For the first time in 2021, the WIFI film festival will offer free panels and workshops. The workshops are free and open to the public.
The following workshops are being offered. If during registration you are unable to select a workshop due to full capacity (it will be gray instead of black), you will be able to add your name to a waitlist. If there is sufficient interest, we will add an additional time for that workshop.
Workshop by Andrew Anglin, Assistant Professor, Mass Media
Thursday, April 22nd
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Before the creation of the world’s most lovable mouse, a young Walt Disney began his film career in Kansas City, Missouri. In this workshop, we will discuss Disney’s relationship with the city he called home for many years. We’ll explore Walt’s career in advertising, the establishment of his first animation studio, and the impact that the city had on one of the world’s greatest storytellers.
Workshop by Matthew Nyquist, Filmmaker, Assistant Professor, Mass Media
Friday, April 23rd
11:30 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m.
Directors are the creative visionaries behind the films, tv shows and videos we watch but how do they actually do their job? Directors oversee every aspect of the project, but directors uniquely lead the production and work closely with the cinematographer and the actors to create the visuals and emotion to deliver the desired impact.
During this workshop, you will learn:
Workshop by Kerry Wynn, Associate Professor, History
Matthew Nyquist, Filmmaker and Assistant Professor, Mass Media
Friday, April 23rd
1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Historical filmmaking allows both historians and filmmakers to shed light on truth that may not yet be known. With both a history professor and film professor as your guide, you will learn the basics of how to conduct research, organize and formulate your documentary, learn how to gather the necessary information, and create a professional-looking and sounding documentary.
Workshop by Liz Derrington, Lecturer, English
Friday, April 23rd
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
What responsibilities do filmmakers have to maintain or reinforce particular value systems or moral codes? On the other hand, what responsibilities do they have to represent the diversity of the human experience in truthful and conscientious ways? In this workshop, which will focus on Hollywood in the mid-20th century and will combine lecture, film clips, and discussion, we will explore the Motion Picture Production Code (as published in March of 1930), as well as the Hollywood blacklist and its intersections with the “Lavender Scare” (the search for and firings of LGBTQ people in federal government positions in the 1950s). Through these explorations, we will seek to answer a few key questions: what effects did these issues have on film and the LGBTQ community at the time? What continuing effects might this history have on film and the LGBTQ community today?
with Ashley Meyer
Sexism, Psychosis, Addiction and Producing: Follow PGA Producer Ashley Mayer as she recounts her journey into the world of film by exploring the comparable fictional character of Beth Harmon from Netflix’s Original mini series: Queen's Gambit. Bringing some meaty themes to bear in exploring a woman’s extraordinary talent in a brutally competitive, male-dominated world. As art mirrors life.
Telling Powerful Stories with Film
Workshop with Cara Myers
Saturday, April 24th
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This is a presentation about how film inspires, changes lives and changes minds. We will touch on how the desire to tell stories has been a part of the human heart since the origin of the human race and how storytelling defines and binds our humanity. We will watch powerful short films and examine what makes them work. We will talk about principles that you can implement to start creating your own films or make more powerful ones.
Workshop by Sam Finch, Lecturer, Film & Video, Mass Media
Saturday, April 24th
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Do you have a great idea for a movie but don't know how to turn it into a screenplay? This workshop will help you get started. All that's required is a positive attitude and a thinking cap!
During this workshop, you will learn the basics of:
Workshop by Andy Farkas
Saturday, April 24th
4:00 p.m. -- 5:30 p.m.
This workshop will explore the intersections between cult films and American culture and counterculture. In doing so we will attempt to define the idea of a cult film. Since the term “cult” is used to define movies as diverse as Fight Club and Plan 9 From Outer Space, Apocalypse Now! and The Breakfast Club, Reefer Madness and Citizen Kane, there are obviously myriad definitions for what a “cult” film actually is. To better our understanding, we will view a few short films and think about various definitions to see if we can come to a general consensus.
This workshop may contain material unsuitable for younger viewers.
Thursday, April 22nd
Student Founders Panel with Francesca Kelley
11:00 a.m. -- 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 22nd
ARTS Connect Event – IN PERSON!
909 N Kansas Ave
Topeka KS 66608
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, April 23rd
Meet the filmmaker: Hollywood DGA Award Winning Director Ashley Maria
4:00 p.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
NO registration required. Free and open to the public.
Ashley Mayer: Producing, It’s a Woman’s Game
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 24th
AWARD WINNING FEMALES TALK FILM: Female Filmmakers Panel
Organized by Sue Vicory
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Soul (Pixar) Featured Screening – IN PERSON
7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Yager Stadium, Washburn University