, Mariana Labbate, Gabriella Langille, Jacob Lieberman, Tess Losacker, Mollie McGeehon, Kevin Meyer, Allyson Minor, Laura Mitchell, Jacob Ochoa, Gene Parton, Ean Rice, Ricki Richards, 90

thank you Breanna Schuett*, Caryn Scoville, Holly Sher*, Stavan Sheth, Amelia Soumokil, Anna Stewart*, Joe Strnad, Michaela Thomson, Allison Uhlenhop, Elizabeth Ustinov Braiden Wade, Sireen Zeb, Ana Zeb

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY

Thank you for keeping our ethos of gracious hospitality alive. CHAUFFEURS: George Appleman, Chuck Banks, Kathy Becker, Kate Dunlap, Katherine Feiner, Stephen Lang*, Scott Lincoln*, Samuel Luetkemeyer, Monica Pfeiffer, Beth Shepard, Amanda Sprochi, Jeanne Van Lengen-Taylor FILMMAKER LIAISONS: Sean Brynda, Britney Clark, Memphis Cutchlow, Nick Gustafson, Rylie Johnson*, Marlene Mannella, Casey Murray, Emily Reyland

VENUE CAPTAINS

Raven Birk*, Maggie Bradley*, Jeremy Howard*, Sara Nelson*, Tyler Paton*, Ben Stewart*, Ashleyn West*

ASSISTANT VENUE CAPTAINS

Natalie Booth*, Alex Childers*, JT Chipman*, Sean Duan*, Sara Haslag*, Dakota Hommes*, Bethany Komiski*, Stephanie Maitri* Lindsy Morrison* Risa Perkins*, Breanna Schuett*, Marissa Soumokil*, Angie Stuart Mathews*

STAGE MANAGERS

Liz Alexander*, Kevin Bowan*, Jasper Chivington*, Sam D’Agostino*, Amy Mous*, Brad Roby*, Tavair Tapp*, Morgan Williams*

QUEENS

KING OF QUEENS: Ron Ribiat† QUEEN OF QUEENS: Robin Morrison† QUEENS: Hannah Bilau*, Abbie Brown*, Al Cox Jr, Kelsey Forqueran*, Rochara Knight, Jack Kunkel, Savannah Light, Melissa MacGowan*, Carolyn Magnuson*, Emily Morrison*, Tawnya Rivers*, Chi Roberts, Jessica Travlos*, Brannen Vincent

VENUE STALWARTS

Mike Griggs, Cavelle Cole-Neal, Julie Ausmus, Amanda Wilmeth, Stephanie Hall

VOLUNTEER HQ

Ikhee Cho, Kim Dillon, Jordan Eilers*, Kat Erdel, Reyna Houston, Haley Huff, Jodie Lenser, Orevia Vongsa

EARLY ADOPTERS

Marie Nau Hunter, Richard King, Holly Roberson, Ron Rottinghaus, Lorah Steiner, Cindy Sheltmire, Paul Sturtz

LIFE, LOVE, AND MENTAL STABILITY

To my little and big hearts, Hanna B & David / To Beth, the RTF crew, and my Snarks for keeping me motivated, grounded, and safe. I love you. / To Marc, Harry, mummy, and my HHH fam … as well as the families and loved ones of all T/F Core.

THINGS WE CAN’T PREDICT:

Missouri weather Year-long pandemics Unexpected medical needs

We may not be able to control the weather or foresee a global pandemic, but we’ve got your unexpected medical needs covered with 24/7/365 access to on-demand care through video visits.

MUHEALTH.ORG/VIDEOVISITS

S E X TA N S

Right ascension 10h

Declination +80° and -90°

How to fest

HOW TO THERE ARE COUNTLESS FACETS to True/False in a typical year, and a typical year this sure isn’t. We’ve had to reimagine every part of how our fair festival operates, from a ticket(less) box office, to creating outdoor cinemas, to how to get people dancing while in physically distanced pods. But, like every year, the festival truly comes alive in the sharing of it, and over the next few pages we’ll review every nook and cranny. Give the how-to section a quick yet thorough read for an in-the-know experience.

How to fest

BOX OFFICE FAQ 573.442.TRUE (8783)

boxoffice@truefalse.org

1. WHEN IS THE BOX OFFICE OPEN? There are two Box Office locations at the Park: The primary location is south of Riechmann Pavilion [MAP #01] Wednesday, May 5—Friday, May 7: 4pm-9:30pm Saturday, May 8 & Sunday, May 9: 11am-9:30pm The satellite Box Office location is on the west side of the Park next to CoMo Square and will be open May 5-7, 4-8pm, May 8-9, 11am-9pm.

2. HOW IS TICKETING DIFFERENT IN 2021? If you have a

pass, your reserved tickets will be stored and accessed via the barcode on your pass. If you do not have a pass and buy individual tickets, you will have the option to print a paper ticket at home or bring a smart device with a scannable barcode that venue staff will scan at the door for admission. Prepurchased tickets can be picked up at the Park Box Office Tent during the Fest. A fee will be charged for lost/replacement passes, and when reported lost, tickets stored on a pass’s barcode will be deactivated.

3. HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS? Single tickets are $15; Gimme Truth! and Waffles With Wilson tickets are $20; Student tickets are $10 ONLY at the Park Box Office Tent in person, and ticket purchasers must present a valid student ID at time of purchase (student discount does not apply to the aforementioned special event tickets). Drive-in tickets are $40 per car.

4. WHAT DOES “NRT” MEAN? Why don’t you just say “sold out”? NRT stands for “no reserve tickets” and means the available tickets have been reserved by passholders or purchased. However, there is still a good chance you can get in at the door. Inevitably, some people who reserve tickets don’t show up, and many seats are available via the “Q”!

5. CAN I BUY TICKETS AT THE DOOR TO A VENUE? / HOW DOES THE “Q” WORK? Check online or at the Box Office

for available tickets. If tickets remain, they’ll be sold online or at the Box Office until 1 hour prior to start. After, admission is managed at the venue. If a film goes NRT, empty pods will be filled at the venue via the Q. Beginning 60 min. before a film, get a Q number from the venue Queen. 1 Q number = 1 pod. With your Q number in hand, leave the venue instead of waiting in line! 15 minutes prior to the start, come back, find your spot in the Q, and venue staff will release available pods. If there are 15 open pods, numbers 1-15 in the Q will get in, etc. If you return to the Q after your number is called, you’ll have to go to the back of the line. All members of a pod must be present at time of admission. Passholders receive free admission; nonpassholders pay at the time of admission. There is no Q at the Drive-in.

6. WHERE CAN I USE CASH? All events and venues allow cash for

admission or purchase. Credit cards are accepted at all venues and both Box Office locations. Tipping via Venmo for buskers will be available; please visit Page 41 for details.

How to fest 7. HOW DOES PARK SEATING WORK? When you arrive in the

Park, go to a Box Office location or the venue where your film/event takes place to pick up your pod assignment. A pod is a rectangular seating area with 6 feet of separation on each side for groups of up to 2, 3, or 4 people for films or concerts (Party Pods are 2, 4, and 8). Pod assignments come with an arrival window. Venues open one hour before the film or concert starts; the Queen will tell you when to load in and where to sit. (If you get your pod assignment early, you may be able to request adjacent seating with another group!) This seating plan helps limit unnecessary lines. In most park venues, for the sake of sightlines, the rear pods are chair sections and closer-to-thescreen pods are blankets/ground-seating sections.

8. CAN I BRING BLANKET(S) AND/OR CHAIR(S)? No chairs or blankets are provided for seating in venues, and patrons are encouraged to bring their own. Certain venues are too sloped for lawn chairs (Sled Hill and areas in The Amphitheater). Most venues have separate chair sections and blanket sections for the sake of sight lines. Blankets and a limited number of locally made chairs are for sale at our Merch stores.

9. WHAT ARE THE RULES ON BYO FOOD/DRINK? Food

and nonalcoholic beverages are available for purchase, and wine and beer are provided at some events. Bringing Your Own Picnic is also welcomed. The city allows alcohol to be brought into Stephens Lake Park. Alcohol cannot be consumed by minors. Do not bring glass containers.

10. ARE DOGS ALLOWED IN THE PARK? ARE PETS ALLOWED IN THE VENUES? Pets are not allowed inside fenced

festival venues. Dogs are allowed in Stephens Lake Park, but they must remain on a 4-foot leash and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet. This is not a leash-free park.

11. WHERE CAN I GET MERCHANDISE? There are Merch stores inside both Box Office Tents, open during the Box Office hours. True/False merch can be purchased through our website and at Makes Scents (25 S. Ninth St.) after the Fest.

12. CAN I RECORD A/V IN THE FILM AND MUSIC VENUES? Recording any audio or video in any manner and through any medium is strictly prohibited in all screening venues of True/False and Ragtag Film Society. Anyone found to be making any such recording shall be subject to removal from the venue, revocation of any pass allowing entrance to the Fest (without refund), confiscation of any equipment and storage media used in the recording, and criminal and/or civil prosecution.

13. CAN I GET A REFUND? Refunds will not be given for ticket

purchases at the Box Office. In the event of Fest cancellation, 50% of the pass price is nonrefundable. Buying a pass for 2021 is, in part, a commitment to supporting the survival of RFS!

14. CAN MY PASS BE REVOKED? Yes. Ragtag Film Society

reserves the right to revoke, without notice or refund, passes, credentials, and/or access to the True/False Film Fest and Ragtag Cinema. See the organizational code of conduct on Pages 54-59.

PRESENTED BY 95

How to fest

NAVIGATING T/F WALKING Hoofing it the old-fashioned way is definitely doable and will

be the best way to get around the park. The most far-flung stops in the park footprint—CoMo Square to Twelve Point—are about a 15-minute walk. For a breakdown of all venue walking times, reference Page 54.

BIKING Pedal power will

get you around quickly and easily while avoiding parking headaches and keeping the air cleaner. There are lots of trails that lead to the park, thanks to our friends at Parks and Rec. The exterior pathway of the park is open to bikes, while interior paths of the park are pedestrian-only. Walnut Street will be limited to local Walt’s Bike Shop providing free residents, permitted vehicles, and inspections and tuneups cyclists with proper front/rear lighting. Bikes with proper lighting will be permitted on Walnut at night. Bike parking is provided near shuttle stops and south of CoMo Square. Need a bike? Rent one at Walt’s Bike Shop (573.886.9258) or Pedego Columbia (573.355.3248). Walt’s Bike Shop will offer a free Bike Inspection & Tuneup station near the Old Highway 63 shuttle stop from noon–6pm, Saturday and Sunday. Pedego Columbia will have a booth in CoMo Square with info on electric bikes and cleaner transportation sustainability programs at PedNet, the MO Bike Federation, the City of Columbia, and MU.

RIDESHARE & TAXI Hail a rideshare or taxi throughout downtown or from the Old 63 parking lot at the Park. Call ahead to Taxi Terry’s (573.441.1414) or 5 Star Taxi (573.449.7827).

PARKING In general, there is no parking available directly at the Park.

There are several parking garages within walking distance of True/False shuttle stops downtown as well as ample on-street, metered parking throughout downtown (most meters have a two-hour limit). Meters are free before 9am, after 7pm, and all day on Sunday. Garages are your best bet for affordable, long-term parking and a great way to park once and walk to multiple destinations. The first hour you park in one is FREE! You can park in the garages as long as you need and anyone can park in permit spaces at night and on the weekends (permit spots are only held Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm).

SHUTTLE Shuttles will be running from downtown to the park

throughout the duration of the Fest, and parking is available in City garages. Shuttle pick-up and drop-off points downtown are Rose Music Hall, (1013 Park Ave.), N. Fifth St. & E. Walnut St. Parking Garage, Cherry & Eighth, and Ragtag Cinema (10 Hitt St.). Shuttle pick-up and drop-off points at the park are the Old 63 Parking Lot and Riechmann Pavilion. Shuttles will begin two hours before the first scheduled event and will complete one hour after the last event ends each day. 96

How to fest

ACCESSIBILITY We endeavor to ensure that the Fest is accessible to all, so along with the preceeding advice and services, we also work with the City and our venues to provide the following accommodations.

ACCESSIBLE PARKING At the Park, accessible parking spaces are

located near each venue and staff will permit you into the parking lot with an ADA hangtag.

SHUTTLES The Village of Bedford Walk is providing an accessible shuttle along the same route and during the same hours as our downtown-to-Park shuttles.

VENUE ACCESSIBILITY Of our venues, Ragtag Cinema is the most

accessible. At the park, all venues have pods available in flat places that are accessible by wheelchair. Golf cart shuttles sponsored by Rusk Rehabilitation Hospital are available on site for anyone needing mobility assistance to get around the Fest park footprint. Accessible permanent and temporary restrooms are available throughout the Park. Festival staff are happy to provide needed assistance, and venue management is specifically trained to provide exceptional assistance for persons with disabilities; please check in with venue staff when you arrive at the venue. Persons with disabilities may arrive at a venue and/or enter a venue early if needed, either to be seated (if you have a ticket) or to wait nearby if you are using the Q.

ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES + AUDIO DESCRIPTION

Park venues and Ragtag Cinema provide a limited number of assistive listening devices for audio amplification and audio description. To access listening devices, check in with venue staff when you arrive. Films with an available audio description are on our website. Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that not all films will have audio description.

CLOSED CAPTIONING + SUBTITLES Ragtag Cinema offers

CaptiView, a personal closed-captioning device. Personal closed-captioning devices are equipped with high-contrast displays and easy-to-read screens that attach to your seat. Films with available closed captioning are listed on our website. Please note that not all films will have closed captioning. See a Venue Captain for assistance to obtain and set up a device. Devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of the number of foreign-language films that we program each year, most of the festival films (10 out of 17) are subtitled. Please note that these films are subtitled, not close-captioned. These are also designated as such both in our program book and online. Noted by .

QUESTIONS? For more information about festival accessibility or to

request accommodations, please contact Operations Director Carly Love at carly@truefalse.org or call us at 573.442.8783.

How to fest

COMO SQUARE

CoMo Square encompasses two areas: a shopping village showcasing music, art, and retail goods and services from businesses and nonprofits; and a food & beverage zone featuring local snack shops and a fenced seating area. Hours: Fri, May 7, 4–8pm; Sat, May 8, noon–7pm; Sun, May 9, noon–7pm BOONE COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE Make your voice heard! Stop by for voter registration and education about upcoming elections and events. vote.boonemo.org • 801 E. Walnut St, Rm 236 • 573.886.4375 BOONE OLIVE OIL CO. Sample and enjoy a tasty selection of more than 45 extra virgin olive oils & vinegars. booneoliveoil.com • 20 S 9th St • 573.234.6829 BUBBLECUP TEA ZONE Boba tea shop offering a selection of hot and cold fruit teas, milk tea, brewed tea, slush & snow beverages. bubblecuptea.com • 23 S 9th Street • 1101 Grindstone Pkwy Suite 107 FRESH LEMONADE CO. Mobile lemonade freshly squeezed right in front of you for parties, events, festivals, and more. facebook. com/freshcomo • 573.673.1567 HEMP HEMP HOORAY Hemp boutique offers a multitude of CBD products, as well as clothing, jewelry, kitchen accessories, and all natural skin products. weluvhemp. com • 917 E Broadway • 573.355.1285 HUDSON HAWK BARBER & SHOP Beard oils, pomades, and shampoos from this revolutionary barber shop create an experience for men of all ages to receive quality haircuts and services. hudsonhawk.com • 30 S 9th St • 573.818.2301 LIZZI & ROCCO’S NATURAL PET MARKET Family-owned-and-operated pet store passionate about healthy options for animals, providing ethically sourced, quality products. lizziandroccos.com • 1610 I-70 Dr. SW • 550 E Green Meadows

MAKES SCENTS Featuring toiletry needs for festgoers, including insect repellent, aromatherapy inhalers, sunscreen, & lip balm. This custom fragrance shop has fragrance-free options and a large line of products. makesscentsonline.com • 25 S 9th St • 573.445.1611 MISSOURI FILM OFFICE + MOMMA Orgs advocating statewide to attract film to MO and working to strengthen MO’s production industry. mofilm.org • mommaonline. com • 301 West High Street, Suite 290, Jefferson City, MO 65101 • 573.526.3566 MISSOURI SOLAR APPLICATIONS Full service solar and energy efficiency company offering free site inspections. mosolarapps.com • 3617 Rte CC, Jefferson City, MO • 573.659.8657 THE MISSOURI SYMPHONY Nonprofit arts organization providing exceptional symphonic performances. Snag some music coloring pages and learn about upcoming events. themosy.org • 203 S 9th St. • 573.875.0600 MOON VALLEY MASSAGE Enjoy a massage in the park! Customized massage treatments with integrated healing and knowledge. moonvalleytherapy.com • 920A E Broadway, Ste. 201 PEACE NOOK Volunteer-based community resource offering Fair Trade merchandise (buttons, stickers, T’s, etc.) & free information on sustainability, climate action, peace and justice. facebook.com/ PeaceNook • 804 E Broadway, Ste. C • 573.875.0539

How to fest PEDEGO COLUMBIA Education on sustainably cleaner transportation and basic community daily requirements of mobility. Pedego strives to be the best brand of electric bikes on Earth. pedegoelectricbikes.com 19 S 4th Ste. 115 • 573.355.3248 PLANNED PARENTHOOD GREAT PLAINS Providing safe sex info, condoms, and details about free birth control without insurance; info about annual exams, breast exams, HIV testing, STD testing & treatment, pregnancy testing, and transgender services. plannedparenthood.org • 711 N Providence Rd. • 573.443.0427 SHOP BLANC A wide range of products from hair care and styling to at-home treatments and nail care. Emphasis on women owned, small-batch brands. 918 E Broadway • 573.777.7797 SHORTWAVE COFFEE (official coffee sponsor) Freshly roasted hot and cold coffee and noncaffeinated beverages, plus a variety of tasty snacks. shortwave. coffee • 915 Alley A • 29 S. Ninth • 573.874.2566 SKYLARK BOOKSHOP A changing daily selection of books related to or sharing a theme with Fest films, sure to appeal to Festgoers. Ask about shop events and signings. skylarkbookshop.com • 22 S. 9th St. • 573.777.6990 U KNEAD SWEETS Offering the best tasting cakes and macarons in town. Bottle drinks and other confectionery products from this downtown bakery. ukneadsweets.com • 808 Cherry St. • 573.777.8808 YELLOW DOG BOOKSHOP Tailored selection of books, including highlights from the film section and favorites of the T/F community. Locally owned bookshop buys, sells, and trades. yellowdogbookshop.com • 8 S. 9th St. • 573.442.3330

PARK FOOD TRUCKS lot near Gordon Shelter East Parking Lot (see Stephens Lake Park Map on inside back cover) THE BIG CHEEZE Fri. May 7, 5-9pm, Sat. May 8 & Sun. May 9, 11am-9pm Gourmet Grilled Cheeze sandwiches. facebook.com/ TheBigCheezeMizzou BIG DADDY’S BBQ Fri. May 7, 5-9pm, Sat. May 8 & Sun. May 9, 11am-9pm A local favorite smokehouse in Columbia, from the signature sauce to fall-off-the-bone ribs, it is sure to please. facebook.com/ BigDaddysBBQCoMo JAMAICAN JERK HUT Fri. May 7, 5-9pm, Sat. May 8 & Sun. May 9, 11am-9pm Offers a wide variety of Jamaican favorites like Jerk Chicken, Pork Steaks, Curried Chicken, and signature Rasta Lemonade. facebook. com/JamJerkHut THE NIGHT OWL EATERY Wed. May 5 & Thu. May 6, 6pm-9pm Who doesn’t just love a little hot dog cart! Enjoy inexpensive, simple fare. You can never go wrong with an all beef hot dog or a soft pretzel. OZARK MOUNTAIN BISCUIT CO. Sat. May 8 & Sun. May 9, 4pm-9pm Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co offers made from scratch biscuit sandwiches and delicious Southern sides. ozarkmountainbiscuits.com PATTY WAGON Wed. May 5 & Thu. May 6, 6pm-9pm Bringing the smashed burger to Columbia and the surrounding areas, we have the best burger at a good price, with the best smiles. facebook. com/ThePattyWagonComo PIZZA TREE Sat. May 8 & Sun. May 9, 11am-4pm Not just pizza; it’s pizza art! Pizza by the slice 24/7. pizzatreepizza.com 99

How to fest

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• Rose Music Park (1013 Park Ave.) • N. Fifth St. & E. Walnut St. Parking Garage • Cherry & Eighth • Ragtag Cinema (10 Hitt St.)

TRUE/FALSE FILM FEST 2021 STEPHENS LAKE PARK MAP E

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True/False 2021 ---------------------------

The Nature of Uncertainty

The simplicity of the double slit experiment—depicted on our cover by ripples emanating from two juxtaposed points—belies the complexities of what it reveals about the underpinnings of our reality. Or doesn’t reveal. Or what we don’t understand about what it reveals. Particles are flung through two slits in a surface and onto a wall behind— pretty straightforward. What’s odd, though, is that the particles start acting in unexpected ways. First, they interfere with each other. Fine, let’s try throwing one particle through at a time. Then the particle interferes with itself. What if we try watching what the particle does as it goes through the slit? It stops interfering. Hmm. Let’s remove that observation; it interferes with itself again. Theoretical physics puts a delightful twist on an old analogy to describe this mind-bending phenomenon. Say you’re watching a movie in a park, and see a tree that’s about to fall down. You come back a few days later and find the same tree on the ground. Most of us would assume it had fallen on its own, but not quantum mechanists; they know that there are infinite possible ways that the tree got there, and without the act of observation, all of those possibilities—and none of those possibilities—exist.

True/False 2021 Program Book

Articles inside

COMO SQUARE

ACCESSIBILITY

BOX OFFICE FAQ

NAVIGATING T/F

CONTRIBUTORS

RAGTAG FILM SOCIETY: FEST CORE & CINEMA

LEGACY FUND

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

PAY THE ARTISTS

ROUGH CUT RETREAT

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND EDUCATION

LEARN

SO EXTRA

BUMPERS

SHORTS BEFORE FEATURES

MUSIC

NEITHER/NOR

FEATURE FILMS

TRUE VISION AWARD

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