How do documentary filmmakers challenge themselves to shape compelling non-fiction narratives in an era of increasingly sophisticated documentary storytelling? Join Sundance Institute for an in-depth case study of the documentary Cesar’s Last Fast, including a screening of the film followed by panels and Q&As with the director/producer, composer, and distribution executives. Follow the story's life cycle from initial idea to release, with discussions on producing, unique story structures, score composition, and sales and distribution options to reach audiences worldwide.
This case study is presented in collaboration with Santa Clara University and San Jose State University and is FREE thanks to the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Session I: From Inception to Completion: Producing the Independent Documentary
Stanford professor and documentary filmmaker Jan Krawitz leads a conversation with Richard Ray Perez, director and executive producer of Cesar’s Last Fast, that addresses the critical phases of producing an independent feature documentary.
Session III: Scoring the Motion Picture Soundtrack of Cesar’s Last Fast Composer Ed Bargularena delivers an interactive presentation about the transformative power of the documentary film score, discussing the interpersonal skills needed to work with a team of collaborators including directors and editors, and share a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made in designing music for a film
Session IV: Navigating the Documentary Sales and Distribution Landscape
Distribution and sales executive Annie Roney (Founder & CEO, ro*co Films), filmmaker Tricia Creason-Valencia (prod. Stable Life), filmmaker and Santa Clara University professor Michael Whalen (dir. Gringos at the Gate), and filmmaker Richard Ray Perez (Cesar’s Last Fast) discuss a range of sales and distribution options available to today’s filmmakers. Moderated by Barnaby Dallas.
Tricia Creason-Valencia is a documentary filmmaker who teaches video production, feminist approaches to filmmaking, and broadcast journalism at Santa Clara University. She produced the Emmy-nominated documentary Stable Life and directed Changing Boundaries: The History of San Jose.
Barnaby Dallas is the director of production for film and theatre at San Jose State University. He also teaches screenwriting and story development for DreamWorks Animation.
Jan Krawitz is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose work includes Perfect Strangers, Big Enough, and Mirror Mirror. She has screened films at festivals such as Sundance, the New York Film Festival, and South by Southwest, as well as on national television, and she is a professor at Stanford University.
Richard Ray “Rick” Perez is the director of creative partnerships for Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film Program. He directed and executive-produced Cesar’s Last Fast (2014 Sundance Film Festival) and is currently executive-producing Cassandro, Queen of the Ring. Rick was previously an executive producer at Brave New Films, and he holds a BA in visual and environmental studies from Harvard University.
Annie Roney is the founder and CEO of ro*co films, which is built on the belief that a well-told, well-researched, and emotionally-driven documentary can challenge the way people think about issues in every corner of the globe.
Michael Whalen is a documentary filmmaker whose credits include Another First Step, A Question of Habit (PBS), Gringos at the Gate (ESPN), and The Farmer & The Chef. As a television writer, producer, director, and creator, he has worked on such shows as A&E’s Biography, Ancient Mysteries, and Discovery Channel’s Super Structures, among many others, and he teaches filmmaking at Santa Clara University.
Ed Barguiarena (from San Jose) is an LA musician and composer who has worked on projects for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Kennedy Center, and the San Francisco Symphony, among many others. He recently completed Sleepless at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the The Johnson Chronicles at the Matrix Theater in Hollywood. His documentary film scores include Cesar’s Last Fast, Raising Ryland, and In Our Son’s Name.
