“Thoughts & Prayers” Screening and Director Talkback

This HBO Documentary film, directed by Emmy-award winners Jessica Dimmock and Zackary Canepari, examines the normalization of gun violence in America through the vast industry that has risen to protect us from it. From lockdown drills in elementary schools to bulletproof backpacks and “active shooter” conventions, the film describes how survival has become a product and safety business model. It documents how this shift has quietly reshaped American life, turning safety into something we rehearse, perform, and purchase. After the screening, we’ll hear from the directors about the making of the film and the major lessons they learned. 

BIO 

Jessica Dimmock and Zackary Canepari are both Emmy award-winning filmmakers and Guggenheim Fellows.  Together they directed Flint Town (Netflix) which was nominated for both Cinema Eye Honors and IDA.  Jessica is also the director of Captive Audience (Hulu) and the feature documentary The Pearl.  Zackary’s film Fire in Paradise (Netflix) was shortlisted for an Academy Award. 

Watch the trailer here: