Join us for an atmospheric outdoor screening of Faulkner: The Past Is Never Dead, a documentary film that reimagines the life and legacy of William Faulkner through a rich blend of archival materials, animated sequences, re-enactments, and interviews. With Faulkner’s own words as guide, the film weaves multiple voices—academic, familial, artistic—into a haunting, layered portrait of a complicated literary giant.

Set under twinkly lights in The Porch House backyard, this free screening invites you to settle in with snacks and beverages, enjoy the film (runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes), and stay for a post-screening conversation with producer Anita Modak-Truran and The Porch’s Director of Education, Yurina Yoshikawa. We’ll explore the film’s themes, Faulkner’s enduring relevance, and the Southern stories we tell ourselves—then and now.

This event is made possible through a partnership with the TPIND Foundation, and generous support from the Tennessee Arts Commission.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation of $10–$30 at this link to help us sustain these valuable programs at The Porch.

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Praise for Faulkner: The Past is Never Dead

“This film brings William Faulkner to life—as a legend and iconoclast whose voice is as relevant now as it was in the last century.” —Keith Ochwat, Award-winning filmmaker and founder of Show & Tell Films

“Provocative and compelling, this film is a mirror of our times.” —Anita Sugimura, award-winning documentary filmmaker 

“Extremely moving.” —Greg Dicharry, filmmaker

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