The indie film powerhouse and co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival has directed several critically acclaimed films, including “18½,” a 1970s Watergate thriller that will be screened at 7 p.m. in Turner Theatre.
Dive into the captivating world of indie filmmaking with acclaimed director and Slamdance Film Festival co-founder Dan Mirvish, who will visit Elon University on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Widely known for his work as a director, screenwriter and producer, Mirvish will host a hands-on workshop and an exclusive screening of his Watergate thriller “18½,” offering students, faculty and staff an opportunity to learn from one of independent cinema’s most influential voices.
Hosted by the Global Film & Cultures minor, Mirvish’s visit kicks off with an hourlong “Film Industry 101 Workshop” at 9:15 a.m. in Belk Pavilion (Upstairs), AVTL 208. During the hands-on session, Mirvish will provide insights into how filmmakers can break into the industry, overcome challenges, and find creative ways to produce films with limited resources.
Additionally, community members are invited to Turner Theatre at 7 p.m. for a screening of Mirvish’s award-winning film “18½,” a dark comedy about a White House transcriber who stumbles upon the notorious 18½-minute gap in Nixon’s Watergate tapes. A Q&A session will follow the screening, where Mirvish will answer questions about the filmmaking process, the movie’s unique production, and its critical acclaim. Since its release, “18½” has screened at more than 30 festivals and airs on Starz.
“Dan Mirvish is a pioneering force in the indie film world,” said Kai Swanson, assistant professor of cinema and television arts. “His ability to blend dark humor with sharp political commentary in films like ’18½’ and his dedication to fostering new talent have made him an essential figure for anyone interested in understanding the art and business of indie filmmaking. Having him at Elon offers students a rare opportunity to learn from someone who not only knows the craft, but has helped shape the very landscape of independent cinema.”
Prior to his work on “18½,” Mirvish directed the award-winning film “Bernard and Huey,” scripted by Oscar-winner Jules Feiffer and starring Oscar-winner Jim Rash and David Koechner. It screened in more than 30 film festivals on five continents. His film “Between Us,” starring Julia Stiles and Taye Diggs, sold to 144 countries and screened on Netflix, Showtime and Starz.
Beyond his films, Mirvish authored “The Cheerful Subversive’s Guide to Independent Filmmaking,” an Amazon bestseller that provides practical insights into the indie filmmaking process. Mirvish’s work reflects the influence of his mentor, Robert Altman, and he is well known throughout the industry for championing unique voices and his unconventional storytelling approaches. For more information about Mirvish, visit danmirvish.com.
The Global Film & Cultures minor is an interdisciplinary collaboration between Department of Cinema & Television Arts and the Department of English. Mirvish’s campus visit was made possible through the Fund for Excellence Grant.