BEA2026: Full Schedule

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10:15am PDT

How to Successfully Include Non-Majors in a Study Abroad Documentary/Multi-Media Project

Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT

Tackling a study abroad short documentary-video project can be challenging if the student participants are skilled, but what if they have little to no experience? Hear how to harness the non-majors’ best assets and make them feel equally part of the project. We hear from panelists who have learned valuable lessons on what to do and not do overseas on recent projects with non-majors ranging from short documentaries to multi-media.

Moderator: Melissa Jackson, Chair, BEA Writing Division & Former Associate Professor, Piedmont University,
Panelists: LaDonna Aiken, of Practice, University of Texas at Arlington
Dwayne Cheddar, Associate Professor, Oakwood University
Melissa Jackson, Chair, BEA Writing Division & Former Associate Professor, Piedmont University,
Kyle West Hufford, Goshen College

Moderators

Melissa Jackson

CloudCatcher Productions

Speakers

Kyle Hufford

Associate Professor of Communication, Goshen College

Love to teach and mold young film and media production students. I teach film and advanced media production classes at Goshen College in Goshen, IN. I also manage our Video Production company where we hire students to work on video for clients.

LaDonna Aiken

Broadcast Specialist, University of Texas - Arlington

I am an assistant professor of practice in broadcast communication at the University of Texas at Arlington, where I teach broadcast production classes, as well as my faculty-led Study Abroad to Japan.

Dwayne Cheddar

Professor of Communication,, Oakwood University

Monday April 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
W306

Documentary, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | International, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | Filmmaker Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | New Faculty & Graduate Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

11:30am PDT

How to navigate the Film Festival World

Monday April 20, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

W306

The film festival world is opaque, complex, expensive, and changing. This workshop will go over how to develop a festival strategy, where you select festivlas that are right for your film. It will also cover how to effectively submit your film on Film Freeway, including what to do and what to avoid. This workshop will also go into what you need to do once you get into a festival, including creating a DCP, a Press Kit, and other materials. It will go over promoting your film and also talk about how much it costs to attend the festival.
Moderator: Robb B. Montgomery, Visual Editors, NFP

Moderators

Bart Weiss

Associate Professor, UT Arlington

Bart Weiss is an award-winning independent film and video producer, director, editor, and educator who has lived in Dallas since 1981.
He is mostly known as the director and founder of the Dallas VideoFest. He produces the TV show “Frame of Mind” on KERA TV in Dallas and is the Artistic Director of 3 Stars Cinema. He has traveled to Nigeria, Pakistan, and China to show American Documentaries for the US State... Read More →

Speakers

Robb Montgomery

Author, Mobile Journalism

Robb Montgomery is a Berlin-based journalism educator, documentary filmmaker, and visual media anthropologist known for his contributions to mobile journalism and media development programs. He is a former Chicago newspaper editor who builds immersive cultural heritage experiences... Read More →

Monday April 20, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
W306

Documentary, Workshop | BEA, Workshop | Filmmaker Spotlight, Workshop

12:45pm PDT

From Collaboration to Creation: Building Student-Centered Media Projects

Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT

W306

From Collaboration to Creation: Building Student-Centered Media Projects explores how universities can leverage partnerships to create programming that enhances student learning and produces impactful content. Panelists will discuss the opportunities and challenges of working with media outlets, nonprofits, and community organizations, highlighting best practices and limitations at the university level. The conversation will focus on strategies for sustaining mutually beneficial collaborations that prepare students for real-world media landscapes.

Moderator: Sheri Janine Booker, Morgan State University
Panelists: Maya Gilmore, City of Baltimore
Bobby Gutierrez. Kennesaw State University.

Moderators

Sheri Booker

Lecturer, Morgan State University

Speakers

Bobby Gutierrez

Kennesaw State University

Maya Gilmore

Executive Director, City of Baltimore

Maya Gilmore is a multimedia producer currently serving as the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cable and Communications for Baltimore City. Maya oversees the CharmTV and Engage Network platforms dedicated to amplifying Baltimore’s voice and culture, further cementing... Read More →

Monday April 20, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
W306

Service Learning & Community Engagement, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | BEA, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs | New Faculty & Graduate Student Spotlight, Teaching Techniques/Tips & Educational Programs

10:15am PDT

11:30am PDT

12:45pm PDT

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