Tommy Lee Jones, writer, director, and protagonist of The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, reflects on the making of the film, accompanied by some of his cast and crew. Followed by Roy Rutngamlug's short film, Formosa, TX, about a first generation Asian-American's fleeting encounter with an out-of-towner who stumbles upon his family's diner.
Jay Duplass (writer/director Jeff Who Lives at Home, The Puffy Chair) recollects his journey with brother Mark Duplass onto the DIY indie film scene, along with their specific approach to storytelling. Followed by Future Hero, the story of a father, son, and a time-travelling killer android, in a short film by Ramin Serry.
Beau Willimon (creator House of Cards) and Eli Attie (writer The West Wing) debate politically- driven narratives, power struggles, and dramatizing the truths and fictions that comprise ideologically-charged stories. Accompanied by Topher Field's short film, The Hustle, offering a glimpse inside a swindler's artful technique and deception.
Terry George (writer/director Hotel Rwanda; writer In the Name of the Father) reflects on the art of fictionalizing fact and placing ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances as a storytelling vehicle. Followed by Dean Loxton's short film, Under, about a train operator struggling to deal with a traumatic event and finding solace in an unsuspecting way.
John Ridley reflects on his beginnings and the inspirations that have shaped his approach to screenwriting, with a special look into his journey adapting the Academy Award®-winning script for 12 Years a Slave. Accompanied by Alex Clark's short film, Siren, about two ambulance paramedics faced with an emergency that's out of this world.
True Detective director, Cary Fukunaga, and Fargo creator, Noah Hawley, discuss the rise of the television anthology series and how to execute a compelling balance of plot, character, and structure within the bounds of one season. Followed by Elaine Poon's short film, Entrain about Laurent, a young man who absorbed in his own world, draws the attention of a fellow train passenger who shares his interest in rhythm, despite their obvious language barrier.