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Celebrating a Decade of Collaboration with Dana Denha, CTN, and the AAFF

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This year marks the 10th season of collaboration between Dana Denha, Ann Arbor’s Community Television Network (CTN), and the Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF). For a decade, Denha has been the producer and host of the half-hour show Let’s Watch With the Ann Arbor Film Festival, a program that features 4-8 episodes each season, showcasing the creative work of moving image artists involved with the festival. Known for her authentic curiosity and approachable interview style, Denha has created a platform that allows viewers to engage with the minds behind experimental film and media arts.


Season 10 Kicks Off with AAFF Off the Screen Artists

Season 10 has already begun, with Episode #1 featuring Yazmin Dababneh, Episode #2 featuring Paul Echeverria, and Episode #3 with Rory Scott. All three artists are showing work in the 63rd AAFF Off the Screen program, highlighting expanded cinema projects. These episodes are available to watch now on CTN, and at the links above. The A2AC Off the Screen exhibition, featuring the work of Dababneh, Echeverria, and Maddie Shubeck, will open on Friday, March 21, from 6-8 PM at the Ann Arbor Art Center. This free public exhibition will run through the end of the festival, closing on March 30.


In addition to the exhibition, a special Off the Screen Artist Panel will be held during festival week on Thursday, March 27, from 3:30–4:30 PM at the Ann Arbor Art Center. Moderated by Scott Northrup, the panel will feature the artists discussing their expanded cinema installations. Participating artists include Dababneh, Echeverria, and Shubeck. The panel is a great opportunity for festival attendees and the public to dive deeper into the creative process behind these works, which will be on view during the festival at the Ann Arbor Art Center.


A Look Back at Past Episodes Featuring Returning Artists

Over the past decade, Let’s Watch With the Ann Arbor Film Festival has become a valuable archive showcasing the work of AAFF artists. Nearly 50 episodes have been produced, and this year, several past guests are returning to the festival with new works that continue to push the boundaries of experimental film and media arts. Here’s a look at some of these returning artists:


  • Alvin Hill: Alvin Hill returns for the third year in a row to provide the opening night music for the festival. His live electronic music has become a signature element of the festival, energizing the crowd for an evening of celebration and creativity.Event: Opening Night Party MusicDate: Tuesday, March 25, 6:30 PM | Michigan Theater Grand Foyer

  • Sean Kenny: Kenny and Pickle Fort Collective bring their popular hands-on, family-friendly Joy of LOOPing workshop back for the third year. Participants can create their own 16mm film loops, which will be projected during the session.Event: The Joy of LOOPing WorkshopDate: Saturday, March 29, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | U-M North Quad Space 2435

  • Peter Sparling: Sparling returns to the festival with his short film Encore (for the end of the world), featured in Bodies in Motion and Film special program. This piece explores the intersection of dance, bodies in motion, and cinematography.Event: Special Program - Screen Dance InternationalDate: Friday, March 28, 7:00 PM | Michigan Theater Screening Room

  • David Olson: Olson has created AAFF-branded video wallpaper, enhancing the festival experience across monitors at after-parties and throughout the festival.Event: AAFF Branded Video Wallpaper

  • Joanie Wind: Joanie Wind, a Detroit-based artist and past AAFF intern, will debut her short film Simulacrumbs on opening night. The humorous film explores a character’s search for authenticity in an increasingly artificial world.Event: Films in Competition 1Date: Tuesday, March 25, 8:15 PM | Michigan Theater Main Auditorium

  • Julia Yezbick: Yezbick’s new film Marratein, Marratein explores identity and ethnic heritage, blending her connections to Detroit and Beirut.Event: Films in Competition 7Date: Friday, March 28, 7:30 PM | Michigan Theater Main Auditorium


Looking Ahead to the Next Decade

As we approach the 63rd Ann Arbor Film Festival, we are filled with gratitude for Dana Denha’s unwavering dedication to sharing the stories of these exceptional artists. Let’s Watch With the Ann Arbor Film Festival has been an invaluable platform for showcasing the creativity and passion that define the festival. We look forward to celebrating the next 10 years of collaboration and innovation with Dana and the AAFF community.


See the full collection of Let’s Watch With the Ann Arbor Film Festival here:https://www.aafilmfest.org/lets-watch


 

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