Please join us to watch a movie, eat a little popcorn and participate in a conversation about how movies are made and why they tell the stories they tell.

BIG FISH  (2003), directed by Tim Burton, is a visually rich, whimsical drama that blends magical realism with heartfelt storytelling. The film follows Edward Bloom, a charismatic storyteller whose larger-than-life tales blur the line between fact and fiction, as his estranged son tries to uncover the truth behind them. Through its dreamlike imagery and emotional core, Big Fish explores themes of memory, myth, and the complicated bonds between fathers and sons.

IP artist Sai Thao Team will host the screening.

To RSVP for one of our Movie Nights screening please complete the form at the link at the top of the page.

You may also address any questions you may have by emailing us at info@in-progress.org

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

Please join us to watch a movie, eat a little popcorn and participate in a conversation about how movies are made and why they tell the stories they tell.

THE LEGEND OF OCHI is an upcoming fantasy adventure film that promises an immersive, visually striking journey through a mysterious, otherworldly landscape. Starring Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Finn Wolfhard, and Helena Zengel, the story follows a young girl who runs away from home and forms an unlikely bond with mystical creatures known as the Ochi. Blending epic world-building with emotional storytelling, The Legend of Ochi explores themes of connection, survival, and the power of understanding the unknown.

IP Artist Jayla Jones will host the screening.

To RSVP for one of our Movie Nights screening please complete the form at the link at the top of the page.

You may also address any questions you may have by emailing us at info@in-progress.org

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

Please join us to watch a movie eat a little popcorn and participate in a conversation about how movies are made and why they tell the stories they tell.

ATANARJUAT: THE FAST RUNNER is a 2001 Canadian film directed by filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk and produced by his company Isuma Igloolik Productions. It was the first feature film ever to be written, directed and acted entirely in the Inuktitut language. Set in the ancient past, the film retells an Inuit legend passed down through centuries of oral tradition. It revolves around the title character, whose marriage with his two wives earns him the animosity of the son of the band leader, who kills Atanarjuat's brother and forces Atanarjuat to flee by foot.
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Nuestra Herencia: Proyecto Cinematográphico de Legado reúne una serie de cortometrajes documentales que exploran historias, jardines y legados a través de las vidas de 10 jardineros mayores de El Paseo Jardín Comunitario en el vecindario de Pilsen en Chicago. Un On The Real Film original en colaboración con El Paseo Jardín Comunitario.

IP artist Kristine Sorensen will host the screening.

To RSVP for one of our Movie Nights screening please complete the form at the link at the top of the page.

You may also address any questions you may have by emailing us at info@in-progress.org

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

Please join us to watch a movie, eat a little popcorn and participate in a conversation about how movies are made and why they tell the stories they tell.

THE STREAM is an Indigenous voices are turning to social media to reclaim their identity, culture and traditions, creating community and challenging stereotypes one post at a time. Brazil used to be home to at least 1,000 Indigenous tribes, an estimated 13 million people, before the arrival of European colonisers. Today, there are only about 300 communities left. Many of them feel discriminated against and under pressure to assimilate into urban culture, something influencers are fighting by making diverse Indigenous identities visible online. They call it a revolution.

IP artist Robin Perez will host the screening.

To RSVP for one of our Movie Nights screening please complete the form at the link at the top of the page.

You may also address any questions you may have by emailing us at info@in-progress.org

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

WRITING YOUR FIRST GRANT

The 'Writing Your First Grant' session guides participants through the essentials of crafting compelling proposals, from finding funding opportunities to articulating project goals. Gain insights into grant guidelines, common pitfalls, and tips for standing out, with expert advice to approach your first application confidently. Presenting Artist: Kristine Sorensen

More about The Independent Artist

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship can be both exhilarating and challenging. The "Independent Artist” series is designed to guide aspiring professionals through the fundamental steps of establishing a successful business. This series will provide invaluable insights into the critical aspects of initiating a business venture, covering key elements such as invoicing for services, developing a price sheet, writing your first grant, and establishing a strong web presence. The series will also bring in established artists to share insight into their encounters with copyright law, negotiating large contracts, and managing their public presence over time. READ MORE

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

Please join us to watch a movie eat a little popcorn and participate in a conversation about how movies are made and why they tell the stories they tell.

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990), directed by Tim Burton, is a modern fairy tale about a gentle, artificial man with scissors for hands. Played by Johnny Depp, Edward is discovered living alone in a gothic mansion and brought to a pastel suburban neighborhood, where his talent for creative hedge trimming and haircuts makes him an instant sensation. With its striking visual style and bittersweet tone, the film explores themes of isolation, acceptance, and the painful consequences of being different.

IP artist Sai Thao will host the screening.

To RSVP for one of our Movie Nights screening please complete the form at the link at the top of the page.

You may also address any questions you may have by emailing us at info@in-progress.org

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

Please join us to watch a movie, eat a little popcorn and participate in a conversation about how movies are made and why they tell the stories they tell.

THE MEDIUM (2021), directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun and produced by Na Hong-jin, is a Thai–South Korean found‑footage supernatural horror filmed in Thailand’s Isan region . Presented as a mockumentary, it follows a documentary crew documenting Nim, a local shaman believed to be possessed by the benevolent spirit Ba Yan, a family deity passed down through generations A chilling dive into Southeast Asian folklore, The Medium combines nerve‑shredding horror, disturbing ritual imagery, and psychological terror to explore themes of spiritual heritage, family trauma, and the unpredictable power of the unseen.

IP artist Jayla Jones will host the screening.

To RSVP for one of our Movie Nights screening please complete the form at the link at the top of the page.

You may also address any questions you may have by emailing us at info@in-progress.org

Please join us to watch a movie, eat a little popcorn and participate in a conversation about how movies are made and why they tell the stories they tell.

IKIRU (1952), directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a poignant Japanese drama about confronting mortality and finding meaning in life. It follows Kanji Watanabe, a weary, bureaucratic city official who learns he has terminal cancer. Faced with his impending death, he struggles to give his life purpose, ultimately dedicating himself to building a playground for a poor neighborhood. Quietly powerful and deeply human, Ikiru explores themes of legacy, redemption, and the universal search for significance in the face of mortality.

IP artist Kristine Sorensen will host the screening.

To RSVP for one of our Movie Nights screening please complete the form at the link at the top of the page.

You may also address any questions you may have by emailing us at info@in-progress.org

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

NEGOTIATING WITH CORPORATE ENTITIES

Building successful collaborations with corporate entities and institutions requires skillful negotiation and strategic planning. The 'Negotiating with Corporate Entities' session equips participants with the tools and techniques to confidently navigate high-stakes agreements. Presenting Artist: Caroline Yang

More about The Independent Artist

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship can be both exhilarating and challenging. The "Independent Artist” series is designed to guide aspiring professionals through the fundamental steps of establishing a successful business. This series will provide invaluable insights into the critical aspects of initiating a business venture, covering key elements such as invoicing for services, developing a price sheet, writing your first grant, and establishing a strong web presence. The series will also bring in established artists to share insight into their encounters with copyright law, negotiating large contracts, and managing their public presence over time. READ MORE

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

Please join us to watch a movie, eat a little popcorn and participate in a conversation about how movies are made and why they tell the stories they tell.

IKIRU (1952), directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a poignant Japanese drama about confronting mortality and finding meaning in life. It follows Kanji Watanabe, a weary, bureaucratic city official who learns he has terminal cancer. Faced with his impending death, he struggles to give his life purpose, ultimately dedicating himself to building a playground for a poor neighborhood. Quietly powerful and deeply human, Ikiru explores themes of legacy, redemption, and the universal search for significance in the face of mortality.

IP artist Kristine Sorensen will host the screening.

To RSVP for one of our Movie Nights screening please complete the form at the link at the top of the page.

You may also address any questions you may have by emailing us at info@in-progress.org

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

open mics

COLLABORATION, IMPROVISATION & performance FOR MUSIC ARTISTS

Open Mics provide a safe space to perform works created or works in progress. We aim to host a positive environment for our artist community to be vulnerable and share art. Please come share your talent and/or enjoy the performances! All are welcome to join.

LOCATION

213 Front Avenue Saint Paul MN. 55117

DATES - Saturdays 2-6PM

• February 22

• June 28

• October 18

Artists & Performances

Performances will be open to all, with each artist getting 5 minutes to shine. No sign-up required—just step up and share your talent!

lead artists

Open Mics are led by In Progress artists Simmia Nelson and SharieMarie Gebre-Epps. Both are accomplished musicians and known for their work organizing events in the Twin Cities.

MORE INFORMATION

If you have further questions please send us an email at: info@in-progress.org 

Convergence is an immersive professional development program for early-career filmmakers that pairs them with mid-career artists to advance their work while developing professional support systems within In Progress. In 2025, the following four filmmakers were selected: Tiana LaPointe, Tong Lee, Kazua Melissa Vang and Mickies Kiros for participation.

Cohort Session are intended to bring artists together so they can dig in on their progress towards meeting goals, share information about their broadening network of mentors and professional associates, and find ways to break down barriers they encounter.

These session are invitation only but if you would like more information please send us an email at: info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

Please join us Saturday, August 30th as we embark on a heartfelt storytelling series honoring the experiences of African immigrants living in Minnesota. 

This session is designed to evoke the comforting spirit of village gatherings during times of conflict—where elders would share stories, drums would echo through the night, and younger generations would find peace and strength in the wisdom passed down.”

The stories touch on immigration, the stressors immigrants often face, and the connected bonds that still exist between Africa and life in the United States.

We invite you to join us at 5:30PM for a little food, and good conversation before we begin our formal presentation at 6PM.  

This event is free but please RSVP at the link below so we know how many to expect.  The audience is limited to 30, so priority seating will be given to those that RSVP.

Conversations is led by IP artists Raina Outun and Teku Nijtka with support from Robin Perez. 

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

Establishing copyright ownership

Protecting your creative work is essential for long-term success. This session provides an introduction to copyright law and its role in safeguarding your intellectual property. Participants will learn how to assert and register their rights, understand the scope of copyright protection, and address common challenges such as infringement and licensing. Presenting Artist: Cassie Opia

More about The Independent Artist

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship can be both exhilarating and challenging. The "Independent Artist” series is designed to guide aspiring professionals through the fundamental steps of establishing a successful business. This series will provide invaluable insights into the critical aspects of initiating a business venture, covering key elements such as invoicing for services, developing a price sheet, writing your first grant, and establishing a strong web presence. The series will also bring in established artists to share insight into their encounters with copyright law, negotiating large contracts, and managing their public presence over time. READ MORE

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

the magic of the season

Free Family Portraits

They say “the best things in life are free”. and that is certainly the case with our monthly family portraiture sessions. Photographers Tomas Leal & Aaliyah McQueen dedicates one afternoon each month to honoring families through the art of photography. Everyone is welcome to stop by with friends and families to capture a moment and honor the people you love and respect.

2025 Dates & Times

• Be My Valentine : Sunday February 2nd, 2-4PM

• With Love To Our Mothers: Sunday May 4th, 2-4PM

• The Magic of the Season: Sunday November 16, 2-4PM

Digital images are uploaded to a site where you can download for your own  use on social media or send out for prints.

There is no cost to participate and families are typically welcomed during the above timeframe on a first come first serve basis. If you like to plan ahead however please feel free to let us know you will be coming by RSVP ing above.

For more information about our Family Portraits Program please send an email to info@in-progress.org

Convergence is an immersive professional development program for early-career filmmakers that pairs them with mid-career artists to advance their work while developing professional support systems within In Progress. In 2025, the following four filmmakers were selected: Tiana LaPointe, Tong Lee, Kazua Melissa Vang and Mickies Kiros for participation.

Cohort Session are intended to bring artists together so they can dig in on their progress towards meeting goals, share information about their broadening network of mentors and professional associates, and find ways to break down barriers they encounter.

These session are invitation only but if you would like more information please send us an email at: info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

Join us for a dinner and discussion with 3 emerging artists Kazua Melissa Vang, Tong Lee, Tiana LaPointe and Mickies Kiros. The artists will discuss what they are learning from one another in terms of cultural and visual aesthetics, how they each approach the art of telling stories and the network they are developing as filmmakers. A light meal will be served Families, friends and fellow artists are welcome to join us and show their support.

The Convergence Artist Talk has been developed specifically for our CONVERGENCE Program which seeks to increase the professional viability of developing filmmakers, however we know there are others that may also benefit from this training series. Please let us know you will be joining us by rsvp-ing at the link below:

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

FEAST

connecting through food and conversation

Feast provides a space for sharing and visiting through cooking and meaningful conversations. Sharing of meals and conversations take place from 2-4pm. Folks are also welcome to bring their favorite dish, drink and or dessert from home to share as well.

LOCATION

Activities will take place at In Progress - 213 Front Avenue, Saint Paul, MN. There is no cost to participate, and you are invited to share a dish as well.

Sunday, JULY 27TH 2-4PM

Our summer feast will feature an outdoor barbecue - chicken, burgers and hot dogs. Hosted by IP board member Jacylynn Jones and IP artist Anna Jenkins

Please feel free to bring side dishes and deserts to compliment the feast!

Please RSVP at the link above to save your spot in this unique event. You can also send us an email at: info@in-progress.org 

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

IP artists Sai Thao and Thelmalee Titus will be mentoring our Digital Journeys Team in professional skill building activities that include podcasting, art making, administrative and studio support.

For more information please send an email to info@in-progress.org.

the journey

What does it feel like to be practicing your art form for decades, to build a career and take the hits that are inevitable in any artists’s career process. Listen learn and ask questions. Presenting Artist: Xavier Tavera

More about The Independent Artist

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship can be both exhilarating and challenging. The "Independent Artist” series is designed to guide aspiring professionals through the fundamental steps of establishing a successful business. This series will provide invaluable insights into the critical aspects of initiating a business venture, covering key elements such as invoicing for services, developing a price sheet, writing your first grant, and establishing a strong web presence. The series will also bring in established artists to share insight into their encounters with copyright law, negotiating large contracts, and managing their public presence over time. READ MORE