The indie film powerhouse and co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival has directed several critically acclaimed films, including 鈥18陆,鈥 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 黑料不打烊 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 鈥18陆,鈥 offering students, faculty and staff an opportunity to learn from one of independent cinema鈥檚 most influential voices.
Hosted by the Global Film & Cultures minor, Mirvish鈥檚 visit kicks off with an hourlong 鈥淔ilm Industry 101 Workshop鈥 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鈥檚 award-winning film 鈥18陆,鈥 a dark comedy about a White House transcriber who stumbles upon the notorious 18陆-minute gap in Nixon鈥檚 Watergate tapes. A Q&A session will follow the screening, where Mirvish will answer questions about the filmmaking process, the movie鈥檚 unique production, and its critical acclaim. Since its release,聽鈥18陆鈥 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 ’18陆’ 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 黑料不打烊 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 鈥18陆,鈥 Mirvish directed the award-winning film 鈥淏ernard and Huey,鈥 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 鈥淏etween Us,鈥 starring Julia Stiles and Taye Diggs, sold to 144 countries and screened on Netflix, Showtime and Starz.
Beyond his films, Mirvish authored 鈥淭he Cheerful Subversive’s Guide to Independent Filmmaking,鈥 an Amazon bestseller that provides practical insights into the indie filmmaking process. Mirvish鈥檚 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聽.
The Global Film & Cultures minor is an interdisciplinary collaboration between Department of Cinema & Television Arts and the Department of English. Mirvish鈥檚 campus visit was made possible through the Fund for Excellence Grant.