March 2026 Newsletter
- The Film Foundry
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
From the Board President
As we move into an exciting spring season, I’m proud to share several updates that reflect the continued momentum and growth of The Ozarks Film Foundry. Each month, we see more collaboration, more creativity, and more evidence that our regional film community is thriving.
First, I want to personally invite you to join us for our Red Carpet Event on March 15th, 5pm, at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. This is a moment to recognize the storytellers, artists, and supporters who make movie magic.
As always, I want to remind everyone of a simple truth about this industry: filmmaking is networking. The relationships you build often become the projects you create. Our upcoming networking mixer at the Mud Lounge, March 19th from 6-8pm, is designed to bring creatives together in a relaxed environment where plots. plans and future productions can be hatched. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get involved, this is it.
We are also nearing a major milestone with renovations to the Kenny DeForest Theater, which are now approaching completion. The transformation of this space represents a significant investment in our creative future. Soon, our cretive community will enjoy an upgraded venue designed to support screenings, performances, workshops, and community gatherings. Alongside the theater project, improvements and updates across Foundry facilities continue as we work to create a more functional, welcoming, and professional environment for you.
Finally, a note for veterans working or who want to work in the entertainment industry in Southwest Missouri: we are proud to support the upcoming Missouri Ozarks Veterans in Entertainment (MOViE) gathering on March 25th from 6–8 PM at American Legion Post 639 on Scenic in Springfield. This event highlights our commitment to supporting veterans pursuing creative careers and strengthening connections between service members and the regional film community.
Thank you for continuing to believe in the mission of the Ozarks Film Foundry. Together, we are building something lasting a creative home for storytellers across the Ozarks.
Monty Dobson Board PresidentOzarks Film Foundry |
Upcoming Events |
Join us - Networking is Filmmaking! |
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Thursday, March 12th & 26th |
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Sunday, March 15th |
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From the Alamo: We are thrilled to announce our Red Carpet Event, presented by the SWMO Film Office and The Ozarks Film Foundry! Join us for an elegant evening of games, drinks, and fun, all in the celebration of film.
It is free to attend, but we are requesting you RSVP ahead of time, which you can do through the ticketing link |
Friday, April 3rd |
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Updates on Film in MO activities |
Film industry advocates were recently at the Missouri Capitol supporting legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s motion media production incentives. Lawmakers are considering bills that would streamline Missouri’s film tax credit program and extend it through 2035, helping make the state more competitive in attracting film and television productions. Supporters say the program is already producing results—more than 50 productions filmed in Missouri in 2025, generating over $40 million in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs across the state.
Film in Missouri and other industry partners continue working with legislators to ensure the state remains an attractive destination for filmmakers and the growing creative workforce across Missouri. |
Sources: Columbia Missourian, Film in MO March Newsletter |
Gillioz Ghost Light Sessions & the TDI Initiative |
We’re proud to share continued progress in our Trade Development Initiative through our year-long partnership with the historic Gillioz Theatre on The Ghost Light Sessions. This live music and storytelling series, filmed on the Gillioz stage, highlights regional talent while providing hands-on workforce training for emerging filmmakers and creatives in our program. Designed as both a digital content pipeline for Ozarks-based artists and a practical training ground for crew development, the series continues to strengthen our region’s creative economy. To date, 12 artists have been filmed, and all sessions can be viewed at the link provided.
📺 Catch the latest Ghost Light Sessions here:https://www.youtube.com/@Gillioz/videos |
A quick message from SATO48, a regional organization with global impact, on their upcoming event. If you have upcoming filmmaking events you want us to share, contact us with the details! |
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SATO48-2026 Film Challenge registration is now open! The participation fee for your SATO48-2026 team is $35, which also covers your 2026 FiveFest submission. You may complete your registration and view full participation details in Festival Manager
FiveFest — platform for your short films to shine (including past SATO48 entries) — is back. Screenings take place the 2nd week of October, and Deadline For Submission is Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Save the dates: Kickoff / Filming WeekendFriday, April 24, 2026 (last Friday in April)Registration remains OPEN until then
SATO48-2026 ScreeningsReserve the week of Monday, June 1, through Friday, June 5
Recognition & Awards CeremonySaturday, June 6, 2026 (first Saturday in June)
SATO48 The TV Show AirdatesTBD
FiveFest Deadline for SubmissionTuesday, September 1, 2026
FiveFest Screenings2nd week of October, 2026
Other Opportunities for Participants
Questions?support@sato48.comSATO48.com
Cheers,Kyaw & Jeff |
The Film Foundry – A Space for Creatives |
Looking for a space to create, collaborate, or host your next event? This month we're spotlighting The Film Foundry—our 16,000 sq. ft. media production hub right in the heart of Springfield.
Whether you’re filming a project, teaching a class, leading a workshop, or hosting a screening, The Film Foundry is open for rentals and ready to support your creative vision.
Explore our space and see how you can bring your next idea to life:🔗 thefilmfoundry.org |
Join the Movement - Become a Volunteer |
As The Ozarks Film Foundry continues to grow, we’re looking for passionate individuals to join us! Whether you’re interested in becoming a member or volunteering at one of our upcoming events, we’d love to have you on board.
Members and volunteers are the heart of what we do—helping us host workshops, support local filmmakers, and build a thriving film culture right here in the Ozarks.
Want to get involved? Learn more and sign up here: ozarksfilmfoundry.org/volunteer |
Message from Ken Childers, Director of Outreach:
"I’d be honored to speak at your next civic engagement or community gathering. If your organization is interested in learning more about the impact of film in the Ozarks and how we’re working to grow creative opportunities in the region, I’d be glad to join the conversation—just reach out!"
Email Ken at ken@ozarksfilmfoundry.org |
Thank You to our Sponsors! |
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