Reflections on the IND/EX Conference

7-22-24

Ann Arbor Film Festival staff attended the Independent Film Exhibition Conference (IND/EX) June 24-28, 2024. IND/EX is the premier event for advancing independent film exhibition, and was organized by the Film Festival Alliance and Art House Convergence, representing film festivals and art house cinemas respectively. The 5-day gathering was held in downtown Chicago at the Chicago Cultural Center and Gene Siskel Film Center.

Festival Director Leslie Raymond, Operations Manager Kailey Radwan, and Programs Assistant Intern Abigail Knox attended educational programs, workshops, keynotes, film screenings, vendor and exhibitors fairs, and favorites like Art House Tales and Trailer Wars.

lunch in the Chicago Cultural Center Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Hall and Rotunda

Leslie

The IND/EX conference surpassed typical business dealings and networking sessions. The message on lunch boxes, "First we eat," highlighted camaraderie and care. Moreover, the conference provided a platform for discussing accessibility, inclusion, and diversity—core values of AAFF and many of our fellow organizations. I appreciated the shift to horizontal relationships, prioritizing collective knowledge and collaborative learning over top-down structures, fostering inclusivity and support for diverse perspectives.

Additionally, there was a strong emphasis on cultivating a culture that prioritizes mental wellness among our leadership and members. As we move forward, it's crucial to sustain these values and integrate them into our daily practices. The conference was transformative for leadership in the independent film exhibitors community—a time to reconnect, learn, and collectively envision a future that embodies our core principles and aspirations.

Finally, it was amazing to see Lust, Caution at the Music Box Theater with director Ang Lee in attendance. He received a standing ovation as he stepped onstage to introduce the film. He shared that Lust, Caution was his personal favorite among all of his films, and joked that while one is not supposed to say we have a favorite child, we all know that’s not entirely true). He also mentioned that it had been fourteen years since he last watched it projected on celluloid, since its initial release in 2007. The film was complex, and moving, and touched on themes central to his extensive cinematic repertoire. Having this experience in a classic and beautiful art house cinema half full of conference attendees, half Chicago moviegoers, with twinkling stars alight overhead was a lovely reminder of why we do what we do.

Kailey

Having been with the AAFF for just over a year, the quickest thing I learned was how easy it was to embrace the sense of community the film festival inspires. Every individual with an affinity for the festival shows up with an open mind, an all-too-uncommon appreciation for art, and a desire to learn- from the work we showcase, peers, and strangers in the lobby.

Kailey Radwan (center) with conference attendees at a breakout session

The IND/EX community shares a similar mindset. Every individual who attended showed up with both the passion and excitement to share their stories, and the interest to learn about those of others. With a network of nearly 700 like-minded, artistic folks, there was a real sense of belonging amongst strangers who all came together and created space for one another to share insights, hardships, and successes alike. Every conversation and interaction I had held such value, and I felt real growth and inspiration walking away. 

At the Art House Tales event, Josh Frank of Blue Starlite films described his grassroots efforts spanning over a decade to showcase films in any and every area imaginable- from beaches, to sides of vans, to more formal drive-in settings. This, to me, served as such a great example of the drive that exists within the independent film community- one that aims to preserve art like no other. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and the folks of IND/EX have plenty of will!

Abigail

Growing up with the AAFF, for me, meant growing up in a community that wholeheartedly supported expression through the inclusion of diverse artistic voices. This value, while shared by many within artistic communities, is one that requires the continuous evaluation of practices and their efficacy toward cultivating accessible and inclusive environments. IND/EX provided an opportunity to connect and network with others, but moreover inspired self-reflection and growth, encouraged by all 700 attendees.

AAFF alumni filmmaker Fernando Saldivia, Kailey Radwan, and Abigail Knox

My experience at IND/EX was deeply heartwarming and galvanizing. The conference was packed with like-minded people, impassioned by their values and motivated by a vision for the future. The discussion sessions were not only thought-provoking and informative, they also contained an overarching sense of support and collaboration. At a panel discussion around curatorial justice, the panelist’s descriptions of everyday practices were met with cheers from a packed room of festival and venue employees striving to implement the same kinds of practices in their own work. The air of compassion and comradery brought by every individual attending IND/EX was unparalleled. 

Leslie Raymond, Steve Wood, and Max Friend of IND/EX Foundational sponsor Filmbot (the mastermind behind the belt)

The AAFF staff felt the love and appreciation of fellow IND/EX attendees at the Trailer Wars when AAFF took home the 2024 Champion Belt thanks to Steve Wood’s incredible 60th, 61st, and 62nd AAFF Trailers.

Marquee Arts (formerly Michigan Theater Foundation) CEO Russ Collins,

and FIlm Festival Alliance Executive Director Barbara Twist