** Canton Film Festival 6 ------------------------------------------------------------ April 27-29th Get your Tickets to Canton Film Festival 6. Canton Palace Theatre and CantonFilm.com Announce 2017 Canton Film Fest Schedule and Speakers Canton, Ohio (April 4, 2017)—Cantonfilm.com, in association with the Canton Palace Theatre, will host the 2017 Canton Film Festival in downtown Canton on April 27, 28 and 29, 2017. During this three-day film forward event, the public will get the chance to screen the short films of independent directors from Canton, North East Ohio and all across the country. Tickets are just $5 per day. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cantonpalacetheatre.org (http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d853426...) or by calling the Palace Box Office at 330.454.8172 (tel:(330)%20454-8172) Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. The official 2017 Canton Film Festival schedule is as follows: Thursday, April 27 6:00pm Doors Open 6:30pm Stark Cool Picture Prize Submissions 7:30pm Safety Net Q&A Andrew Rudd 8:30pm Romeo is Bleeding Q&A Donte Clark Friday, April 28 6:00pm Doors Open 6:30pm Documentary Category 7:30pm Traficant Q&A Eric Murphy Saturday, April 29 12:30pm Doors Open 1:00pm Submission Block 1 Horror Action/Sci-Fi/Fantasy 2:00pm KSU Discussion 2:30pm Submission Block 2 Fictional Film Music Video 4:30pm The Long Road To the Hall of Fame Q&A Janol “Mecca” Holmes 6:00pm Sink or Swim Q&A Michael Cameneti 6:30pm The Seeker Q&A Jeff Johnson 8:00pm A More Civil War Q&A Geoff Yaw 2017 Films & Speakers Safety Net Jerry Harris is about to lose his house. He’s a hard workin’ American, out of work for a year. He’s been trying everything but there’s only days left until the foreclosure process starts. His wife is pregnant with their first baby and they love this little house in this working class neighborhood. How far would you go to save your house? To make things right for your family? Jerry chases his last hope into an upscale neighborhood. He ends up somewhere he never dreamed, doing something he doesn’t want to. Is there a safety net for Jerry? For any of us these days? Is there any way to recover the fading American Dream of homeownership? Our team of filmmakers, actors, social activists and community agencies are working to make this short film about a part of the American Dream that has become increasingly difficult for many Americans to imagine -- holding onto a home. Official Site: http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d85342... Andrew Rudd Andrew Rudd completed his Ph.D. in Communication at Bowling Green State University. His academic training focused upon the intersection of culture, media and rhetoric. His current research and scholarly writing focuses upon the rhetoric of popular film. He is interested in community-based storytelling and has a passion for local film. Romeo is Bleeding A fatal turf war between neighborhoods haunts the city of Richmond, CA. Donté Clark transcends the violence in his hometown by writing poetry about his experiences. Using his voice to inspire those around him, he and the like-minded youth of the city mount an urban adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, with the hope of starting a real dialogue about violence in the city. Will Richmond force Donté to compromise his idealistic ambitions? Or will Donté end Richmond’s cycle of trauma? Donté Clark’s poetry captures the violence and heartbreak that haunt certain neighborhoods of Richmond, CA. The turf war between North and Central Richmond has raged for decades, with each generation having their own folkloric stories of how the war began. Donté was born in the heart of North Richmond, but found self-empowerment by writing about his experiences there. Now as a young man, Donté offers that same opportunity to Richmond’s youth, through an arts organization called RAW Talent. “Romeo is Bleeding” is structured around one year in the RAW Talent classroom, as Donté leads a cast of high school students in an effort to mount an urban adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet”. As Montague vs. Capulet transforms into North vs. Central, the students of RAW Talent delve deeper into the socio- economic issues that drive the violence in their city. As the play comes together on the stage, real life begins to parallel the Shakespearean tragedy. Pushed to his limits, Donté must decide if he is capable of being the leader that Richmond’s youth wants and needs him to be. The film is set in Richmond, CA, but it captures the complexities of systematic injustices which play out in inner cities across the country. As the nation wrestles with proper policing methods and curbing the gun violence epidemic, Donté reminds us that a major piece of the puzzle is the arts, and creating safe spaces for healthy expression in every community. Official Movie Site: http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d853426... Donté Clark Donté Clark is a poet, emcee, educator and activist from Richmond, California. As a founding member and artistic director of the RAW Talent Creative Arts Program, Donté wears many hats- coordinating shows and field trips, teaching poetry and theater workshops to low-income youth in his community and coaching his students to find their voices through performance and publication. Donté is a well-known spoken word poet and emcee in the Bay Area- he is asked to perform at schools, conferences, poetry readings and hip hop shows on a regular basis. He was accepted to the VONA program, a prestigious week-long conference for writers of color. Donté’s primary focus is ending the violence that has plagued his community and impacted him deeply- he uses his art and curriculum as a call to action. In the last few years, Donté hosted a town hall on violence in Richmond and took the lead with planning and writing the majority of the script for “Té’s Harmony”. This year he wrote and directed a new play, “Po’Boys Kitchen”, which premiered in March 2014. He continues to spark such critical dialogue and encourages his students to do the same. Jason Zeldes Jason is a documentary director and editor, best known for editing the 2013 Academy Award ® winning film, “Twenty Feet From Stardom”. The film earned Zeldes an ACE Award for Best Edited Documentary Feature, and led to other exciting collaborations, including work with the Oceanic Preservation Society on “Racing Extinction” which premiered at Sundance 2015. Prior to his editing career, Jason worked as an assistant to acclaimed filmmakers such as Doug Blush, Kirby Dick, and Patrick Creadon. “Romeo is Bleeding” is Jason’s directorial debut. Traficant: The Congressman of Crimetown Jim Traficant was a legendary quarterback turned mob busting Walking Tall Sheriff who rose to power on a platform of “honesty in politics”. He quickly ascended to the hallowed halls of Congress, becoming its most outspoken member. "Jimbo" as his die-hard supporters called him, was known for his polyester thrift store suits, shock top wigs, vulgar humor and profanity laced rhetoric against the FBI, IRS, and every president since Reagan. His one minute speeches made C-SPAN must see programming, as he signed off with his patented “Beam Me Up!” In his post-industrial hometown of Youngstown, Ohio -- dubbed Crimetown, USA for being the most mobbed up city in America -- "Jimbo" was a living legend, once garnering more than 90% of the vote. However, the eccentric maverick also had a dark side, becoming only the second Member of Congress expelled since the Civil War, eventually spending over seven years in federal prison on bribery and tax evasion charges. After serving seven years in federal prison, Traficant re-emerged in the public eye trumpeting his innocence – like a king returning from exile. In 2010, he ran against Congressman Tim Ryan and finished last, but did garner 30,000 votes! From the Rust Belt to the Tech Belt -- Youngstown is enjoying a comeback that’s earned worldwide media recognition and global investment. In fact, President Obama stated “A once-shuttered warehouse is now a state-of-the art lab where new workers are mastering 3D printing that has the potential to revolutionize everything.” Official Movie Site: http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d85342... Eric Murphy Eric Murphy is a filmmaker, and television writer/producer - with credits including History, CBS Sports, and Travel. His previous editing work includes docs for Warner Bros., and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Murphy developed his fascination with politics during his tenure on Congressman Tim Ryan’s State Senate campaign. Born and raised in Warren, Ohio, Murphy grew up listening to local legends about mobsters and crooked politicians. A proud alumnus of Youngstown State University, Murphy earned a MFA from Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles. Murphy's acclaimed debut feature documentary is based on notorious Ohio Congressman Jim Traficant, released theatrically in 2016. The Long Road to the Hall of Fame "The Long Road to the Hall of Fame" takes us on an entertaining journey with "The King" Brothers (Malik Farrakhan and Charles King) who are featured in the NFL Hall of Fame. "The Long Road" documents the life and Evolution of Tony King (Malik Farrakhan) from the NFL to starring in Major Hollywood Films (The Godfather, Sparkle, Sharky's Machine, Shaft) to currently traveling worldwide as Head of Security for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Group "Public Enemy". (Film Features Tony King/Malik Farrakhan , Chuck D, Flavor Flav and Charles King. Directed by Reda Zine). Movie Office Site: http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d853426... Reda Zine Reda Zine is pluridisciplinary artist (filmmaker, musician & professor) born in 1977 in Casablanca who now lives in Italy. In 1998, he was one of the founders of the biggest independent music festival in Africa called “L’Boulevard” of Casablanca and its magazine, L’Kounache (urban music and street culture), and in June 2012 he also became the first open source community co-builder in Morocco (Creative Commons Morocco and www.opentaqafa.cc (http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d85342...) ) and he’s also artistic director for Creative Commons MENA.He studied Arab Media at the Sorbonne in Paris, France and scriptwriting & directing at Cineteca di Bologna, Italy.In 2012 he directed “This is My Story. Or Ours?”: four documentaries produced for the EU on Awareness on Migration, development and human rights through local authorities in Bologna, Seville, Bucharest, and Riga.One of his main interests is censorship in the art of North Africa, Middle East, and beyond. Sink or Swim 70,000 people worldwide have Cystic Fibrosis. Over 100 people die each year from the disease. While most choose to live life in solitude, there are some who choose to live every day like it's their last regardless of the circumstances. This is Devin's inspiring story of hope and survival. Official Movie Site: http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d853426... Michael Cameneti Michael Cameneti is a Director/Editor from the Cleveland Ohio area. He has been making videos since he was 11 years old on his father's Super8mm camera, and producing films professionally for the last 15 years. Michael has a knack for telling stories that resonate with an audience. From initial concept & story, to the final touches of sound & color...each and every frame bleeds with emotion. Michael started as a musician at a very young age, and also quickly perfected his skill as a cinematographer. Through the years he has found his true voice as a director, with an understanding & feel for all aspects of making movies. Whether it is a brand film, commercial, short film or feature film, Michael's work stands out with a specific look and style that is sure to catch the audience’s attention. The Seeker A daughter's idyllic life is turned upside-down by immense tragedy. As she grows older, her cynicism and apathy towards her new reality is challenged by a reminder from the past that sets her on a pilgrimage that will define her. Official Movie Site: http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d85342... Jeff Johnson Jeff is a director, editor, cinematographer, entrepreneur, and founder of his young production company, Motion 117 Productions. Jeff graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor’s in Marketing in 2004. During and after his undergrad, he continued his adoration for the arts into music and photography while working in creative hot-spots like the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN. In 2007 he became production manager of the orchestral chamber rock band “Cloud Cult” and quickly was swept up in their creative expression. Since then, he has been collaborating with the group to regularly challenge the format of how the band interacts and engages their audience. The last two years have been busy: directing, editing, and shooting 2 feature films, and over 65 short films for various commercial, non-profit, and music clients in the region. In addition, Motion 117 produced a 4-part documentary series called "Stories from the Road” which tells stories of Cloud Cult fans who have overcome immense adversity and come out the other side. 2016 brings with it his first Narrative Feature that he wrote, directed, shot and edited titled, “The Seeker” which stars Josh Radnor of (How I Met Your Mother) and Alex McKenna (What Women Want). “The Seeker" has already won accolades and awards and is set to appear at various national and international film festivals. A More Civil War For four days in July 2016 the Republican National Convention convened in Cleveland, Ohio, bringing with it an estimated 50,000+ people including delegates, politicians, journalists, protestors and police. Amid growing security concerns, the secret service along with local authorities created an area dubbed “The Event Zone”– a city within the City of Cleveland inside which limited martial law applied. Geoff Yaw, a Director at Cleveland’s Think Media Studios using multiple crews trains his lens on characters emblematic of America’s deepest divisions. The compressed time of the four days of the convention and the compressed place of the Event Zone were used as a space in which to create an intimate and authentic snapshot of this turbulent moment in American history. The Trump phenomenon and America's current and most controversial divides are explored as they attempt to make sense of this complicated moment in American history. But rather than providing answers to the problems of our nation, A More Civil War, instead paints a picture for the audience to confront on its own. The message of the film is borrowed from the words of a popular activist chant: This Is What Democracy Looks Like. Official Site: http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d85342... Geoff Yaw Geoff Yaw is a Senior Producer/ Director at Cleveland’s Think Media Studios. His first feature length documentary, KING ME, premiered at the 36th Cleveland International Film Festival. The success of KING ME was followed up by the PBS documentary, STAGING SUCCESS: The Playhouse Square Story, which garnered 2 Emmy Awards. New for 2017 is the collaboration between CantonFilm.com and Reelate. Reelate is movies made for Stark County by Stark County about Stark County. In 2007, three Stark County, Ohio residents - Andrew Rudd, Jay Oldaker & Scott Meier decided to develop the dream of Reelate. The three of them procured a grant from Arts in Stark, and with the support of Malone University, mentored 5 storytellers to create microdocs that formed the basis of the Reelate project. Since 2007, Reelate has added over 20 stories made by 14 different filmmakers with ties to Stark County, Ohio. Reelate has partnered with Coming Together Stark County, the Canton Film Fest, and the Stark County District Library to create a prize for stories about individuals who add color to Stark County, called Stark Color Picture Prize. Films submitted to the 2017 Canton Film Fest will win prizes and their stories will be archived on reelate.org (http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d853426...) and at the Stark County District Library. For more information on this project please visit http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d85342... . About Cantonfilm.com Cantonfilm.com is dedicated to cultivating the talent within North East Ohio’s filmmaking and creative community. Through sponsoring events such as the Canton Film Fest 2011, as well as through education, Cantonfilm.com strives to put North East Ohio on the independent filmmaking map. About the Canton Palace Theatre Completed in 1926, the Canton Palace Theatre is a downtown architectural jewel registered on the National Historic Registry. A prized community venue for classic, contemporary and art films, The Palace annually hosts more than 300 special events, concerts, recitals and Broadway-style productions. For more information, please visit http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d853426... (http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d853426...) . The Palace is located at 605 Market Avenue North in Canton, Ohio. Business and box office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Business offices can be reached at (330) 454-8172 (tel:(330)%20454-8172) and a 24-Hour Recorded Event Information line is (330) 454-8171 (tel:(330)%20454-8171) . Find Out More (http://) ============================================================ ** (http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d853426...) ** (http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d85342...) ** (http://cantonfilm.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c16f29f02ccff6f6d853426...) ** (Cantonfilm.com) Copyright © 2017 Canton Film Festival, All rights reserved. To hear about exciting updates about the Canton Film Festival. Our mailing address is: Canton Film Festival 605 Market Ave N None Canton, OH 44702 USA Want to change how you receive these emails? 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