CAM is pleased to partner with the annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival to present two programs of short films that explore the world of contemporary art through a cinematic lens. Each evening explores connections between themes in CAM’s current exhibitions with new releases as part of the Festival’s fine arts spotlight.

These events are free and open to the public. Make it a true dinner and a movie! Bring a spread to enjoy during the screenings and snack on complimentary popcorn. Additional refreshments will be available for purchase.

Doors open at 7:00 pm. Click here to register.

Accessibility notes

• Seating is first come, first served and set up in tables and chairs.
• Guests are welcome to bring food. Outside alcohol is not permitted. 
• To request an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for this event, please contact programs@camstl.org with as much prior notice possible to ensure availability.

About the program

In-Between Tradition and Tomorrow is a short film program celebrating the power of creating in-between forms of expression that honor both past and present. The featured filmmakers’ works resonate in particular with Haegue Yang’s exhibition Quasi-Heartland, in which the artist engages the disciplines of art history, political biography, and folk culture and mythologies. These artworks and short films explore the powerful in-betweenness that artists occupy when carrying cultural traditions forward through the complexities of contemporary life and into the future.

Handwoven (2024), directed by Dasha Levin, Mason Cazalet, Mihika Das, and Matthew Wisdom. 9 minutes.

• A glimpse into the life of Nikyle Begay, a nonbinary Navajo shepherd weaving together the preservation of their identity and their art one sheep at a time.

Talking Drum (2025), directed by Alexandre Gougeon. 29 minutes.

• Explore the healing power of drumming through the lens of three diverse community leaders and their mission to cultivate a sense of belonging using the universal language of rhythm.

Kusi Smiles (2025), directed by Sisa Quispe. 15 minutes. 

• Kusi gets triggered by joining a traditional family gathering in the Andes. Unable to sing since her mom passed away, Kusi is confronted by her grief in the community that shaped her.

Tiger (2025), directed by Loren Waters. 13 minutes.

• Tiger highlights an Indigenous award-winning, internationally acclaimed artist and elder, Dana Tiger, her family, and the resurgence of the iconic Tiger t-shirt company.