Ackland Film Forum: Christine Vachon in Conversation

Ackland Art Museum & UNC Film Studies Present: A Celebration of Christine Vachon

Join us for a two-night event honoring Christine Vachon, one of independent cinema’s most fearless and influential producers! For more than three decades, Vachon has been at the forefront of American queer cinema and has championed bold, uncompromising stories that challenge filmmaking conventions and amplify marginalized voices. As the co-founder of Killer Films, she has worked with some of the most daring filmmakers of our time: Todd Haynes, Kimberly Peirce, John Cameron Mitchell, Paul Schrader, Celine Song, Brady Corbet, and more. From the raw emotional power of Boys Don’t Cry (1999) to the exquisite longing of Carol (2015), her productions have reshaped the cinematic landscape by giving voice to stories that might otherwise go untold.

This two-night event offers a rare opportunity to experience one of her early films on the big screen and hear directly from the artist herself.

Night One – Screening of Velvet Goldmine

Tuesday, April 15 | 7:30 | Varsity Theatre

Velvet Goldmine (dir. Todd Haynes, 1998, UK/US, Killer Films)

Velvet Goldmine is a glittering, audacious tribute to the transgressive spirit of 1970s glam rock. Its nonlinear plot (indebted to the flashback structure of Citizen Kane) investigates the rise, fall, and strange disappearance of Brian Slade (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a Bowie-esque superstar whose music, sexuality, and persona ignite controversy and desire in equal measure. Featuring unforgettable performances by Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale, and Toni Collette, Velvet Goldmine offers a kaleidoscopic exploration of identity, fame, and the power of queer art.

Night Two – Christine Vachon in Conversation

Wednesday, April 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Varsity Theatre

Vachon reflects on her groundbreaking career, the evolution of independent cinema, and the importance of authentic queer representation on screen. Moderated by Michelle Robinson, Associate Professor of American Studies, this conversation will offer insight into the creative and logistical challenges of producing films outside the Hollywood system, as well as the cultural impact of LGBTQ+ storytelling. Audience Q&A will follow.

Admission is free and open to the public. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to engage with one of cinema’s most dynamic and influential producers!