About
This conversation is rooted in a deeply personal place. Over the past year, I’ve found myself thinking more intentionally about mental health within the creative community, especially here in Georgia’s indie film scene. After navigating my own challenges and feeling the absence of consistent support, I became interested in creating space for more honest conversations around what it actually means to sustain a creative life. This panel brings together emerging Georgia filmmakers whose work and personal journeys reflect both the pressures and possibilities of being a storyteller today. Together, we’ll explore how identity, lived experience, and community shape not only the stories we tell, but how we take care of ourselves while telling them. The goal is not to present polished answers, but to create a grounded, open dialogue that acknowledges the realities creatives face—while also highlighting the resilience and support systems that make the work possible. Moderator: Jeremy Thao Panelists: Abigail Kemp, Zack Burkett Jeremy Thao is an Hmong American filmmaker and MFA Screenwriting student at the University of Georgia. Jeremy is the co- founder of The Golden Pages, an organization dedicated to uplifting Georgia-based Asian American creatives, and the founder of East Atlanta Panda, a production company focused on creating opportunities for underrepresented storytellers. He is also a fellow in Smart Growth America’s Outside In Arts & Culture Fellowship (2026–2027). Abigail Kemp is a filmmaker and documentarian based in Atlanta. Abigail’s work is deeply personal, often rooted in identity, memory, and the search for belonging. Her debut documentary, Year of the Rabbit, chronicles her first return to China since her adoption—a journey that she independently wrote, directed, produced, and brought to audiences through a self-built platform. The film has resonated widely, generating over 10M organic views online, growing a dedicated audience, and earning her the Emerging Filmmaker Award at the Atlanta Documentary Film Festival. Alongside her independent work, Abigail has gained on-set experience as an Office Production Assistant on major studio productions including The Exorcist: Believer, Insidious: The Red Door, and The Slumber Party. Her perspective bridges both personal storytelling and industry experience, with a strong focus on connecting stories to audiences in meaningful, accessible ways. Writer/Director originally from Maryland, Zack Burkett ’s path into filmmaking began at an early age, inspired by films that offered both escape and a gateway into storytelling. After studying at the University of Maryland, he moved to Atlanta in 2017 to pursue filmmaking full-time, where he has since written and directed multiple independent short films that have screened at festivals, including the award-winning Kung Pao Corpse (2019) and Roast Pork Butt (2023). In addition to his directing work, Zack has worked as a freelance editor and production assistant across several TV productions, building a well-rounded understanding of the industry. In 2023, he founded ZebraCat Productions LLC and directed the proof-of-concept short Pa, which he is currently developing into a feature. Now signed with Untamed Artists LA, Zack continues to develop new work, including his upcoming project Gunch & Ruben’s Galactic Reunion. His creative journey reflects both persistence and a deep commitment to telling meaningful stories through personal and professional challenges.
Details
Show
12:01am
Tickets
Tickets available ↗
Getting There
535 Means St NW West Midtown, GA
Lot parking · available