CIFF Speaks

CIFF48 will mark the end of an era, with Executive Director Marcie Goodman and Associate Director Patrick Shepherd both stepping down after more than two decades of Festival leadership. Our friend Mike Miller of Music Box Supper Club invited the celebrated duo to reminisce about some of their favorite CIFF stories over the years. Our sincere thanks to Mike Miller and Music Box Supper Club's Cleveland Stories Dinner Parties series. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Today we talk with Paul Sloop, better known as "The Shorts Guy." As CIFF's Short Films Lead Programmer, Paul and his team watch thousands of films a year in order to bring the best of the best in independent short films to CIFF. Listen in as he gives us behind-the-scenes information on how the team puts together more than 20 short film programs each year for our Academy-qualifying Festival. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Canadian filmmaker Kim Albright joins us today to talk about her absurdist sci-fi comedy, WITH LOVE AND A MAJOR ORGAN. Based on a play by the same name, Kim talks through the inspiration behind - and message of - this modern, dystopian-esque exploration of loneliness in the digital era. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

We're in conversation today with Stephanie Kaznocha, writer and director of the hilarious short film Confessions. We listen in as Stephanie talks about her prior connection to CIFF, and how audiences are reacting to this award-winning short film.  CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Today we speak with Fawzia Mirza, the director of THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS. We ask Fawzia about her journey from practicing lawyer to celebrated director, and when her love of the arts began. Fawzia also dives into some of the nuances incorporated throughout the film to help tell the story of the complex dynamic of the mother-daughter relationship. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Powerhouse writer, director, producer, and non-profit founder Tamika Lamison joins us today to discuss her short film Superman Doesn't Steal. Tamika discusses how the film came to be, and how it grew from the intersection of two of her passions: filmmaking and service. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Academy Award Winner Steve Bognar joins us in conversation today as we take a walk down memory lane. CIFF audiences first met Steve in 1996 with his film PERSONAL BELONGINGS, and met his partner - the legendary Julia Reichert, who sadly passed away in December 2023 - in 2006 with their wildly loved documentary A LION IN THE HOUSE. Over the years, the duo brought their compelling films to CIFF screens, including AMERICAN FACTORY, for which they won an Oscar. Listen in as we discuss our very special program, CELEBRATING JULIA REICHERT: HER LIFE AND LEGACY, as well as the return of 9TO5: STORY OF A MOVEMENT as part of the Festival's newest program, CIFF Retro. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

On today's episode we speak with director Corey Sherman about his feature film debut BIG BOYS. Corey talks about taking a more compassionately comedic approach when telling the story of queer self-awakening, and the sweet awkwardness of experiencing your first crush. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Today our co-hosts Dee Perry and Aaron Spears are joined by Joanna Rudnick, director of STORY & PICTURES BY. Joanna discusses the role picture books play beyond childhood nostalgia, and the importance of them in the reading journey. Listen in as we take a stroll down memory lane through the magic of picture books. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

In this episode we are joined by director Emily Sheskin to discuss her modern day boxing story, JESSZILLA. Emily revisits the process of documenting Jesselyn Silva's journey from a 9-year-old boxing prodigy to her three-peat as a national champion, and the hit no one saw coming. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Season Six of CIFF Speaks kicks off with a rockstar of a conversation as co-hosts Dee Perry and Aaron Spears talk with Jeff Dupre, director of THIS IS A STORY ABOUT THE BLACK KEYS. A documentary about one of Ohio's most beloved success stories, you guessed it - The Black Keys - Jeff discusses how he went about telling the story of Akron natives Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney's rise to fame from basement jam sessions to sold out arenas.  CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Join us in celebrating Black History Month with Lights, Camera, Unity: Celebrating Black Stories, presented in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival. The two-hour shorts program available for streaming Feb 1-4 - is a compilation of powerful short films that recognize the significance and distinction of Black experiences in America. Our guests today are the Executive Director of GCUFF Donna Dabbs, and Associate Director of CIFF Patrick Shephard. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

In partnership with 26.2 TO LIFE, CIFF is thrilled to announce the film's Virtual Premiere streaming today through Tuesday, October 2nd. To celebrate, we have a bonus episode with the film's director Christine Yoo and featured subject Markelle “The Gazelle” Taylor. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

CIFF47 alum – and the recipient of its ReelWomenDirect Award for Excellence in Directing By a Woman – 26.2 TO LIFE is back on the big screen in Cleveland as part of the 2023 Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, taking place September 14th-22nd. Director Christine Yoo and featured subject Markelle "the Gazelle" Taylor join hosts Dee Perry and Aaron Spears to discuss the experience of training for and documenting one of the most unique marathons in the country, the San Quentin State Prison 1,000 Miles Club. Here is the San Quentin Mixtape that Christine mentions. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

On today's episode Dee and Aaron speak with a return guest, CIFF's own Shorts Programming Manager, Paul Sloop! Paul talks about the journey of programming CIFF47's 199 short films, traveling to festivals post-pandemic, and how film fans can get the most out of CIFF47 Streams, taking place April 2nd - 9th. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Today we are joined by Saim Sadiq, director of Pakistan's official Oscar® selection and winner of the Cannes 2022 Queer Palm, JOYLAND. Layered with forbidden love, despair, and a painfully dysfunctional family dynamic, this drama brings to light the crushing weight of gender norms when living underneath an oppressively patriarchal structure. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Today's episode of CIFF Speaks sits down with Camille Hardman, one of the directors of CIFF47 film STILL WORKING 9 TO 5. We get a behind-the-scenes look at the seminal film's production, its adaptations, and how it popularized feminism in the workplace. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

On this episode we are joined by directors of the CIFF47 film MAX ROACH: THE DRUM ALSO WALTZES, Sam Pollard and Ben Shapiro. The directors tell the story of influential jazz drummer Max Roach, whose timeless music and cultural activism spanned across seven decades, and changed the landscape of America. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Today we are joined by director Sophie Kargman, who takes us behind the scenes of her thrilling, unpredictable, and darkly humorous CIFF47 film SUSIE SEARCHES. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

On today's episode we speak with Bryan Darling and Jesse Finley Reed, directors of the CIFF47 film ALL MAN: THE INTERNATIONAL MALE STORY. Listen in as they talk about the impact the late-20th-century mail-order catalog, International Male, had on reshaping the popular image of the queer male American life. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

We are joined today by director Trevor Anderson to discuss his debut feature film BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND. The film takes on the complexity of the gender binary with the touching and retro story of young American androgynous teen Robin. Set to a killer 80s synth soundtrack, BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND illustrates the unthinkable lows one can travel to for the sake of acceptance. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Today we are joined by the director of CIFF47 film IT'S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL, Alexandria Bombach. Alexandria gives us a backstage pass into the making of her film which celebrates the music, activism, and impact of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, the legendary queer folk-rock duo the Indigo Girls. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Lisa Cortés – director of CIFF47 film LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING – discusses how a Black, queer rockstar lived his life as a trailblazer, and whose complex legacy transformed the music industry forever. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Today we are joined by Henna Taylor, director of CIFF47 film AN ACCIDENTAL LIFE. The film follows the journey of esteemed rock climber Quinn Brett after her fall from the granite face of Yosemite National Park's famed El Capitan. What follows is a story of self-doubt and relentless resilience as Brett is determined to find—and advocate for—the quality of life she and other spinal cord injury survivors deserve. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

Today we speak with acclaimed documentarian Gabriela Cowperthwaite about her CIFF47 film THE GRAB. As food becomes the future's most powerful weapon, THE GRAB asks who else is snatching up farmable acreage, and what means will those in power use to hoard the remaining resources on Earth? CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Donate

FilmSlam® is CIFF's oldest education program, working with educators to serve students grades 5th – 12th. Learn more about this celebrated program – and how to get involved – with this episode of CIFF Speaks®, featuring CIFF's Education Director Gabby Burrage, and Instructor of Film, Media Arts, and Communications, and FilmSlam Streams Conversations Moderator, Eric Siler. CIFF Speaks® is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary is CIFF's one-of-a-kind event where attendees help program the upcoming Festival – CIFF's Get Shorty, sponsored by Huntington! On this episode Dee and Aaron speak with the man himself – the emcee of the event, CIFF's Shorts Film Programming Manager Paul Sloop. Listen in as we relive some of the most memorable Get Shorty moments. CIFF's Get Shorty will take place Friday, February 3rd at 7:00pm at Playhouse Square. Tickets at ClevelandFilm.org CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with Short Films Programming Manager Paul Sloop.  We discuss the screening process for the Short Films Programming Team, the unexpected benefits of meeting on Zoom, and how easy it is to access films with CIFF Streams.   CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with DReam Maker Award winner and FRAMING AGNESS Director Chase Joynt.  We discuss the role research plays in shaping our various histories, the importance of exploring archival material from a variety of vantage points, and the way various recording technologies can be portals to both intimacy and alienation. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with KRIMES Director Alysa Nahmias. We discuss how the prison system can still hold onto a person even after their released, the innate creativity within all human beings, and the creation of the incredible murals in Philadelphia featured in the film. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with Americanized director Erica Eng. We discuss her compulsion to know every character's motivation, utilizing commercial directing gigs to hone her skills, and the importance of including small details to give a film real texture. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with SIRENS Director Rita Baghdadi.   We discuss the power of live music when documenting a band, the creative discoveries that can happen in the editing process, and the difference between making an experiential film versus a didactic one.     CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with MAMA BEARS Director Daresha Kyi. We discuss how deep listening is an essential skill when making a documentary,  the emotional power of a simple hug, and how some of life's journeys require personal transformation.   CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with QUICKENING Director Haya Waseem.  We discuss how Haya finds inspiration for her shot list by exploring the emotional space of her characters, creating a state of mind for the audience of the film, and the importance of finding the perfect title early on in the creative process. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube   

On this episode CIFF Speaks with The Inventor director Philip Musey, producer Cabral Clements, and Sandra Morgan - the granddaughter of the film's subject Garrett Morgan. We discuss how creating art can provide hope during trying times, creating a 1916 production design on a short film budget, and the unexpected value of digging deep into family history.   CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with DAUGHTER OF A LOST BIRD Director Brooke Pepion Swaney and Subject/Producer Kendra Mylnechuk Potter.  We discuss how Kendra recorded the worst voicemail ever, the haunting nature of 1950's Bureau of Indian Affairs propaganda films, and the differences between having an ethnicity and being a political minority. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.   Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with INHOSPITABLE Director Sandra Alvarez. We discuss the overlooked role nonprofit hospital monopolies play in our broken healthcare system, how advocates for change are making progress, and Sandra's first documentary shoot when she was eight years old.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with FREE RENTY: LANIER V HARVARD Director David Grubin and Subject Tammy Lanier. We discuss the power of storytelling to keep family history alive, the discovery of the daguerreotypes of Papa Renty, and how many additional artifacts Harvard is still holding. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with PEACE BY CHOCOLATE Director Jonathan Keijser and Actor Ayham Ammar. We discuss the emotional journey of adapting the true story of the Hadhad family, working with the late Hatem Ali, and what it's like to film in Northern Canada in the middle of winter. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with the Features Programming Team: CIFF Artistic Director Mallory Martin, Neha Aziz, Ivonne Cotorruelo and Brett Reiter. We discuss how each member got their start in film programming as well as their overall approach to selecting the feature films presented at CIFF46. Link to YouTube video of each programmers picks for CIFF46. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with the Festival's Executive Director Mary Goodman and Playhouse Square's President and CEO Gina Vernaci. We discuss what it's like for CIFF to be a resident company in Playhouse Square as well as what the film watching experience will be like for CIFF46. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

On this episode CIFF Speaks with the Festival's Associate Director Patrick Shepherd and Marketing & Media Director Debby Samples about what to expect at the first in-person Festival at Playhouse Square.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

Today CIFF Speaks with one of the co-directos of TOPOWA! – NEVER GIVE UP, Philip Sansom. The enchanting and inspiring documentary, follows 12 young teacher-musicians on their incredible journey from the streets of Katwe to play a live concert in London alongside renowned trumpet player Wynton Marsalis.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. Click to Support TOPOWA! - NEVER GIVE UP CIFF45 Challenge Match Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

Today CIFF Speaks with director Yael Bridge and featured subject DiCarlo Johnson from a documentary that tackles a political and social movement that has surprisingly deep roots in the U.S., THE BIG SCARY "S" WORD.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. CIFF45 Challenge Match Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

Today on CIFF Speaks, sponsored by Wayside Furniture, we share the recording of our CIFF45 Streams Closing Awards Ceremony. Listen in as our esteemed juried competition and coveted audience choice award winners are announced. Bring Film Home with this very special episode.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. CIFF45 Challenge Match Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube   

Today CIFF Speaks to Shannon DeVido one of the comedic stars of our Closing Night Film, BEST SUMMER EVER. Shannon talks about her experience on stage as a “musical theatre nerd” and in front of the camera in her slew of TV and film appearances. Shannon also discusses the importance of inclusivity, and how this cast brought such a high-energy performance to life.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. CIFF45 Challenge Match Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

Today CIFF Speaks with director and producer Dia Sokol Savage and featured subject Sarah Jackson, founder of Casa de Paz, about the documentary Welcome Strangers.  Listen in as we discuss filming intimate moments, asking total strangers to trust you and what it takes to changes hearts and minds.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. CIFF45 Challenge Match Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

Today CIFF Speaks with Sabrina Doyle, the writer-director of the award-winning narrative feature, LORELEI.  It's a mesmerizing and moving working-class fable about love, regret and second chances.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. CIFF45 Challenge Match Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

Today CIFF Speaks with co-directors and cinematographers Travis Pollert and Jacob Kostelli of OPEN HEARTS, a documentary that takes us on a life-saving medical mission to a pediatric hospital in Haiti. CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. CIFF45 Challenge Match Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

Today CIFF Speaks with acclaimed director Carlos López Estrada and featured subjects of SUMMERTIME, Estrada’s second feature film and CIFF’s Inaugural Centerpiece Film. Described as a “love letter to L.A.,” the film is full of light, color, and beautifully crafted language, while spotlighting the talented youth poets of L.A.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. CIFF45 Challenge Match Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube 

Today CIFF Speaks with the Festival's inaugural Groundbreaker Award Recipient Ashley O'Shay about her feature film debut UNAPOLOGETIC. This powerful documentary follows the lives of two two young activists maturing into Black woman organizers at the helm of powerful grassroots movements.  CIFF Speaks is sponsored by Wayside Furniture. CIFF45 Challenge Match Facebook / Twitter / IG / YouTube