Events for October 10, 2026

Once Upon a Wetland is a heartwarming and quirky documentary about Durham’s nearly two-decade-old Beaver Queen Pageant, a fundraiser blending environmental activism, LGBTQIA+ pride, and community celebration. Through competitors, organizers, and community members, the film explores how humor, inclusivity, and joy can become powerful acts of resilience in the face of climate change and rising anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.

C.B. Claiborne’s story goes far beyond being the first Black athlete at Duke University.

He was an activist who fought for the dignity and rights of Black students on campus—even when it meant sacrificing playing time. His courage helped shape a movement far bigger than basketball.

In 1986, a small Japanese restaurant opened its doors and became the first of its kind in Durham, North Carolina. Years later, Yamazushi, operated by George and Mayumi Yamazawa, transformed into an experience that many would say is the first of its kind in the American South. In his 2022 directorial debut, hip hop artist G Yamazawa reveals the essence of his family’s story, the source of his own courage, and the art of being unapologetically authentic.

Once Upon a Wetland is a heartwarming and quirky documentary about Durham’s nearly two-decade-old Beaver Queen Pageant, a fundraiser blending environmental activism, LGBTQIA+ pride, and community celebration. Through competitors, organizers, and community members, the film explores how humor, inclusivity, and joy can become powerful acts of resilience in the face of climate change and rising anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. 

Documentary film, As in Death, tells the story of Sidney Brodie and the origin of the Durham Homicide Memorial Quilt. Sidney begins the Durham Homicide Memorial Quilt in the wake of a community tragedy. Every time someone is killed in Durham, he adds their name. But as Sidney becomes more involved in this passion  project, he reflects on what he's sacrificed to create something so beautiful and dark. 

Always Looking explores the work of photographer Titus Brooks Heagins and the challenging questions his photos pose about the systemic neglect of society’s most vulnerable communities of color. Humanizing yet confrontational, Titus’ photographs document the overlooked: people who, through some intersection of poverty, race or gender/sexual identity, exist as outsiders.

This film dives into Titus’ world, shedding light on the strength it takes to be a marginalized Black photographer capturing the lives of other marginalized folks.

Always Looking also probes the question of “who can tell whose story?” while directing a spotlight on an overlooked, but richly deserving, artist.

Director: Olympia Stone

Humble in the Jungle follows the remarkable journey of Mike "Mike Gee" Smalls, a rapper who rose to Hip Hop success before reinventing himself as a licensed plumber after relocating to North Carolina. Along the way, he forms an unlikely friendship with fellow plumber and filmmaker Ricky Kelly, whose passion for storytelling helps bring their shared experiences to the screen. Through their lives as tradesmen, artists, family men, and community leaders, the documentary explores themes of race, class, creativity, resilience, and the dignity of vocational work.

Following the screening, audiences are invited to stay for a special post-screening Q&A with filmmaker Ricky Kelly, offering an inside look at the making of the film and the stories behind it. The evening will conclude with a live performance by Mike G, bringing his music from the documentary to the stage for an unforgettable festival experience.

Director: Ricky Kelly