Over the past several years, I’ve worked at the heart of Kansas City’s independent film and arts scene, building spaces for underrepresented voices, nurturing community connection, and celebrating the power of cinema.
🎞️ KC Underground Film Festival
As Co-Founder and Director of the KC Underground Film Festival, I’ve led a passionate team of volunteers to produce an annual multi-day festival focused on bold, independent, and experimental work. From curating films and managing logistics to marketing and day-of operations, I’ve helped build the festival from the ground up into a vibrant platform for artists and audiences alike.
🐈 Stray Cat Film Center
At the Stray Cat Film Center, Kansas City’s microcinema and media hub, I serve as a Core Member and Programmer. I help guide organizational strategy, curate screenings that prioritize inclusive storytelling, and collaborate with local filmmakers, artists, and nonprofits to grow our reach. Our work creates a home for film as art and as community.
🎥 Film Society KC
As President of Film Society KC, I lead a volunteer-run board of directors dedicated to advancing cinema culture in Kansas City. I’ve overseen organizational restructuring, deepened community partnerships, written grants, and launched public engagement strategies that connect people through a shared love of film.
✍️ Film Writing & Festival Programming
In addition to my work in Kansas City, I have written for several national publications on film, contributing thoughtful analysis and commentary on a wide range of cinematic topics.
I also serve on the programming team for the True/False Film Festival in Columbia, where I collaborate with a talented team to curate an eclectic lineup that showcases boundary-pushing non-fiction films.
💡 What Drives My Work
Across all my roles, I focus on creating meaningful, sustainable platforms that center artists and audiences equally. I believe in grassroots leadership, inclusive curation, and the idea that film is both entertainment and a tool for empathy.
Willy Evans 