Films & Events

Join us as the Moving Image Research Collections (MIRC) at the University of South Carolina shine a spotlight on Jan Millsapps, a groundbreaking filmmaker with deep South Carolina roots. This extraordinary artist, a former faculty member at USC and fellowship recipient from the SCAC, has infused independent cinema with her daring, female-centered work, including her latest, Madame Mars: Women and the Quest for Worlds Beyond. This documentary, which re-frames the story of space exploration as a feminist issue, premiered at the United Nations and toured the world with the US State Department. 

Millsapps, professor emerita of cinema at San Francisco State University, is returning for a special retrospective screening of her work. In addition to showcasing her latest projects, the evening will feature a curated selection of her earlier films created during her time in South Carolina, and several short films by her former students from the USC Media Arts program.

Recognizing the importance of preserving cinematic history, Jan Millsapps is generously donating her 16mm film collection to MIRC. This invaluable archive will be carefully preserved and made accessible to future generations of filmmakers and film lovers.

Following the screenings, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with the filmmaker in a Q&A session. This is a chance to gain insights into her creative process and to celebrate her remarkable career.

Join us for a captivating evening of cinema, inspiration, and community. 

Check out our sister event with Jan, where she will be hosting a creator’s workshop on Sept. 15th.

120 min.