Kohlitz’s Post

What does the future of indie filmmaking look like? In this conversation with tech and venture capital expert Gary Chou, Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School Documentary Film Fellow Karin Chien delves into the ongoing transformation of the film industry and shares 5 key takeaways from her research: https://loom.ly/z5JdJnc #independentfilm #businessmodels #usdocumentary

From Stereotypes to Storytellers: The Evolution of Native American Voices in Film Native Americans have had a complex and evolving relationship with the film industry, dating back to the silent film era of the early 20th century. Initially, Native people were often represented through harmful stereotypes in Hollywood, where they were cast primarily as "savages" or villains in Westerns, reinforcing negative images and simplified narratives about Indigenous cultures. These portrayals were rarely accurate and generally served to advance Eurocentric narratives, depicting Native Americans as obstacles to be overcome in the expansion of the American West. Despite these obstacles, some notable Native actors and figures made their way into early Hollywood. Iron Eyes Cody, who was of Sicilian descent but presented himself as Native American, was one of the most well-known “Native” actors from the 1930s onward. However, more authentically, actors like Chief Dan George, a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, began to break through in the mid-20th century, gaining critical acclaim for his roles in films like Little Big Man (1970). His work helped set a precedent for more nuanced and respectful portrayals. In recent decades, Native American filmmakers, actors, and screenwriters have increasingly taken control of their narratives. Sherman Alexie’s Smoke Signals (1998) is one of the first films written, directed, and acted by Native Americans, providing a genuine, multifaceted portrayal of Native life and culture. Today, directors like Chris Eyre and actors such as Wes Studi (Cherokee Nation), Tantoo Cardinal (Métis), and Gil Birmingham (Comanche) continue to push for accurate, empowered portrayals of Native American stories. Studios are also beginning to recognize the importance of Indigenous perspectives, and platforms like the Sundance Institute’s Native Program have amplified Native voices, encouraging authentic storytelling. The journey has been challenging, but there is increasing momentum toward authentic representation and storytelling, with Native filmmakers and artists reclaiming space in the industry. Through their creative control, they have transformed the portrayal of Native Americans in film, moving from stereotypes to storytellers who can now authentically share their cultures and histories on screen. #AuthenticStorytelling #IndigenousFilmmakers #NativeAmericanHeritage

⚡ YouTube Short Film "Nothing, Except Everything" is getting a big-screen treatment. 📹 The short film earned plaudits for young writer/director Wesley Wang when it premiered last September. Wang has now inked a deal with Darren Aronofsky‘s Protozoa for a feature adaptation of "Nothing, Except Everything." 🌟 Social Media is an Idea Incubator, especially when it's about what is resonating with Gen Z. #YouTube #GenZ #GenAlpha #SocialMedia

Grateful for this insightful review of "Short Drop" by Gabby Alysia! 🙏🎬 Gabby’s deep dive into the themes and narrative of the short film is truly inspiring. It's incredible to see how our work can evoke such thoughtful analysis and discussion. Her review not only captures the essence of "Short Drop" but also sheds light on the nuances that make storytelling so powerful. ✨ Why it matters: Reviews like Gabby's remind us of the importance of storytelling in connecting us, sparking conversations, and creating a shared experience. 🔗 Read the full review here: Gabby Alysia - Short Drop Review https://lnkd.in/ef8X4bYY What I personally love is the fact that Short Drop was created in 2022 and it still garners this traction which I believe is testament to its quality. If you’re passionate about the art of filmmaking or the impact of stories, this review is a must-read. If you're interested in checking out the short film, you can view it here 📽 : https://lnkd.in/e_sxDV6M Let’s keep the conversation going – how has a story impacted you recently? Share in the comments! 💬 #FilmReview #Storytelling #ShortDrop #CreativeProcess #Filmmaking

Sign me up! 🙋 The decision to attend yesterday's With US: Media Art & Film Conference presented by Digi60 Filmmakers' Festival & Digital Arts Resource Centre was a no-brainer. I was especially looking forward to hearing Gabriela Warrior Renaud's (pictured standing near the exit sign) lecture about the Ethics of Documentary Filmmaking. We talked about the duty of care towards participants and our responsibilities as filmmakers during each stage of production. 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:  -Documentary participants are more than that. They're your team members; without them, there would be no story; -You can sacrifice video components to make interviews more comfortable; -Approach editing and assembly the way you'd want your own story to be told; -Be mindful of the spaces in which you show the work. Learn more about her work here: https://lnkd.in/eRVG83E7

Is a short film just a stepping stone to your first feature film? 🎬 Not necessarily. Short films are often seen as a means to an end, a way for filmmakers to build credibility. But they’re more than that. They’re an art form, offering a playground for creative expression, experimentation, and powerful storytelling. You can dive deep into unique techniques, compact narratives, and bold themes that feature films can’t always accommodate. And yet, despite this potential, short films often aren’t taken seriously. They struggle to gain the same recognition or commercial success as their longer counterparts. Why is that? I’m still figuring it out as I contemplate the idea of creating one myself. Swipe through for some thoughts on the challenges short films face in an industry that favours longer formats.

If you're searching for a fresh thrill in the horror genre, there's an exciting new film that just might capture your heart. Strange Darling presents a unique perspective within Black horror, innovating the storytelling landscape with depth and authenticity. It's time to shake off the acceptable norms and embrace the rich culture and narratives that independent filmmakers bring to the table. Here are a few steps to dive into it: 1. Explore indie films that resonate with you. 2. Share your thoughts and promote conversations around them. 3. Support filmmakers by engaging with their work on social media. By following these steps, you’ll not only enhance your viewing experience but also contribute to a wider appreciation of diverse stories in cinema. The beauty of storytelling lies in its ability to connect us, and every film journey is a chance to join in that celebration. What independent films have moved you lately? Let's share our favorites! #StrangeDarling #IndependentFilm #BlackHorror #CulturalStorytelling #SupportIndieCinema https://lnkd.in/eT7_asgh Couch Soup

🎬 Exciting things are happening behind the scenes as we gear up for the next edition of the T-Port Lighthouse Selections! We can't wait to reveal the details soon! ✨ If you’re new here, the T-Port Lighthouse Selections is our annual showcase of the best short films from our online catalogue. These films get special attention at all year long. 🌟 🎥 Every year, we collaborate with two top-tier guest curators from the film industry to handpick their favorite short films on T-Port. We have been honoured to have past curators from some of the most respected festivals and platforms out there, bringing their unique perspectives to our collection. 🎞️ Filmmakers, this is your chance! You can submit your work anytime via our website. 📲 Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have your film in the spotlight! https://lnkd.in/eFrFFhUr 💡 In the meantime, here’s some wisdom from last year’s guest curator, Maike Mia Höhne: "To really watch - not only a lot of movies from yesterday and today, but to keep on doing that - watching, reading, getting in contact - with oneself and the other." What’s your top tip for becoming a well-rounded filmmaker? Drop your advice in the comments below! 👇 #Filmmaking #ShortFilms #TPortLighthouseSelections #FilmmakerTips #Networking

🎬✨ Check out Rye Neck student, Christina Pirrone's latest Future Filmmaker Project: "The Changing Times of Mamaroneck." 🎥 In her own words, "In my film, I wanted to create a documentary that reflects on the change in Mamaroneck through the eyes of different generations. Mamaroneck is an important part of my life since it's where I've been raised my whole life. I wanted to create a documentary that would show how different generations view the changes in Mamaroneck." 🌟 #FutureFilmProject https://lnkd.in/evQbH2G6

• When did seeing a film make you feel seen? • What collective movie-viewing experience do you recall having with others? • How do movies track our history as a people? These are some of the questions arising from conversations with Jackson Cooper, MFA, ED of the AMERICAN GENRE FILM ARCHIVE. We're exploring together the role of personal narratives in advocating for the preservation, protection and promotion of genre films and filmmakers. Living Proof Advocacy offers me the chance to work with experts from so many fields; this one—film and cultural history—really resonates with me. How about you? Do these questions prompt memories of your lived experience of films and filmgoing?