E14: CinéWild: Queer Cinema, Community, and Courage with DR Mann-Hanson

Episode Summary Join host David Smith in conversation with DR Mann-Hanson (he/him), founder of CinéWild, a vibrant Dallas-based queer film series dedicated to showcasing films made by LGBTQ creators. From its origins as a protest alternative in 2014 to a beloved community space celebrating queer artistry, CinéWild combines film, education, and engagement to transform how queer cinema is experienced. DR shares insights on vulnerability, activism, and the power of authentic storytelling in challenging times. Keywords Queer cinema Cinewild LGBTQ film series Queer art and activism Dallas queer community Film curation Queer storytelling Texas Theater Vulnerability and art Independent queer filmmakers Key Takeaways CinéWild originated in 2014 as a protest alternative to Ender’s Game due to author Orson Scott Card’s homophobia, premiering with a screening of the queer-crafted film CORRECT THIS! DR Mann-Hanson curates films based not only on queer themes but on the involvement of queer creators behind the scenes, honoring queer artists historically absent from mainstream recognition. The Texas Theater, a longtime film advocate in Dallas, serves as a supportive venue with a history of screening auteur cinema, helping CinéWild grow its audience while expanding the theater’s LGBTQ film offerings. CinéWild intentionally creates safe, brave spaces that encourage vulnerability, inviting audiences to connect deeply with queer narratives in a communal setting. In responding to criticism about problematic content, CinéWild embraces education and community dialogue rather than censorship, facilitating reflection on historical context and contemporary values. Despite operating in an often hostile cultural climate for queer people in Texas, CinéWild maintains authenticity without reactionary fear, focusing on building community resilience and joy. Funding has evolved from volunteer passion to securing city arts grants, enabling CinéWild to compensate queer artists and grow toward becoming a nonprofit organization. DR’s theater background informs his storytelling approach and ability to engage audiences dynamically, blending administrative and creative roles within the Dallas arts scene. His advice to queer artists is to ground their work in personal identity and values, embrace authenticity and curiosity, and not be constrained by traditional definitions of art. Episode Chapters 01:00 CinéWild's origin as protest against Orson Scott Card’s homophobia 04:00 The “Three E’s” framework: education, entertainment, engagement 07:00 The community ball inspired by Paris is Burning 10:30 Importance of Texas Theater as a queer-friendly venue 13:00 Highlighting queer creators behind the camera, not just on screen 16:40 Activist rationale of film programming (example: Birdcage vs Reagan movie) 25:00 Navigating criticism and fostering community dialogue 33:50 Positioning CinéWild as a counter-narrative in hostile environments like Texas 41:30 Funding, grants, and pathway to becoming a nonprofit 44:30 CinéWild's legacy hopes and creating generative queer film community 53:10 Rapid Fire: DR’s creative inspirations and reflections 61:50 Vision for CinéWild's future and closing thoughts Guest Info CinéWild on Facebook CinéWild on Instagram Resources & Connect with Art in the Raw Support on Patreon Newsletter on Substack Art in the Raw on Twitter Art in the Raw on Instagram Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts   Stay Connected with Salon Naturale! 
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