Welcome
Jane Minarovic
Founder & Festival Director
Welcome to the inaugural Inspire Film Festival!
The idea to bring these extraordinary films
to The Woodlands began when I went to my
favorite film festival, Telluride Mountainfilm in
Colorado with a couple of friends. The first
film we saw happened to be “Landfill
Harmonic” — and it changed both the course
of our trip and the direction of my life. We
spent many hours sitting on the porch and
discussing Favio, the man in the film who saw
a need and was inspired to act — and through
a simple act of kindness, ends up transforming
the lives of many children. We wondered what
would have happened to those kids if he would
not have been there. We wondered what would
happen if there were more people like him. We
wondered how WE could be like him, and we
wished our kids and our friends could see this
film and feel, like us, that spark of inspiration.
Fast forward a year and here you are, about to
enjoy “Landfill Harmonic” and a list of incredible
films that will fill your soul, and, I hope, light a
spark of your own.
Thank you for supporting the Inspire Film
Festival...the first of many inspirational years
to come!
Jane
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Contents
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Director’s Welcome
Program Contents
How to Festival
Films
Film Schedule
Sponsors
Festival Team
Festival Map
Photo from UNBRANDED
How To Festival
1.
Wear your pass proudly. It is colorful.
It is comfortable. It makes you look cool.
2.
Keep your program in your back pocket.
We designed it to fit in both skinny jeans
and Wranglers.
3.
Check the mobile website frequently
for possible changes in the schedule.
InspireFilmFest.com
4.
Bring friends to see the shorts* program
on Thursday at Waterway Square.
5.
Get in the line for your chosen film
at least 20-30 minutes EARLY.
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6.
Put your phone away and TALK
to the people in line around you!
They are your neighbors. The ones
you sometimes wave to on your way in
and out of the neighborhood. Ask them
what they have seen. Tell them what you
liked. Create a buzz.
7.
If the theater looks like it’s filling up, grab
the first seats you see. If you’re with a group
of friends and family, be prepared to sit apart.
8.
Enjoy the film. Enjoy the feelings. Real men
DO cry a little.
9.
When the film is over, show some love!
Chances are, the filmmaker or star of the
story is in the audience. Clap, cheer,
whoop like a Texan!
10.
If the emcee tells you there will be a special
guest — Don’t Leave! You’re in for something
special. We have some real heroes coming
this weekend.
* Shorts are films lasting 5-15 min. They are
not tiny movies. They are big stories that
can be told in a short amount of time.
Photo from MILE 19
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Films
Directors
Alive Inside
Michael Rossato-Bennett
Almost Sunrise
Michael Collins
Becoming Bulletproof
Michael Barnett
Buck
Edges
Frame by Frame
Cindy Meehl
Katie Stjernholm
Alexandria Bombach &
Mo Scarpelli
I Am Able
Landfill Harmonic
Life, Animated
Mile 19
Pronghorn Revival
Sun Dog
The Diplomat
The Eagle Huntress
The Wrestling Cholita
Throw
Jacob Seigel-Boettner
Brad Allgood
Roger Ross Williams
Vince DeLuca
Ben Masters
Ben Sturge
David Holbrooke
Otto Bell
Harri Grace
Darren Durlach &
Dave Larsen
Unbranded
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Phil Baribeau
Photo from BECOMING BULLETPROOF
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ALIVE INSIDE
Michael Rossato-Bennett
ALIVE INSIDE is a joyous cinematic
exploration of music’s ability to reawaken our
souls and uncover the deepest parts of our
humanity. Filmmaker Michael RossatoBennet chronicles the astonishing responses
of individuals who have been revitalized
through the simple experience of listening to
music. His camera reveals the uniquely
human connection we find in music and how
its healing power can triumph where
prescription medication falls short. (99 mins.)
Saturday
3:30 pm Cinemark 17
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Photo from Sun Dog
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ALMOST SUNRISE
Michael Collins
ALMOST SUNRISE tells the inspiring story of
two young men, who, in an attempt to put their
haunting Iraq combat experiences behind
them, embark on an extraordinary journey — a
2,700-mile trek on foot across America. While
the film exposes some of the brutality of war,
it doesn’t dwell there. It’s ultimately a story of
hope and potential solutions. (98 mins.)
Recommended Age 14+ (Language and some
graphic images of war)
In Attendance: Tom Voss and Michael Collins,
Director
Friday
7:00 pm Cinemark 17 (with MILE 19)
Saturday
9:00 pm Cinemark 17 (with MILE 19)
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BECOMING BULLETPROOF
Michael Barnett
BECOMING BULLETPROOF documents the
making of an original Western film called
“Bulletproof Jackson,” that features actors
with and without disabilities who meet every
year at Zeno Mountain Farm (ZMF) to write,
produce, and star in original short films.
Founded by two brothers and their wives,
Zeno Mountain Farm’s philosophy is to create a truly inclusive community that builds
genuine friendships that transcend stigma
and stereotypes. For them, their films aren’t
about making a statement; “It’s all about
making awesome movies.” (82 mins.)
In Attendance: AJ Murray and Cynthia Murray
Saturday
6:00 pm The Woodlands United Methodist Church — Harvest
Sunday
4:00 pm Cinemark Market Street
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BUCK
Cindy Meehl
BUCK, a richly textured and visually
stunning film, follows Buck Branneman from
his abusive childhood to his phenomenally
successful approach to horses. A real-life
“horse-whisperer,” he eschews the violence
of his upbringing and teaches people to
communicate with their horses through
leadership and sensitivity, not punishment.
(88 mins.)
Sunday
1:30 pm Cinemark 17 (with THROW)
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EDGES
Katie Stjernholm
EDGES Yvonne learned to skate on a lake in
Colorado as a young girl and rose to fame as an
international performer in the Ice Capades.
She never officially retired, continuing to skate
in figure skating competitions until age 90 — even
after suffering major injuries. “Edges” is a cinematic
tribute to a long life well lived. (10 mins.)
Thursday
6:45 pm Waterway Amphitheater
Saturday
3:30 pm Cinemark Market Street
(with THE EAGLE HUNTRESS)
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FRAME BY FRAME
Alexandria Bombach &
Mo Scarpelli
FRAME BY FRAME After decades of war and
an oppressive Taliban regime, four Afghan
photojournalists face the realities of building
a free press in a country left to stand on its
own — reframing Afghanistan for the world
and themselves. (85 mins.)
In Attendance: Massoud Hossaini, Pulitzer
Prize-winning photojournalist from the film.
Friday
8:40 pm Cinemark Market Street (with I AM ABLE)
Saturday
6:00 pm Cinemark 17 (with I AM ABLE)
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I AM ABLE
Jacob Seigel-Boettner
I AM ABLE In 1994, Frederick Ndabaramiye’s
home country of Rwanda was torn apart. In
100 days, over 1 million people were killed in a
horrific genocide. “I Am Able” tells the story of
a young man’s incredible recovery in the face
of overwhelming odds. In his own words and
images, Frederick teaches us that we are all
able — able to hope, able to forgive and able
to overcome. (13 mins.)
Thursday
6:45 pm Waterway Amphitheater
Friday
8:40 pm Cinemark Market Street
(with FRAME BY FRAME)
Saturday
6:00 pm Cinemark 17 (with FRAME BY FRAME)
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LANDFILL HARMONIC
Brad Allgood
LANDFILL HARMONIC follows the Recycled
Orchestra of Cateura, a Paraguayan musical
group that plays instruments made entirely
out of garbage. When their story goes viral,
the orchestra is catapulted into the global
spotlight. Under the guidance of idealistic
music director Favio Chávez, the orchestra
must navigate a strange new world of
arenas and sold-out concerts. However,
when a natural disaster strikes their
community, Favio must find a way to keep
the orchestra intact and provide a source of
hope for their town. The film is a testimony to
the transformative power of music and the
resilience of the human spirit. (84 mins.)
In Attendance: Members of the Recycled
Orchestra of Cateura and their teacher and
conductor Favio Chávez.
Friday
6:00 pm The Woodlands United Methodist Church ­­— Harvest (with THE WRESTLING CHOLITA)
Saturday
3:40 pm Cinemark 17
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(with THE WRESTLING CHOLITA)
LIFE, ANIMATED
Roger Ross Williams
LIFE, ANIMATED From Academy Award®
winning director Roger Ross Williams, “LIFE,
ANIMATED” is the inspirational story of Owen
Suskind, a young man who was unable to
speak as a child until he and his family
discovered a unique way to communicate by
immersing themselves in the world of classic
Disney animated films. This emotional
coming-of-age story follows Owen as he
graduates to adulthood and takes his first
steps toward independence. (91 mins.)
Saturday
1:00 pm Cinemark 17
Sunday
1:40 pm Cinemark 17
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MILE 19
Vincent DeLuca
MILE 19 Some people run for exercise, others
for competition, but Johnnie Jameson runs to
heal. Scarred by the violence he witnessed while
serving in the Vietnam War, Johnnie returned to
America seeking peace. He found himself
working for the United States Postal Service and
decided to enter the first LA Marathon in 1986
and run it backward. Since then, Johnnie has run
every LA marathon consecutively, earning him
the title of “Legacy Runner.” As he prepares for
his 30th race, Johnnie must face his aging body
and dig deeper than ever before to push forward.
(10 mins.)
In Attendance: Johnnie Jameson
Thursday
6:45 pm Waterway Amphitheater
Friday
7:00 pm Cinemark 17 (with ALMOST SUNRISE)
Saturday
9:00 pm Cinemark 17 (with ALMOST SUNRISE)
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PRONGHORN REVIVAL
Ben Masters
PRONGHORN REVIVAL The West Texas
pronghorn population has dwindled since
1980 from 17,000 to a mere 3,000.
See how Texas Parks and Wildlife officials
capture and transport more than a hundred
pronghorns from an abundant herd in the
Panhandle to revive a dwindling herd near
Marfa, Texas, and why this is so important to
the fragile ecosystem. (7 mins.)
Thursday
6:45 pm Waterway Amphitheater
Saturday
8:40 pm Cinemark Market Street
(with UNBRANDED)
Sunday
4:00 pm Cinemark 17
(with UNBRANDED)
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SUN DOG
Ben Sturge
SUN DOG In the snow-capped peaks overlooking
Bariloche, Argentina, Refugio Frey is the only
protection from the ravaging winds, drawing
wanderers of all sorts to its doors. When a dog
named Conga arrives and leads skier Santiago
Guzman into the hills with her infectious energy,
the windswept landscape becomes a backdrop
for the pure joy of two mountain souls sharing a
day in the wild. (6 mins.)
Thursday
6:45 Waterway Amphitheater
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THE DIPLOMAT
David Holbrooke
THE DIPLOMAT tells the remarkable story of
the life and legacy of Ambassador Richard
Holbrooke, whose singular career spanned
fifty years of American foreign policy — from
Vietnam to Afghanistan. Told through the
perspective of his eldest son David, the
documentary takes you behind the scenes of
high-stakes diplomacy where peace is waged,
and wars are ended. (103 mins.)
In Attendance: David Holbrooke, Director
Saturday
1:00 pm Cinemark Market Street
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Photo from FRAME BY FRAME
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THE EAGLE HUNTRESS
Otto Bell
THE EAGLE HUNTRESS follows Aisholpan,
a 13-year-old girl, as she trains to become
the first female in twelve generations of her
Kazakh family to become an eagle hunter,
and rises to the pinnacle of a tradition that
has been handed down from father to son
for centuries.
Set against the breathtaking expanse of the
Mongolian steppe, “THE EAGLE HUNTRESS”
features some of the most awe-inspiring
cinematography ever captured in a
documentary, giving this intimate tale of a
young girl’s quest the dramatic force of an
epic narrative film. (111 mins.)
Saturday
3:30 pm Cinemark Market Street (with EDGES)
Sunday
1:30 pm Cinemark Market Street (with EDGES)
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THE WRESTLING CHOLITA
Harri Grace
THE WRESTLING CHOLITA Teresa Huayta
is one of Bolivia’s Wrestling Cholitas. These
indigenous women, with their distinctive
outfits and bowler hats, are the most
popular fighters in Bolivia’s colorful wrestling
scene. Cholitas have long been discriminated
against, but recent social change has resulted
in a massive surge in confidence and pride
for these women. And for Teresa, there’s no
doubt that the best place of demonstrating
this pride is in the wrestling ring. (9 mins.)
Thursday
6:45 pm Waterway Amphitheater
Friday
6:00 pm The Woodlands United Methodist Church ­— Harvest (with LANDFILL HARMONIC)
Saturday
3:40 pm Cinemark 17 (with LANDFILL HARMONIC)
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THROW
Darren Durlach
THROW Coffin Nachtmahr grew up in East
Baltimore surrounded by poverty and
violence. His debilitating stutter helped make
him a social outcast and a target for bullies.
He spent his high school years in and out of
fights, trying to find his place in the world.
It wasn’t until he discovered a subculture of
“throwers” that he finally found purpose and
acceptance. With the help of a simple toy,
Nachtmahr discovered a world of possibilities
and with his new skills, he’s become a local
phenomenon. Now he wants to help other
kids find a creative and social outlet by
sharing the very toy that inspired him. (11 mins.)
In Attendance: Coffin Nachtmahr
Thursday
6:45 pm Waterway Amphitheater
Sunday
1:30 pm Cinemark 17 (with BUCK)
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UNBRANDED
Phil Baribeau
UNBRANDED Four young Cowboys hatch
an outrageous plot to adopt, train, and ride
a string of wild mustangs 3,000 miles from
Mexico to Canada through the wildest terrain
of the American West. The trip became an
epic journey of self-discovery, tested friendships, and iconic landscapes that included
runaway horses, perilous mountain passes,
incredible scenery and a sassy donkey.
“Unbranded” is a soaring tale of danger and
resilience, an emotionally charged odyssey
that shines a bright light on the complex
plight of our country’s wild horses. (104 mins)
Recommended Age 10+ (Brief Language)
In Attendance: Val Geissler and Thomas Glover
Saturday
8:40 pm Cinemark Market Street
(with PRONGHORN REVIVAL)
Sunday
4:00 pm Cinemark 17
(with PRONGHORN REVIVAL)
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SPONSORS
The Woodlands
United Methodist Church
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SPONSORS
MASS COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
TM
SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Special Thank You for the printing support of
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The Woodlands Arts Council Presents:
April 7 • 8 • 9, 2017
225 Fine Artists | Performing Arts
Craft Beer | Wine | Culinary Arts
Workshops | Student Art Gallery
Live Music | Children’s Activities
Get tickets online at:
thewoodlandsartscouncil.org
A remarkable arts experience
OFFICIAL BEER
LUXURY VEHICLE
Festival Team
Jane Minarovic
Festival Director
Nickole K Bobley
Creative Director — Festival
Alex Bunch Creative Director ­— Program
David Holbrooke
Program Consultant
Stash Wislocki
Production Consultant
Hayley Nedal
Program Consultant
Denton Florian Producer
Mindy Reynolds Events Manager
Joe DeMonico Theater Manager
Brady Richards
Pass Manager
Mike Huffine
Technical Advisor
Rob Renfroe Community Advisor
Brian Hegvold
Web & Graphic Design
Maryann Hegvold
Social Media
Wicked PR
Publicity SPECIAL PROJECTS TEAM
Betz DeMonico Dance and Aerial Director
Mindy Fisher Costume Designer
Darryl Bayer Musical Director
Dragos Tapu Special Events
Ruth H Boyd Special Events
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INSPIRE FILM FESTIVAL BOARD
Jane Minarovic
Denton Florian
Joe DeMonico
Nickole K Bobley
Rob Renfroe
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION
Greg Babush
Film Inspection/Projectionist
Chas Phillips
Skype and Audio Manager
Jesse Palmer
Projectionist
Cassy Babb
Projectionist
Brandon Theige
Projectionist
SPECIAL THANKS
Ruth H Boyd
Dragos Tapu
Christian Sarkar
Mindy Fisher
Kate Fisher
Betz DeMonico
Interfaith of the Woodlands
The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Woodlands Arts Council
Nick Wolda
Gordy Bunch
Brittany Stanton
Amy Birdwell
Wendy Paynter
Darren Bobley
Becky Bayless
Epic Software Group
Sigma Chi Fraternity — SHSU
Matt Jackson ­— RR Donnelley
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Photo from THE EAGLE HUNTRESS
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Official Destination Partner
of the Inspire Film Festival
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