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Film Festival
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Will Carter is a filmmaker, director, and founder of Hoot Owl Films, based in Kansas City. After beginning his career in television news—working as a photographer, producer, reporter, anchor, and even meteorologist—Will returned to his first love: filmmaking. His short films have earned recognition at festivals locally and internationally, including Cold Heart, which won Best Set Design at the 2024 SATO 48 Film Competition, Best Sci-Fi Film at the New York Tri-State International Film Festival, and screened at Kansas City FilmFest International, KC Fringe, the Bird Watching Film Festival, and abroad in Italy. Beyond competitions, Will has directed commercial work, short films, and is currently developing both a new short film and his first feature film for 2025.
In addition to leading Hoot Owl Films, Will is an active force in the Kansas City film community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Independent Filmmakers Coalition of Kansas City (IFCKC) as Outreach Coordinator and created the One Minute Monthly Micro Film Challenge, which has already produced over 50 short films. Will also contributes behind the scenes, recently designing and constructing a set for a local feature film and serving as gaffer on a music video—showcasing his collaborative nature whether directing his own projects or supporting others in theirs. With a passion for storytelling that began in his grandfather’s workshop in Tennessee, Will continues to inspire and empower filmmakers to take risks, embrace creativity, and bring their stories to life.
Melanie Addington is a filmmaker, film programmer, writer and arts advocate with more than 25 years of experience in independent film and the festival community. Her work has spanned filmmaking, programming, festival leadership, education and community engagement, with a particular passion for championing independent voices and creating opportunities for filmmakers to connect with audiences.
Over the years, Melanie has served in programming and leadership roles with film festivals across the region, including Kansas City FilmFest International, Tallgrass Film Festival, and Oak Cliff Film Festival, and has worked as a juror and screener for numerous festivals and film organizations. Her experience on both sides of the submission process—as a filmmaker and programmer—shapes her approach to judging, with an emphasis on storytelling, originality, craft and the distinct voice behind each film.
A longtime supporter of regional filmmaking and emerging artists, Melanie especially enjoys discovering work that takes creative risks, expands whose stories are represented on screen and reminds audiences why independent film matters.
Jason Cantu is an award-winning Producer, Cinematographer, and Director with more than 25 years of experience across commercial, television, music video, and theatrical film production. His work has earned a Cannes Silver Lion, multiple Gold ADDY Awards, and five RIAA Gold and three Platinum record certifications, and has been viewed over 2.8 billion times on YouTube.
Over the course of his career, Jason has shot national campaigns for brands including Wendy’s, Holiday Inn, Hard Rock Casinos, Nestlé, and Lenovo Legion, in partnership with agencies such as VML, Y&R, and Barkley. His television credits include broadcasts for PBS, HBO, MTV, Telemundo and Discovery, and his independent film work includes “Last Ounce of Courage,” which played in over 1,500 theaters nationwide and grossed $20 million. In music video, he has worked behind the camera for artists including Kendrick Lamar, Tech N9ne, Yelawolf, and Corrosion of Conformity.
Jason brings a full-service approach to every production — overseeing budgets, leading crews, designing lighting, and supervising postproduction — and owns a complete equipment package, from RED camera systems and cinema glass to lighting, grip, and a dedicated transport truck, allowing him to deliver broadcast-quality work from concept through final cut.