At the heart of True/False are both the spirit of critical inquiry and encouragement to create and consume media that plays with the traditionally defined boundaries of nonfiction. As we connect through stories drawing us closer to the human experience, our excitement to create new ways of learning with and from each other grows. Regardless of where you are on your journey with nonfiction film—whether you are engaging with it for the first time or have been making your own films for years—there is a place in the T/F ecosystem for you.
PROGRAMS
Camp True/False is an inside track through the Fest for 40-50 high school students, including intimate meetings with filmmakers, critical-thinking workshops, and screenings of films that are curated specifically for them.
During the Fest, students attend 5-6 films, participate in breakout sessions led by Camp Counselors, reflect on their own experience through a series of workshops, and engage in small group lunch conversations with filmmakers.
Every year we welcome about 1,400 sophomores from the four CPS high schools (Battle, Douglass, Hickman, and Rock Bridge) to kick-off the Fest weekend with a screening of a T/F film and a post-film Q&A with the filmmaker.
The Education Screening is a robust program in which students and teachers engage with the themes presented by the film in the classroom in the lead-up to and aftermath of the Education Screening.
A new educational extension of our Community-facing event, Show Me T/F, assemblies with the director and subject(s) at all four Columbia Public High Schools, this is an opportunity for high school students to learn about the True Life Fund and its philanthropic motivations.
Show Me T/F conversations with filmmakers and subjects further inspire students to critically engage with nonfiction films and the way reality is documented.
We’re happy to work with students and educators to reserve a set of group tickets to a Fest film. The educational ticket buy is great for teachers who would like to attend a particular film with a class, or clubs and organizations who want to see a film as a group.
Tickets are limited.
Interested groups should contact the CPE team at: [email protected]
Confluence is a project-based fellowship for Midwestern directors in development on their first feature-length nonfiction film. Filmmakers will take part in talks, workshops, and screenings with industry experts and international filmmakers. Participants will also receive support throughout the year following the festival including online monthly check-ins with the cohort and connections with other industry professionals. The program is aimed at supporting filmmakers with both creative development and industry knowledge.Â
Launched in 2016 by the True/False Film Fest and the Catapult Film Fund, RCR is a one-of-a-kind mentorship experience that unites nonfiction filmmakers and mentors for five days of screening and discussion.
OR – you can volunteer! There are plenty of teams that need enthusiastic, committed, responsible volunteers. Dive into the volunteer app or email [email protected] to learn more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! Single Fest tickets are $10 for students with valid ID presented in person, either at the box office or at any Q during the Fest. (Student discount does not apply to online ticket sales.)