Symposium
Symposium
The School of Filmmaking’s “Symposium” series opens a door into the world behind the screen, offering audiences a chance to engage with filmmakers, artists and creative thinkers from myriad disciplines who are shaping contemporary storytelling. Through screenings, conversations and engaging dialogue, each event becomes a unique space to come together and explore how art is made, why it matters and what it reveals about the world we live in.
Through a mix of lectures, screenings, presentations and discussions, we’ll focus on developing your unique voice and vision while deepening your awareness of the cultural impact of your work. This series offers both inspiration and practical tools to help you shape your craft with purpose and insight.
All Symposium events take place in the ACE Theater Complex. All events are free and open to the public.
Fall 2026 Symposium Schedule
Aug. 28
Time: 2:30 p.m.
“Exploring the Art Life of David Lynch”
With collaborator and producer Sabrina Sutherland
Sep. 11
Time: 2:30 p.m.
An Artist Among Auteurs: Jack Fisk. The award-winning production designer, art director and artist joins visiting instructor Tom Lisowski for a conversation about his career and creative work.
Sep. 18
Sep. 25
Time: 7 p.m.
"A Page of Madness" (1926)
With live metal score by The Silent Night
The School of Filmmaking Symposium presents a special screening of A Page of Madness (1926), the groundbreaking Japanese silent film directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa. A landmark of experimental cinema, the film abandons traditional narrative structure in favor of a visceral, psychological experience set within the confines of a mental institution. Through fragmented imagery, rapid editing, and surreal visual design, A Page of Madness immerses audiences in the unstable emotional landscape of its characters, blurring the boundaries between reality and hallucination. Widely regarded as a precursor to avant-garde and expressionist filmmaking, the film remains a striking example of early cinema’s capacity for innovation and emotional intensity.
Hosted by film scholar and filmmaker Gary Mairs, experience A Page of Madness with an original live metal score performed by The Silent Light. Led by multi-instrumentalist, visual artist, and filmmaker Michael Formanski, The Silent Light reimagines silent cinema through haunting soundscapes and immersive performance. Drawing from a diverse musical palette, Formanski has collaborated with artists including Moby, Gregory Porter, Lady Blackbird, Akemi Fox, and Amanda Gookin. The Silent Light is known for its original scores for classic German silent films such as Nosferatu, Faust, and Metropolis, bringing a contemporary sonic intensity to historic works. Their live performance for A Page of Madness promises a powerful fusion of image and sound, transforming this iconic film into a dynamic, one-of-a-kind cinematic event.
Oct. 2
Time: 2:30 p.m.
A Conversation with award-winning Production Designer Kristi Zea with visiting instructor Tom Lisowski
Oct. 9
Time: 2:30 p.m.
“From Concept to the Screen”
With actor, writer and director Phil Matarese
Oct. 16
Time: 2:30 p.m.
“Iconic Short Films of the 20th Century”
With original live scores by Ten Thousand Lakes (XKL)
Oct. 23
Time: 2:30 p.m.
“Taking Those First Steps Out of College”
With writer, director and alum Jo Hatcher
Oct. 30
Time: 2:30 p.m.
“Living the Multi-Hyphenate Artist Life”
With alum Emma Van Halsema
Nov. 13
Nov. 20
Time: 2:30 p.m.
“How to Stay Curious While Making a Living”
With filmmakers and installation artists Spooky Kind