Taking W.E.B. Du Bois to LightReel Film Festival | Why Festivals Still Matter

Taking W.E.B. Du Bois to LightReel Film Festival | Why Festivals Still MatterWhat makes film festivals so important—for filmmakers, audiences, and the future of storytelling?In this special field episode of Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS), award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn takes listeners along to Washington, D.C.'s LightReel Film Festival, where W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause screened as the Closing Night Film. From airport departures and festival venues to conversations with filmmakers, audiences, and festival founder Tim Gordon, Rita shares an inside look at the role film festivals play in building community, launching careers, and creating opportunities for stories to be seen.Along the way, she offers practical advice to an emerging filmmaker, reflects on the enduring relevance of W.E.B. Du Bois, and explains why film festivals remain one of the most important spaces for independent filmmakers and film lovers alike.In This EpisodeTraveling from Chicago to Washington, D.C. for the LightReel Film FestivalMeeting festival founder Tim GordonExploring the Union Market District and festival atmosphereWhy every film festival has its own personality and purposePractical filmmaking advice for emerging storytellersThe importance of networking, mentorship, and audience engagementRita's post-screening conversation about the legacy of W.E.B. Du BoisWhy film festivals are essential for filmmakers seeking audiences and opportunitiesHow festivals expose audiences to stories from around the worldKey Moments00:00 – Heading to Washington, D.C. for the LightReel Film Festival 01:32 – Meeting festival founder Tim Gordon 01:49 – What makes film festivals unique 03:10 – Advice for an aspiring filmmaker 04:08 – Audience Q&A: The enduring legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois 05:42 – Exploring the Union Market District 05:58 – Why film festivals matter for filmmakers 07:20 – Rita's recommendation for filmmakers and film lovers 08:05 – Closing reflections on storytelling and mediaMemorable Quote"Film festivals are for the filmmakers first and foremost. Otherwise there would be some films that would never have an audience."📣 Resources / LinksWatch W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause on American Mastershttps://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/w-e-b-du-bois-documentary/34807/Watch the W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause trailerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMsik6rDQMLearn more about Kathryn Bostichttps://www.kathrynbostic.comWatch Our Truth, Our History, Our Story on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240Listen to the podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323/episodesTranscript available herehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323Stay connected with Rita Coburnhttps://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmediaUpcoming events and screeningshttps://www.ritacoburn.com/upcoming-eventsDownload event photoshttps://www.ritacoburn.com/event-photosSocial Media Toolkithttps://www.ritacoburn.com/social-media-tool-kitFeatured FilmW.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause Written, Produced & Directed by Rita CoburnAbout Our THSOur Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling today. Through conversations with artists, scholars, filmmakers, historians, and changemakers, the series uncovers the stories that inspire, challenge, and connect us.Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, Our THS creates space for meaningful conversations about history, culture, creativity, and the stories that define who we are.Connect & SubscribeSubscribe for new episodes and conversations exploring history, culture, creativity, and storytelling.If you enjoy the podcast, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join us for future episodes of Our Truth, Our History, Our Story.YouTube Music by Damien Sebe - vintage - https://thmatc.co/?l=643AC1F9