Filmmakers (and More) in Conversation

Bringing visionary artists, celebrated critics and more to Key West

Many guests come to the Tropic to share their insights about filmmaking and their work. Our guests span the cinema landscape and range from film legends to movie subjects to world-renowned writers.

Guests of the Tropic host screenings, participate in Q&As, discuss fascinating subjects and much more, helping you get more out of your filmgoing experience (whether it’s live or virtual.) We’re proud to give our members and guests access to the independent minds behind the best in independent film.

Past Screenings + Conversations

Iconic Designer Bob Mackie Brings “Naked Illusion” to Tropic Cinema
Where fashion meets fantasy

The Tropic welcomed Bob Mackie to its stage and screen on November 11th, 2024, where his documentary “Naked Illusion” premiered. Renowned for his dazzling costumes and bold designs, Mackie’s work has left an indelible mark on the worlds of fashion and entertainment. The documentary highlights his collaborations with iconic performers, revealing the artistry and creativity behind some of the most memorable looks in showbiz history. With personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes glimpses, Naked Illusion celebrates Mackie’s remarkable career, showcasing his resilience and passion as he navigates the challenges of the industry.

After the screening Mackie hosted a Q & A to the audience’s delight further elaborating on some of his most memorable moments in his career and personal life. 

Photos courtesy Bob Miano

Hotel Rwanda + Discussion with Director Terry George
In this amazing true story, Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), a hotel manager, houses over a thousand Tutsi refugees during their struggle against the Hutu militia in Rwanda, Africa.

After the screening, writer, director, and producer Terry George will discuss how his film landed his hero, Paul Rusesabagina, in an African prison; led to a standoff between President Joe Biden and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and produced two new heroes—two little girls who Mr. Rusesabagina rescued from a refugee camp, his adopted daughters, Carine and Anaise. As the Academy Award-winning George puts it, “it’s a true story that is stranger than fiction.”

Narco Sub
Will a man become a criminal to save his family? That’s the choice facing Bruce Stryker (Tom Vera) in the timely new thriller “Narco Sub”—and we welcomed writer, producer and Key West local Derek Potts along with stars Tom Vera and Jen Barbieto for a virtual introduction and Q&A.

Southern Circuit: Narrowsburg
Martha Shane, director of “Narrowsburg,” is an Emmy-award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her directorial debut “After Tiller” premiered in the U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and won the Emmy for Best Documentary. In 2019, she premiered “Narrowsburg” at the Camden International Film Festival, followed by an NYC premiere at DOC NYC. Vox listed the film as one of “16 great documentaries from 2019.” Shane was included in DOC NYC’s second annual “40 under 40” list of emerging talent in the documentary world. Watch Martha Shane in conversation about “Narrowsburg”

Southern Circuit: Picture Character
The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers at the Tropic featured a screening of “Picture Character” and a Q&A with filmmaker Martha Shane, hosted by Robert Rosenberg of Tropical Wave Media. The rapid rise of emoji (Japanese for “picture character”) is a global phenomenon without precedent, and this fascinating film leads viewers on a deep dive into the ever evolving world of emoji, from their humble beginnings to mobile keyboards everywhere.

Southern Circuit: Code of the Freaks
As part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, the Tropic heard from director/producer Salome Chasnoff and writer Carrie Sandahl in conjunction with a screening of the documentary “Code of the Freaks.” Using hundreds of clips spanning over 100 years of moviemaking, and a cast of disabled artists, scholars and activists, “Code of the Freaks” presents a radical reframing of the use of disabled characters in film. 

Sundance 2021: At the Ready
Filmmaker Maisie Crow and producers Hillary Pierce and Abbie Perrault discuss the Sundance Film Festival Premiere of their film At The Ready with moderator and filmmaker Jenifer McShane.

Sundance 2021: All in the Family
In the 1980s, the Sheridan and George families shared the exile experience and the American dream, both living as Irish immigrants in the Bronx and Hell’s Kitchen, New York. While Jim Sheridan and Terry George developed drama at the Irish Arts Center in Manhattan, Naomi and Kirsten Sheridan and Oorlagh George attended New York public schools and played together on the weekends. Some three decades later, the combined cinematic talents of the Sheridan and George clans have resulted in twelve Academy award nominations and four Oscar wins, along with numerous other global awards.

In this unique, free-flowing discussion, they reflect on father/daughter collaboration, sexism, and ageism in the film industry; Baby Boomer versus Millennial cultural differences; independent filmmakers working in Hollywood; and the rapid evolution of cinema over their three decades in the business.

Sundance Film Festival 2021: Compare and Contrast
The filmmakers behind a trio of Sundance Film Festival selections past and present—2021 Sundance Film Festival filmmakers Maisie Crow (At the Ready) and Alex Camilleri (Luzzu) and 1996 Sundance Film Festival co-director Jenifer McShane (A Leap of Faith)—trade stories of their Festival experience, discuss their expectations going into it, and its impact on their careers in filmmaking.

Sundance Film Festival 2021: Alex Camilleri in Conversation
Alex Camilleri, making his Sundance Film Festival debut with Luzzu, talks with Oscar-winning film director Terry George about directing, editing, and filming in Malta.

Reggae Boyz
As part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, “Reggae Boyz” streamed virtually along with a pre-recorded Q&A with Director, Writer, Producer, Co-Director of Photography Till Schauder. Plagued with one of the highest murder rates in the world, Jamaica tries to reinvigorate its populace by qualifying their national soccer team – the “Reggae Boyz” – for the 2014 World Cup. “Reggae Boyz” uses pop culture’s most transcendent forces – sports and music – to delve into the heart and soul of Jamaica.

Picture A Scientist
As part of the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, “Picture a Scientist” featured in-person and virutally. The screening includes a pre-recorded Q&A with Director/Producers Sharon Shattuck & Ian Cheney. “Picture a Scientist” chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. 

Coded Bias 
Modern society sits at the intersection of two crucial questions: What does it mean when artificial intelligence increasingly governs our liberties? And what are the consequences for the people AI is biased against? In Coded Bias, a critically acclaimed Sundance 2020 premiere, Shalini Kantayya investigates these bedrock issues—and meets the people working to address them.