Works-In-Progress: LIFE’S BALLET

Join us at Austin Public for a Works-In-Progress screening of Christopher Hunt’s LIFE’S BALLET on January 16 at 6 PM. The film will be preceded by a mixer at 5:45 PM and followed by an audience feedback session moderated by award-winning director Ben Steinbauer.

Please note: All Works-In-Progress films are unrated, and content varies by film. To better serve the community, AFS has introduced filmmaker-suggested content warnings to Works-In-Progress events to better inform audiences about elements within each film.

The filmmakers behind this project have suggested the film would be rated PG due to the film’s content.

AFS’s Works-In-Progress series provides the growing and diverse filmmaking community of Austin peer-level critiques of rough or fine cuts of their work. Screenings are free for AFS MAKE members and above ($5 for WATCH members and non-members) and are followed by moderated audience feedback sessions. Do you have a film you want to submit for Works-In-Progress consideration? MAKE level members and above can apply here. Not an AFS MAKE member? Register your membership here!

ABOUT THE FILM

LIFE’S BALLET is an intimate documentary that captures the profound legacy of Jo Rowan, a celebrated dance instructor who shaped a world-class program and inspired generations of dancers. Through archival footage, personal interviews, and vérité-style moments in her home, the film paints a nuanced portrait of a teacher grappling with the emotional transition into retirement. As Jo faces life beyond the studio, the film explores her enduring influence and the deep connection between educators and the lives they transform, offering a poignant reflection on purpose, mentorship, and the next chapter of life.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS

Christopher Hunt, Co-Director and Producer: Christopher Hunt is an acclaimed Native American (Cherokee) filmmaker known for his expertise in documentary film and commercial production. His work, which focuses on humanizing subjects and creating narratives that resonate with wide audiences, has been showcased nationwide. His debut feature film, EDDIE, chronicling the life of Hall of Fame basketball coach Eddie Sutton, was released by Lionsgate Films and premiered on ESPN to critical acclaim in 2020. Christopher’s recent projects include directing IN HIS WORDS: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GRAY FREDERICKSON, editing THE ACCELERATOR: THE ROBERT WILSON STORY, and serving as Field Producer for ESPN+’s Our Time: Oklahoma State Football. Now based in Austin, Texas, Christopher owns Water Drum Films where he continues to lead impactful projects for national clients, delivering compelling content across documentary films, corporate brand pieces, and commercials.

Wendy Garrett, Co-Director and Producer: Wendy Garrett was drawn to the stage at an early age and has been working in the entertainment business for 20 years. Garrett has worked as an “Imagineer” for The Walt Disney Company, as an associate casting director on Law & Order and has performed on Broadway. Upon arriving back in Oklahoma, Garrett worked as associate director for the famed director Francis Ford Coppola (THE GODFATHER) on his live cinema project, DISTANT VISION. Garrett currently lives in Tulsa and is writing and producing fiction and nonfiction films. Her current projects include producing a documentary, EDDIE, on basketball legend Coach Eddie Sutton that aired on ESPN and ABC. She has written two feature films and a television pilot set in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Wendy is the producer for Cinema Eye Honors Annual Documentary Awards Ceremony in New York City and is a member of Women in Film LA and The Actors’ Equity Association. She is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a degree in theater and dance.