Maggie Meiners - Director, Kelly Q. Anderson - Writer & Denise Hamburger - Founder, Be Real
Join us for a morning of coffee, creativity, and conversation as we view the short film “That Old Beautiful Love” with creator/artist Maggie Meiners, writer Kelly Q. Anderson, and special guest Denise Hamburger, founder of Be Real, an organization dedicated to promoting positive body image in young people. We will discuss how best to support girls and women to master self love and acceptance of their bodies.
This gathering features a screening of the film adaptation of Anderson’s award-nominated flash fiction story , first published in Stanchion Zine (2022). Editor Jeff Bogle called it so striking it made him “spit out his morning coffee.” The story earned a Best MicroFiction Award nomination before Meiners adapted it for film.
Meiners, known for exploring identity, consumerism, and media culture, brings her signature visual style to this adaptation. That Old Beautiful Love, first published in Stanchion Zine (2022), earned a Best MicroFiction Award nomination and caught Meiners’ attention, inspiring her to transform Anderson’s electrifying prose into film.
Anderson, a celebrated writer, artist, and President of the Off Campus Writers’ Workshop, is known for her punchy, evocative storytelling. Her work has been anthologized, featured as public art, and now brought to life on film. Meiners and Anderson will discuss bringing the story to the screen, exploring themes of love, nostalgia, and media’s influence on personal narratives.
Denise Hamburger will add depth to the discussion with insights on body image and media influence, offering guidance on fostering confidence in young girls. As the founder of Be Real, she is a leading advocate for teens navigating societal beauty pressures, making this conversation both timely and impactful.
Enjoy coffee, a screening of That Old Beautiful Love, and a live discussion with Meiners, Anderson, and Hamburger, offering fresh insights into their creative process and the intersection of film and literature.