Films have been entertaining the masses for over 100 years. They have gotten us through our most difficult times, allowing us to escape from the chaos that often plagues our daily life. But, watching films can be more than a passive euphoric experience. When used as a weapon to combat societal ills, it can stir your soul in such a way that it forces you to take action. Ya'Ke's films deal with many social topics, bringing to the forefront those issues that we want to elude. His work forces us to not only examine ourselves, but to also look at others with more understanding. He will discuss the inspirations for his films as well as the impact he hopes they will have on the viewer; films that are personal, yet speak to universal issues we must all confront in order for us to heal.
Ya’Ke Smith, known for his unflinching and veracious style of storytelling, is a rising voice in independent cinema.
His films have received world-wide acclaim, screening and winning awards at over 80 film festivals. His short, Katrina’s Son, screened at over 40-film festivals and won 14 awards. The film was also eligible for the 2012 Academy Award in short filmmaking. His debut feature, WOLF, which NPR called “an impressive piece by a young director,” premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and has gone on to screen and win awards at festivals across North America. The film is now available for download via several Video-on-Demand outlets.
Ya’Ke graduated with his B.A. from the Communication Arts Department at the University of The Incarnate Word and his M.F.A. from the University of Texas at Austin’s film program. He is currently the Morgan Woodward Distinguished Professor of Film at the University of Texas at Arlington.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at [ Ссылка ]
