‘CRIME & PARODY’
‘Crime and Parody’
About the Work-in-Progress Screening
The AfterImage Film Festival’s Work-in-Progress screening brings together industry mentors, and a select AIFF audience directly into the creative process before a film is "locked." It is a first-hand experience to help shape the narrative directly with the filmmaker. Before the film is completed, audiences and industry mentors watch the film together, with the filmmaker, and engage in a moderated discussion after the screening.
The Work-in-Progress event will run roughly three hours total. It consists of a feature length film screening followed by a talk-back with our panel and audience participation. Please attend only if you’re able to stay for the duration.
About the Film
In 2016, amateur comedian Anthony Novak created a parody Facebook page mocking his local police department. The page was satire, but the police took it VERY seriously. They raided Anthony’s home, jailed him for four days, and charged him with a felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison…all for a joke. His ensuing legal battle, which reached the U.S. Supreme Court, would ultimately shed light on the importance of free speech and police accountability—two pillars essential for upholding democracy in America.
Crime & Parody is a feature documentary directed and produced by Will Thwaites in association with Kartemquin Films (producers of Hoop Dreams and Minding the Gap). The film will premiere in 2026.
SCREENING:
Sunday, April 13 at 12:00pm
Genre: Documentary
Run Time: 180 min
Filmmakers: Will Thwaites
Language: English
Rating: Unrated
