Tag Archives: Jo Ann Skousen

Does what's happening outside the theater influence how you see what's on the screen?

Founder Jo Ann Skousen looks back at 10 years of the Anthem Film Festival and its evolution from a small hotel conference room to the historic Elks Theatre.

The tenth annual Anthem Film Festival moves from the Paris Casino to Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, July 13-16. The film festival, part of the libertarian-themed FreedomFest conference, showcases both features and documentaries, exploring issues around social and political liberty. Anthem will feature over 25 liberty-oriented films during its four-day run.

Individuality, accountability and choice are themes of the Anthem Libertarian Film Festival, but, they have cowboys, vampires and Penn Jillette, too.

When everyone around you thinks you’re crazy, you may be the most sane person in the room. Or, in the case of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig Mitchell, the most sane person in the marathon. Skid Row Marathon, a feature documentary which screened at the Anthem Libertarian Film Festival …

'I am hopeful that providing a venue for libertarian films, like this festival, will encourage more producers to green-light libertarian scripts. Meanwhile, we have nine outstanding short narratives this year, covering topics from envy and revenge to immigration and justice. Most of them are made by women and about women, which pleases me as well.'

Chatting with Jo Ann Skousen, founder of the Anthem Film Festival, a venue for filmmakers who care about individuality and libertarian ideals.