2023 Film Program

Thank you for joining us for our 24th annual DC Independent Forum! We were excited to welcome over 70 filmmakers March 1 – 5. Click to explore our program, buy passes, or purchase tickets which can be found on the individual film pages below. We showcased 9 feature films and 10 short film program blocks starting at $13 each with exciting filmmaker Q&A’s. Please also check out our selection of seminars and workshops with industry professionals. Click HERE to download a printout of our schedule

THE 2023 DC INDEPENDENT FILM FORUM

Wednesday, March 1st – Sunday, March 5th

Run Raven Run

RUN RAVEN RUN

directed by Michael Rainin
narrated by Michael Madsen
(USA / 2022 / 101 mins)

Despite a historical legacy that dealt the dark cards of slavery, holocaust and poverty, music has always been the winning hand for Gypsy survival.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 5:05pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

About the Director

Michael has served as a producer and director for countless productions across film, television, and online platforms including promotional campaigns for FX Network’s Nip/Tuck and commercials, music videos and web productions for revered artists and performers. Michael currently wrapped production on a new, in-depth feature documentary on the music of the Roma and the musicians behind this renowned artform, narrated by Michael Madsen while producing ongoing projects with celebrity editorial photographer Kwaku Alston (New York Times, Time Magazine), as well as serving as the creative director behind CBD industry leader Green Gorilla alongside Alston. Michael has additionally founded a boutique branding, design, and production company RAINPIX, INC.

ALL DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Our Father, The Devil

Our Father, The Devil

directed by Ellie Foumbi
( USA and Cameroon / 2021 / 1:47 mins )

An African refugee’s quiet existence in a sleepy mountain town in the south of France is upended by the arrival of a charismatic Catholic priest whom she recognizes as the warlord who slaughtered her family.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Thursday, March 2nd - 8:15pm; Friday; March 3rd - 9:00pm

(March 2) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 3) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

About the Director

Ellie is an award-winning Cameroonian-American filmmaker whose debut film, Our Father, the Devil, went on to win 17 prizes at international film festivals, including Tribeca where it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature. She's an alum of Berlinale Talents and was named one of 25 New Faces of Independent Film by Filmmaker Magazine. She's also a 2022/2023 BAFTA Breakthrough USA Fellow. Her projects have been supported by The Gotham, Film Independent, the Tribeca Film Institute, SFFILM Rainin Grant, and the Venice Biennale College. Ellie's stories often explore pressing social-political issues within the African diaspora, aiming to shine a light on marginalized populations whose voices are seldom heard or included.

ALL NARRATIVE FEATURES

The Smoke Master

The Smoke Master

directed by directed by Andre Sigwalt & Augusto Soares
( Brazil / 2022 / 1.44mins )

Two brothers and a fistful of friends face the Chinese mafia:Three Generations Revenge relying on Smoke Master and his unique Cannabis fighting style. A Stoned Kung-Fu movie.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Thursday, March 2nd - 9:00pm; Saturday, March 4th - 8:30pm

(March 2) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

About the Directors

Andre Sigwalt studied cinema and, since 1999, has specialized as a cinematographer and camera operator. He was director of photography for other features such as "Pólvora Negra", "Uptake Fear" and "Skull, The Mask." "The Smoke Master' is the first feature film he directs.

Augusto Soares has a degree in Radio and Television from FAAP since 2000. Founder of Terceiro Ato Videomarketing, he specializes in corporate videos and has been working in this market for over 20 years. "The Smoke Master" is his first feature film.

ALL NARRATIVE FEATURES

City of Love

City of Love

directed by Èric Boadella
(USA / 2023 / 1:27 mins)

Spencer, a troubled rideshare driver in Los Angeles, goes to dangerous lengths to reconnect with the world he lost after spending 20 years in jail.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 4th - 7:10pm

(March 4) -$13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

About the Director

Èric Boadella is an award-winning Spanish filmmaker with a rather unique background: Electronic Engineering and punk rock. His first feature film, Toastmaster (2014), won Best Director and Best Script at the 17th Malaga Spanish Film Festival, where it was acquired by Canal+. Èric is one of the seven directors selected for the 2018-2019 FOX TV Directors Lab and he just directed his second feature film, City of Love (2022). He is also the in-house Music Video Director at Frontiers Records and a Branded Content Director at Pluck Studios.

ALL NARRATIVE FEATURES

No No Girl

No No Girl

directed by Paul Daisuke Goodman
( USA / 2022 / 117 mins)

Eighty years ago, on the eve of war and incarceration, a Japanese American family buried a secret in their backyard garden. Three generations later, a clue is discovered – unearthing the trauma and truth of their historic past.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 7:00pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

About the Director

Paul Daisuke Goodman is a filmmaker and two time cancer survivor. He began his career as a camera operator on the high seas for Discovery’s Whale Wars until his first cancer diagnosis at age 25. For the next six years he would undergo treatments for his Leukemia that would achieve remission and then relapse and remission again. During that time, Goodman began writing and editing from his hospital room and would shoot films in his months as an outpatient. In late 2020, Goodman’s Leukemia would relapse at the height of the pandemic. During this hospitalization, Goodman would write his second feature film, No No Girl.

ALL NARRATIVE FEATURES

Divine Instinct

Divine Instinct

directed by James Gossard
( USA / 2023 / 89 mins )

Gary Spinosa stepped away from his growing reputation as a sculptor to work seven days a week on his art as a recluse on a farm in Pennsylvania.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Wednesday, March 1st - 7:00pm

(March 1) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

About the Director

James Gossard is a Maryland film producer & director, poet, screenwriter, playwright, and fiction writer. Gossard worked as a freelance journalist in Montana, following the Border Grizzly Project and writing for wildlife journals. StoryPros named his screenplay, WHITE DUST, in its Top Ten Action-Thrillers. Gossard's screenplays have been optioned and earned laurels in "Spotlight on Screenwriters." His stage plays have been produced and received awards, including the MSAC Individual Artist Award for "September Moon." His poetry also received the MSAC Individual Artist Award. He studied creative writing at the University of Montana and received his M.A. in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Gossard is a member of the DC Women in Film & Video and teaches screenwriting at Howard Community College.

ALL DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

For Vegas

For Vegas

directed by Robin Greenspun
( USA / 2022 / 42:39 mins)

An exiled writer in a new country, a new city and a new reality: Egyptian writer Ahmed Naji examines his adoptive city as a traveler, a migrant and a seeker of truths.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Thursday, March 2nd - 6:00pm; Saturday, March 4th - 2:25pm

(March 2) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

ALL DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Jack Has a Plan

JAck Has A Plan

directed by Bradley Berman
(USA / 2022 / 1.13 mins)

When Jack, a man with a terminal brain tumor for 25 years, decides to end his life, his best friend documents his three-year quest to die a happy man, culminating in a permanent going-away party.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Thursday, March 2nd - 6:15pm; March 3rd - 6:00pm

(March 2) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 3) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

About the Director

Bradley Berman received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts/Tufts University and a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television from New York University. For the past two decades, his work has focused on writing and producing non-fiction content about transportation and urban design for major newspapers and magazines. Berman is a regular contributor to The New York Times, MIT Technology Review, Popular Mechanics, and U.S. News & World Report. JACK HAS A PLAN is his second feature documentary and is a film collaboration with his close friend, musician Jack Tuller.

ALL DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Canary in a Gold Mine

Canary In a Gold Mine

directed by Jonathan Mirin & Deanna Fleysher
( USA / 2022 / 59.40mins )

Writer and performer Jonathan Mirin turns the camera on himself to tell the story of the mysterious symptoms his life and production partner Godeliève began experiencing a decade ago.

Stay for our post-screening panel and click HERE to learn more about our exciting guests

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Friday, March 3rd - 6:30pm; Saturday, March 4th - 12:15pm

(March 3) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

About the Directors

Jonathan Mirin is a playwright, screenwriter, performer and director who co-founded Piti Theatre Company in 2004. Piti is an award-winning international touring troupe based in Western MA and Switzerland, in 2004. His previous solo performances Riding the Wave.com and 28 FEET toured the US and internationally. Canary in a Gold Mine is the first time he has translated his autobiographical solo comedic storytelling into film.

Deanna Fleysher is a comedy artist, teacher and director devoted to fierce vulnerability and interactive comedy magic. She tours the world with her award-winning hit show BUTT KAPINSKI and her popular performance workshops Naked Comedy (Fully Clothed) and Drag King Comedy. She directs comedy artists who work without a 4th wall and teaches audience connection and physical presence to people of all ages.

ALL DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Run Raven Run

RUN RAVEN RUN

directed by Michael Rainin
narrated by Michael Madsen
(USA / 2022 / 101 mins)

Despite a historical legacy that dealt the dark cards of slavery, holocaust and poverty, music has always been the winning hand for Gypsy survival.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 12:15pm; Sunday, March 5th - 5:05pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

About the Director

ALL DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Kaijuburbia!

directed by Bailey Oliver & Nathan Henry
(USA / 2022 / 12.36 mins)

A rookie kaiju’s plans for devastation are jeopardized after getting lost in the suburbs where he must deal with the most heinous monster of all: the HOA!

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 12:00pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

On the Festive Side - (Short Fiction Program)

Greg Got Fired

Greg got fired

directed by Clay Dirkse and Jake Herman
(USA / 2022 / 15 mins)

Lost and despondent after having been fired, Greg realizes how much the job truly meant to him. So when a chance arises to possibly win the job back, the pressure...is on.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 12:00pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

On the Festive Side - (Short Fiction Program)

Payment in Kind

directed by David Zax
(USA / 2022/ 10.15mins)

To raise money for her dog’s surgery, a picture framer must quickly sell a painting –– over the opposition of the artist friend who gifted it to her.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 12:00pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

On the Festive Side - (Short Fiction Program)

Cardiff

directed by Sarah Smith
( UK / 2022 / 25mins )

Perpetually single, Frederick envies his fabulous gay friend Joe who seems to have a never-ending supply of paramours despite being happily married himself. Frederick’s meddling mother hilariously expose some carefully held secrets.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 12:00pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

On the Festive Side - (Short Fiction Program)

Game Over

directed by Saeed Mayahy & Miriam Carlsen
(Turkey / 2022 /28.24 mins )

Forced to flee their country as teenagers, Illegal Afghan youngsters live in Zeytinburnu, an Afghan diaspora in Turkey, where hide from the police and work in shady jobs.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 2:45pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Alive and Kicking - (Documentary Shorts Program)

Cuban American Gothic

directed by Maria Teresa Rodriguez
(USA / 2022 / 16.42 mins)

Maggie is living alone in New York City during the early 2020 pandemic. When her Cuban parents return from the dead to help, they remind her of their immigrant journey and that they have given her everything she needs to meet the moment.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 2:45pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Alive and Kicking - (Documentary Shorts Program)

Speak in a Whisper

directed by Chongyan Liu
( China & France / 2022/ 35mins )

In the middle of what would have otherwise been a banal evening, everything Céleste has been trying to hide comes to light. The protagonist, Céleste, is a deaf painter from a wealthy family. Her husband, Max, is an activist from a troubled background who frequently attends protests around Paris.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4 - 5:15pm; Sunday, March 5th - 12:00pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Signing as Screen Language - (Shorts Program)

Challenging Stories - (Short Fiction Program)

544: A Civil Rights Story

directed by Loki Mulholland
( USA / 2022 / 7.35mins )

George Sallie is 92 years old and everyday he does the exact same thing... he forgives the man who beat in 1965 on Bloody Sunday.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 5:10pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Black Experiences - (Documentary Shorts Program)

Amor

directed by David Rochkind
(USA / 2022 / 13.26 mins)

Amor was 9-months pregnant when her husband Tyrelle was murdered in Baltimore, Maryland. She is now using music to heal and move forward, raising her daughter Ari’a with courage, compassion and bravery.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 5:10pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Black Experiences - (Documentary Shorts Program)

An Angry Knock

directed by Sorbets Raza Carmiany
Canada / 2022/ 13.07 mins)

Two Refugee Families find it hard to live as a land lord and tenant in their new place (Canada), as the old conflict from their Home Country shadow their present lives.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 2:20pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Not Always As Expected - (Short FIction Program)

Millstone

directed by Peter Hoffman Kimball
(USA /2023 /16 mins)

Having tragically lost a child, a married couple seek out a new, experimental therapy from the only person who might be able to help them - but his process could be worse than anyone imagined. (Presented in American Sign Language)

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 5:15pm; Sunday, March 5th - 2:20pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Signing As Screen Language - (Short FIction Program)

Not Always As Expected - (Short FIction Program)

The Photographer

directed by Dina Zvi Riklis
(Israel / 2022 17 mins)

The story of Anna the photographer during the last few weeks before she dies. The women arriving at her studio expose themselves in front of the camera, telling about their complicated relationship with their bodies and their deepest secrets. Anna gives them the power to reach life-changing insights and decisions. But what about her own?

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 5:20pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

New Web Series Pilot Episodes

King & Pawn

directed by Tyler Olsen
(Canada/ 2022 /17.6 mins)

When a lovable loser inherits his estranged father's pawnshop he'll be forced to contend with a screwball staff, an assortment of eccentric customers, and an ever-growing list of problems as he attempts to turn a profit.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 5:20pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

New Web Series Pilot Episodes

Day Jobs

directed by Stevie Wain & Auri Jackson
( US / 2022 / 30 mins)

An aspiring LA comedian secretly falls in love with the mom she nannies for, as she desperately tries to pay rent to her ex-boyfriend-turned-best friend after coming out as gay.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 5:20pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

New Web Series Pilot Episodes

Ringworms

directed by William Lee
(USA/ 2022 / 13.45 mins)

After discovering her boyfriend’s plan to propose, a young girl undergoes a crisis of commitment which attracts the attention of a sinister local cult.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Friday, March 3rd - 8:45pm; Saturday, March 4th - 9:50pm

(March 3) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Late Night Chills and Thrills - (Short Fiction Program)

Clone

directed by Ryan M. Kennedy
(USA / 2022 / 19.45)

After 30 years together, Alex suddenly elects to emancipate his clone Richie, but his closest friends begin to question his true intentions.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Friday, March 3rd - 8:45pm; Saturday, March 4th - 9:50pm

(March 3) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Late Night Chills and Thrills - (Short Fiction Program)

The Session

directed by Andrew Schwarz
(USA / 2022 / 17.23 mins)

Jane receives a call from a strange clairvoyant who claims to have contacted Jane's deceased mother.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Friday, March 3rd - 8:45pm; Saturday, March 4th - 9:50pm

(March 3) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Late Night Chills and Thrills - (Short Fiction Program)

The Special Seat

directed by Akira Okumura
(Japan / 2022 /6.52mins)

Ami is creating a video in her room When she reviews it, there are Impossible noises.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Friday, March 3rd - 8:45pm; Saturday, March 4th - 9:50pm

(March 3) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Late Night Chills and Thrills - (Short Fiction Program)

The Voice in Isabel Fleiss's Office

directed by Jim Haverkamp
(USA / 2022 / 6:24mins)

A woman with an unusual malady receives an even more unusual treatment in this adaptation of a surreal poem by North Carolina writer Virgil Renfroe.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Friday, March 3rd - 8:45pm; Saturday, March 4th - 9:50pm

(March 3) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Late Night Chills and Thrills - (Short Fiction Program)

Episode

directed by Matthias Fuchez
(UK/2022/ 11.39 mins)

Haunted by the trauma of his past, Mr Diaz hires Wei, a martial arts specialist to protect his daughter from himself should he suffer from another of his 'episodes'.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Friday, March 3rd - 8:45pm; Saturday, March 4th - 9:50pm

(March 3) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR
(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Late Night Chills and Thrills - (Short Fiction Program)

Diplomatie De L'eclipse

Diplomatie de L'Eclipse

directed by Cesar Luton, Achille Pasquier, Selim Lallaoui, Clemence Bailly, & Axel Mechin
( France / 2022/ 7.52mins )

The Sun and the Moon said humanity would vanish so the World Council sends its best negotiator.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 12:00pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Animation Artistry - (Animation Shorts Program)

I (heart) Jack LaLanne

I (heart) Jack Lalanne: A Cartoon Memoir

directed by LeAnn Erickson
(USA/ 2022 /14.20 mins)

The filmmaker, a lesbian, feminist baby boomer, shares her coming out story with the help of exercise guru Jack LaLanne.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 12:00pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Animation Artistry - (Animation Shorts Program)

Swing to the Moon

directed by Marie Bordessoule, Adriana Bouissie, Nadine De Boer, Elisa Drique, Chloé Lauzu, Vincent Levrero & Solenne Moreau
( France / 2022 / 6:40mins )

Little spider Temi dreams of catching the Moon and she will do anything to succeed.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 12:00pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Animation Artistry - (Animation Shorts Program)

Welcome to 8th Street

directed by Yoo Lee
(USA / 2022/ 7.03 mins)

Some odd encounters make them new residents on 8th Street question their decision to move. However, that changes when a wild turkey shows up on their block

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Sunday, March 5th - 12:00pm

(March 5) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

Animation Artistry - (Animation Shorts Program)

presented by Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts (WALA), and The Copyright Alliance

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies continues to alter and impact creators' lives everywhere—and the film and video community is no exception. As these technologies develop, consequential copyright and ethical issues surround the training and use of these AI systems, their impact on copyrighted works, and how creators and filmmakers use AI in their own creations.

Moderator: Loletta Darden, WALA
Ms. Darden is a SAG-AFTRA actor, content creator, and a registered patent attorney. Ms. Darden’s legal work includes all aspects of IP creation, exploitation, and protection, including patent, trademark, and copyright matters. Currently, Ms. Darden is a Visiting Associate Clinical Professor and Director of the IP and Technology Law Clinic at The George Washington University Law School, which provides IP legal services to clients from communities that have been historically and intentionally excluded from access to economic opportunity.

Kevin Madigan is VP, Legal Policy and Copyright Counsel at the Copyright Alliance. Kevin joined the Copyright Alliance in early 2020 after four years at the Center for the Protection of Intellectual Property (CPIP) at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School. Kevin’s work in copyright includes drafting amicus briefs, regulatory comments, policy papers, and essays on diverse topics such as public performance rights, copyright office modernization, the Music Modernization Act, the CASE Act, and the European Copyright Directive. He has authored law review articles on patent and trade secret policy issues and he blogs at mistercopyright.org. In addition to being a lawyer and advocate for the rights of creators, Kevin is a visual artist, musician, and registered copyright owner.

James Stewart is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, director, TED Speaker, artist, digital innovator and multi-platform visual designer. Through his production company, Geneva Film Co. in Toronto, Canada, James has directed over 300 commercials and created stories using live action, 3D, 4D, gesture control, animation and immersive environments. His period drama Chateau Laurier is now in its second season.

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 1:00pm

(March 4) - $10 Earlybird (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or $15 AT THE DOOR

Chateau Laurier

directed by James Stewart
( Canada / 2022 / 18 mins - 2 episodes)

Edwardian newlyweds Hattie and Vivian navigate their lives on the other side of happily ever after and learn that life as heirs to the grand Chateau Laurier hotel comes with slings, arrows, enemies, opportunities and strife. Season 2 of the hugely successful award-winning series

Location: Landmark's E Street Cinema
Times: Saturday, March 4th - 5:20pm

(March 4) - $13 (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or AT THE DOOR

New Web Series Pilot Episodes

Understanding The Grants Landscape

Understanding the Grants Landscape For Documentaries

A Film Financing Workshop

How the grant-making world is currently working and ways in which you can think about your film that expands its grant opportunities.

There are thousands of grants out there and there are many more people applying for them. What should you apply for and how do you know if you have a chance? Find out how the grant-making world is currently working for the arts, funder priorities and the ways in which you can think about your film that expands grant opportunities. This will be a presentation followed by a case study and a discussion with participants about their needs.

Deirdre Evans-Pritchard is a professional grant writer working specializing in social justice, social services, environmental, arts and humanities fundraising who has raised over $ 1.5 million in the last two years. She has a PhD from UCLA, publishes on cultural heritage and researches the screen. She is also the Executive Director of the DC Independent FIlm Festival.

Location: The Moxy Hotel Washington, DC Downtown
Times: Friday, March 3rd - 2:15pm

(March 3) - $10 Earlybird (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or $15 AT THE DOOR

All Film Fanancing Workshops

Working with Investors and Tax Credits

Working Creatively with Investors and Tax Credits

A Film Financing Workshop

This is an opportunity to get invaluable information from an industry professional who understands the playing field out there today, knows what it takes to make a movie and is experienced in how to prepare for, solict and access funding. The seminar will explain how independent films get funded upfront through investment and tax credits and will incude questions from participants. Followed by a Happy Hour reception

Presented by Carol Bidault de L’Isle, an award winning producer, specialized in international motion picture/television financing, distribution, media asset acquisitions and management (MediaFusion Entertainment, LLC). She brings with her over 30 years of industry experience in the United States, Europe and Latin America. She recently produced Cut Off (Brad Dourif, William Baldwin, Jean-Marc Barr) and Daliland (Ben Kingsley, Barbara Sukowa, Ezra Miller). She is also the founder of the DC Independent Film Festival.

Ms. Bidault is active with Women's organizations, including a founding member of Women In Film & Television United States & Women in Film International, served on the WIFTI board (2014 - 2018) as Vice Chair, Membership Chair & WIFTI Short-Case Producer; a co-founding member of Women in Film & Television - Louisiana has served on the Board since 2011 & President (2016 - 2018); Co-Founder of Women in Film (France), Judge on the Women in Film Finishing Fund (2014, 2015, 2016) and a member of Women in Film & Video – Washington, DC (1995 to 2008).

Location: The Moxy Hotel Washington, DC Downtown
Times: Friday, March 3rd - 3:30pm

(March 3) - $10 Earlybird (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or $15 AT THE DOOR

All Film Financing Workshops

Film Distribution

Film Distribution: Strategies and Advice from Industry Insiders

Established professionals talk about film distribution and answer questions about how to best attract Distributors for your Creative Content

This Panel is led by three proessionals working in the distribution world and presenting different possible paths from ad-based platforms, to pay TV to self distribution options.

Sana Soni is a sales and distribution executive specializing in independent film at 1091 Pictures. She has an extensive background in film and TV sales from multiple studios and independents in both Los Angeles and London, including Signature Entertainment, Discovery, Warner Bros, NBC Universal, National Geographic, and Walden Media. A UCLA and New York Film Academy graduate, she brings market expertise to features in development and those looking for distribution.

Emma Manfredi (Fuse TV) - Emma has a background in distribution and acquisition of indie films. She's previously worked for The Orchard, 1091 Pictures & Giant Pictures. Her goal has always been to help share stories and elevate filmmakers. Now, as the Digital Distribution Manager at Fuse Media, Emma is focusing on the distribution of FAST channels and helping more audiences discover new content.

Carly Reicho was the Director of Film Distribution at indie distributor 1091 Pictures. She now advises filmmakers independently as they navigate distribution. She is also the Director of Film & Community Programs for the women-run production company, SLMBR PRTY. Carly is currently the Program Manager for Nantucket Film Festival and has held positions at Tribeca Film Festival, DOC NYC, and NewFest.

Location: Landmark's E Street Theatre
Times: Saturay, March 4th - 3:00pm

(March 4) - $10 Earlybird (+Eventbrite fee) HERE or $15 AT THE DOOR

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

DCIFF 2023 LIVE

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Click HERE to Download A Printout of our Schedule

	Film/Event Title	Date & Time	Location	Category	Program / Block
Buy Tickets	Our Father, The Devil	March 2 @ 8:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Narrative Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Our Father, The Devil (second screening)	March 3 @ 8:55pm	Landmark's E Street	Narrative Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Smoke Master	March 2 @ 9:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Narrative Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Smoke Master (second screening)	March 4 @ 8:30pm	Landmark's E Street	Narrative Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	City of Love	March 4 @ 7:10pm	Landmark's E Street	Narrative Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	No No Girl	March 5 @ 7:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Narrative Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Divine Instinct	March 1 @ 7:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	FOR VEGAS	March 2 @ 6:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	FOR VEGAS (second screening)	March 4 @ 2:25pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Jack Has a Plan	March 2 @ 6:15pm	Landmark E Street	Documentary Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Jack Has a Plan (second screening)	March 3 @ 6:00pm	Landmark E Street	Documentary Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Canary in a Gold Mine	March 3 @ 6:30pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Canar y in a Gold Mine (second screening)	March 4 @ 12:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Run Raven Run	March 5 @ 5:05pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Feature	Feature	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Kaijuburbia!	March 4 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	On the Festive Side	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	GREG GOT FIRED	March 4 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	On the Festive Side	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Payment in Kind	March 4 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	On the Festive Side	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Cardiff	March 4 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	On the Festive Side	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Out of Water	March 4 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	On the Festive Side	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Actor Prepares	March 4 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	On the Festive Side	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Game Over	March 5 @ 2:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Short	Alive and Kicking	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Camcorder	March 5 @ 2:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Short	Alive and Kicking	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Vote Yes For Asheboro	March 5 @ 2:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Short	Alive and Kicking	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Cuban American Gothic	March 5 @ 2:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Short	Alive and Kicking	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Julia Wuz Here	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Challenging Stories	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Meeting Amy	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Challenging Stories	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Boss Blood	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Challenging Stories	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	THE SINGLE HORN	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Challenging Stories	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Waiting	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Challenging Stories	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Speak in a Whisper (second screening)	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Challenging Stories	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Speak in a Whisper	March 4 @ 5:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Signing as Screen Language	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	WISH	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Challenging Stories	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	East of the River	March 5 @ 5:10pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Short	Black Experiences	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	544: A Civil Rights Story	March 5 @ 5:10pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Short	Black Experiences	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Amor	March 5 @ 5:10pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Short	Black Experiences	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Freetown	March 5 @ 5:10pm	Landmark's E Street	Documentary Short	Black Experiences	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Kitchen Boy	March 5 @ 2:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Not Always As Expected	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	An Angry Knock	March 5 @ 2:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Not Always As Expected	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	To Be Like You	March 5 @ 2:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Not Always As Expected	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Eden River	March 5 @ 2:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Not Always As Expected	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Millstone	March 4 @ 5:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Signing as Screen Language	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Millstone (second screening)	March 5 @ 2:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Not Always As Expected	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Lobster Spouse	March 4 @ 5:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Web Series Episode	Web Series Pilot Episodes	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Photographer	March 4 @ 5:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Web Series Episode	Web Series Pilot Episodes	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	King & Pawn	March 4 @ 5:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Web Series Episode	Web Series Pilot Episodes	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Day Jobs	March 4 @ 5:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Web Series Episode	Web Series Pilot Episodes	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Chateau Laurier	March 4 @ 5:20pm	Landmark's E Street	Web Series Episode	Web Series Pilot Episodes	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Chick Wash	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	DO SPERM GET KILLED BY COFFEE?	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	My Grumpy Grandpa	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Eviction	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Foot Print Shop	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Smile	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Stranger	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Shakespeare for all Ages	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Our photo memento	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Cosmo Dep	March 4 @ 3:15pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Amazing Animation	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	RINGWORMS	March 3 @ 8:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	RINGWORMS (second screening)	March 4 @ 9:50pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	CLONE	March 3 @ 8:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	CLONE (second screening)	March 4 @ 9:50pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Session	March 3 @ 8:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Session (second screening)	March 4 @ 9:50pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Special Seat	March 3 @ 8:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Special Seat (second screening)	March 4 @ 9:50pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Voice in Isabel Fleiss's Office	March 3 @ 8:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Voice in Isabel Fleiss's Office (second screening)	March 4 @ 9:50pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Episode	March 3 @ 8:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Episode (second screening)	March 4 @ 9:50pm	Landmark's E Street	Short Fiction	Late Night Chills and Thrills	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	DIPLOMATIE DE L'ECLIPSE	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Animation Artistry	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	I (heart) Jack Lalanne: A Cartoon Memoir	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Animation Artistry	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	NOBODY	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Animation Artistry	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	The Record	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Animation Artistry	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	SWING TO THE MOON	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Animation Artistry	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Welcome to 8th Street	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Animation Artistry	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Friendly Fire	March 5 @ 12:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Animation	Animation Artistry	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Marketing and Branding for Screen Artists (CANCELED)	March 3 @ 1:00pm	The Moxy Hotel	Workshop	Workshops / Seminars	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Understanding the Grants Landscape for Documentaries	March 3 @ 2:15pm	The Moxy Hotel	Workshop	Workshops / Seminars	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Working with Investors and Tax Credits	March 3 @ 3:30pm	The Moxy Hotel	Workshop	Workshops / Seminars	Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets	Copyright and AI in Film and Video Production	March 4 @ 1:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Seminar	Workshops / Seminars	Buy Tickets
Buy TIckets	Film Distribution: Strategies and Advice from Industry Insiders	March 4 @ 3:00pm	Landmark's E Street	Seminar	Workshops / Seminars	Buy Tickets
Free Tickets	Fitting In	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	Hardcore	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	How to Survive Your First Date	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	The Journal	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	Kennedy Street	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	Reaper	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	Symptoms of Incarceration	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	The Master of a Fading Art	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	The Spirit	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	tu:li:	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	Unspoken Waves	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	Water Lullaby	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
Free Tickets	Well-dying	Feb. 25 @ 1:00pm	The Miracle Theatre	High School Competition	High School	Free Tickets
	Opening Reception @ Peruvian Connection	March 1 @ 6:00pm	Peruvian Connection	Reception	Reception
	HAPPY HOUR w/ filmmakers (All-Access passholders)	March 2 @ 5:00pm	The Moxy Hotel	Reception	Reception
	HAPPY HOUR w/ filmmakers (All-Access passholders)	March 3 @ 5:30pm	The Moxy Hotel	Reception	Reception
	Pre-Screening Reception for CANARY IN A GOLD MINE	March 3 @ 5:30pm	Landmark's E Street Bar	Reception	Reception
	Pre-Screening Reception for NO NO GIRL	March 5 @ 6:15pm	Landmark's E Street Bar	Reception	Reception
	CLOSING NIGHT PARTY + AWARDS (All-Access passholders)	March 5 @ 9:45pm	Landmark's E Street	Reception	Reception