True/False Film Fest

True/False Film Fest
Name	True/False Film Fest
Location	Columbia, Missouri
Founded	2004
Founder	Paul Sturtz, David Wilson

True/False Film Fest is a documentary film festival held annually in Columbia, Missouri, showcasing a diverse range of documentary films from around the world, including works by Errol Morris, Laura Poitras, and Alex Gibney. The festival has become a prominent event in the documentary film community, attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and SXSW. With a focus on innovative storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship, the festival has featured films such as The Act of Killing, The Look of Silence, and Citizenfour, which have gone on to receive critical acclaim and win awards at festivals like Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards. The festival's programming also includes workshops, panels, and masterclasses with industry professionals like Werner Herzog, D.A. Pennebaker, and Chris Hegedus.

Introduction

The True/False Film Fest was founded in 2004 by Paul Sturtz and David Wilson, with the goal of creating a unique and intimate festival experience that would showcase the best of documentary film and provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work. The festival has since grown to become one of the most respected and popular documentary film festivals in the world, attracting attendees from New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Austin, Texas. The festival's success can be attributed to its careful curation of films, which have included works by acclaimed directors like Frederick Wiseman, Barbara Kopple, and Steve James. The festival has also hosted Q&A sessions and workshops with industry professionals like Albert Maysles, Joan Churchill, and Rob Epstein.

History

The first True/False Film Fest was held in 2004, featuring a lineup of 20 films, including works by Ross McElwee, Robb Moss, and Peter Davis. The festival was initially held at the Blue Note (Missouri), a historic music venue in Columbia, Missouri, and has since expanded to include multiple venues across the city, including the Missouri Theatre and the Ragtag Cinema. Over the years, the festival has grown in size and scope, with a increasing number of films, attendees, and industry professionals participating in the event. The festival has also become a launching pad for new films, with many world premieres taking place at the festival, including films like The Cove, The September Issue, and Super Size Me, which have gone on to receive critical acclaim and win awards at festivals like Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, and Hot Docs.

Festival Programming

The True/False Film Fest features a diverse range of documentary films, including short films, feature films, and experimental films. The festival's programming is curated by a team of experienced programmers, who select films based on their artistic merit, technical quality, and relevance to contemporary issues and themes. The festival has featured films on a wide range of topics, including social justice, environmental issues, and personal stories, and has included works by filmmakers like Michael Moore, Spike Lee, and Mira Nair. The festival also includes a range of special events, including concerts, parties, and workshops, which provide attendees with opportunities to engage with filmmakers and industry professionals, such as Sheila Nevins, Simon Kilmurry, and Tabitha Jackson.

Notable Films and Guests

The True/False Film Fest has featured a wide range of notable films and guests over the years, including The Imposter, The Queen of Versailles, and Blackfish, which have gone on to receive critical acclaim and win awards at festivals like Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Emmy Awards. The festival has also hosted Q&A sessions and workshops with industry professionals like Alex Gibney, Laura Poitras, and Errol Morris, who have shared their insights and experiences with attendees. Other notable guests have included Werner Herzog, D.A. Pennebaker, and Chris Hegedus, who have participated in panels and masterclasses and provided attendees with valuable advice and guidance. The festival has also featured films by emerging filmmakers, such as Bing Liu, RaMell Ross, and Talal Derki, who have gone on to receive critical acclaim and win awards at festivals like Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, and IDFA.

Organization and Impact

The True/False Film Fest is organized by a team of experienced staff and volunteers, who work together to plan and execute the festival. The festival is a non-profit organization, and relies on the support of sponsors, donors, and volunteers to operate. The festival has a significant impact on the local community, attracting thousands of attendees to Columbia, Missouri each year and generating revenue for local businesses, such as The Blue Note (Missouri), Ragtag Cinema, and The Missouri Theatre. The festival also provides opportunities for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals, and has become a launching pad for new films and careers, with many attendees going on to work with organizations like PBS, HBO, and Netflix.

Awards and Recognition

The True/False Film Fest has received numerous awards and recognition for its contributions to the documentary film community, including the Governor's Award for Excellence in Film and the Missouri Arts Award. The festival has also been recognized by industry organizations, such as the International Documentary Association and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and has been named one of the top documentary film festivals in the world by The Guardian, The New York Times, and Variety. The festival's success has also been recognized by filmmakers, who have praised the festival for its supportive and inclusive environment, and its commitment to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking documentary films, such as The Look of Silence, Citizenfour, and The Act of Killing, which have gone on to receive critical acclaim and win awards at festivals like Academy Awards, BAFTA Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards.

Category:Film festivals in the United States