EP021 - LIFE AFTER with Reid Davenport and Colleen Cassingham

Two-time Sundance winner Reid Davenport is in town with his new film LIFE AFTER. We were excited to book time with Reid and his producer Colleen Cassingham for a  sit-down with Keith at the Austin Film Society Cinema. Reid shares the story behind what drew him to telling this complex story about the issues attached to state sanctioned assisted suicide and talks about his early filmmaking days where questions of identity and politics shaped him as a filmmaker with a unique perspective. Both Reid and Colleen appear on-camera in LIFE AFTER and we dig into that process, their respective roles, and how their story (& they) changed along the way. This is a film supported by ITVS and airing this Fall on Independent Lens and so of course, the recent cuts to CPB are in the air—but it's not all politics on this episode. We also dig into the filmmakers and films that inspired these two filmmakers and find plenty to laugh about together. Join us for a look at LIFE AFTER and life on the road with Reid Davenport and Colleen Cassingham. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 00:44 Setting the Scene: Austin Film Society Cinema 01:21 Introducing the Film 'Life After' 03:23 Challenges and Strategies in Film Distribution 06:27 Impact of Public Media Cuts 08:56 Exploring the Film's Themes and Personal Reflections 13:33 Production Process and Personal Insights 24:24 The Tension of Filmmaking 25:07 Exploring Disability in Film 25:45 Inspiration and Filmmaking Journey 31:15 The Role of Mentors 40:07 Practical Advice for Emerging Filmmakers 44:33 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude