Celebrating Young Filmmakers at Annual Teri Rogers Film Fund Reception in Kansas City

Celebrating the Next Generation of Filmmakers in Kansas City

In a heartfelt ceremony held on November 14th, Kansas City came together to honor its young and talented filmmakers at the Teri Rogers Film Fund Reception. This marks the third annual event, hosted at the lovely Folly Theatre, located at 300 W 12th St. The evening was filled with inspiration, awards, and the celebration of creativity as the spotlight shined on this year’s grant recipients: Eva Louise Hall, Mel Sangyi Zhao, and Jean-Jacques Corbier.

A Legacy of Support for Filmmakers

The Teri Rogers Film Grant was established in 2021 by ArtsKC to celebrate young filmmakers and to ensure that the legacy of the late Teri Rogers continues to inspire future generations. Rogers had a significant impact on the Kansas City film scene, serving as the KC Film Office adviser and chair of the KC Film Commission Board. Her contributions shaped the local arts community, emphasizing the importance of supporting female and gender-nonconforming creatives.

Gathering of Visionaries

The event kicked off with ArtsKC President and CEO, Dana Knapp, who warmly welcomed everyone and expressed deep gratitude for Teri’s enduring legacy. “We’re celebrating filmmakers—those really courageous, honest, and profound artists that have that gift of storytelling,” Knapp shared, effectively setting the tone for the evening. With a total of $21,000 distributed among three local artists, this year’s grant included two filmmakers receiving $10,000 each while a screenwriter snagged $1,000.

Spotlight on Grant Recipients

Each year, the grant provides filmmakers not only with financial support but also with valuable memberships, including Film Independent, a subscription to Movie Maker Magazine, and mentorship opportunities with industry professionals. Rachel Kephart, Director of the KC Film Office, emphasized the importance of the fund, stating, “It’s about investing in bold ideas, supporting risk-taking, and helping filmmakers at a crucial point in their careers.”

This year, the spotlight also turned to last year’s award recipient, Jerry Rapp, who expressed how the grant enabled him to create Be Kind Films. Rapp shared his journey and the ways in which the grant has positively impacted his ability to spread joy through storytelling.

Sharing Stories and Experiences

During the event, last year’s grant recipients Khitam Jabr and Vy Nguyen also attended to uplift their fellow creatives. Nguyen took the stage to screen her award-winning short film From Me To You, expressed how financial backing helped her enhance her filmmaking journey. “This grant gave me a platform to really share with an audience that cares about this kind of work and stories,” she stated enthusiastically.

Next, Eva Louise Hall, one of the 2024 awardees, reflected on her excitement about contributing to Teri Rogers’ legacy through her project, Pluck. Though Hall never had the chance to meet Rogers, she expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the opportunities the grant provides.

A Glimpse into Real Life

Khitam Jabr took the opportunity to share her upcoming film, Yerham, which reflects her personal experiences with grief and family. This is not just any scripted story; it touches upon raw emotions, making it a true representation of her life. “It’s very much a recreation of events,” Jabr shared with her audience, revealing the vulnerability behind her project.

Closing Remarks and Gratitude

As the evening wrapped up, Mel Sangyi Zhao, another 2024 recipient, shared her gratitude for the award while highlighting the positive ripple effect film funding has on the entire crew involved in a project. She emphasized, “When a filmmaker receives this grant, this money doesn’t just go to this one person. It goes to her team, her crew, her family.”

With heartfelt words from Mary Sloss, Teri’s daughter-in-law, the night closed with a powerful reminder of how Rogan’s name and legacy will remain alive in Kansas City. “She will never die, because we will never not say her name,” Sloss summed up beautifully, leaving everyone with a renewed hope for the future of storytelling in their community.