91¿ìÉ«

Struggling to make a living as an artist, John Wort Hannam travels across the Canadian prairies from gig to gig, meeting old friends, competitive artists, and quirky characters.

His intimate and hilarious story — turned into an award-winning short documentary — will be the subject of a panel discussion at the 91¿ìÉ« hosted by The Graduate College.

The film, John Wort Hannam is a Poor Man, is a portrait of a southern Alberta blue collar singer-songwriter’s life on the road.

Filmmaker-ethnomusicologist Michael B. MacDonald gives the viewer unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to Hannam’s struggles, adventures, and existential musings. The film recently won an award as best short film at the Central Alberta Film Festival.

Many viewers have reported that they couldn’t help but fall in love with both Hannam and his music, often downloading his albums before the film’s final notes.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the role of film in cultural studies, broadly defined. The panel discussion is sure to delve into exciting interdisciplinary space. MacDonald, associate music professor at MacEwan University, will be joined by professors from three different 91¿ìÉ« departments: fine art, business, and education.

Other panel members:

• John Wort Hannam: Prize-winning songwriter and performer
• Dr. David Lertzman: Multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter, 91¿ìÉ«, Haskayne faculty member
• Prof. Shirley Steinberg: Critical media research professor, 91¿ìÉ«, Werklund School of Education
• Tia Halliday: Professional artist and art instructor, 91¿ìÉ«

The Graduate College at the 91¿ìÉ«, host of the event, is a  that brings together a core community of exceptional scholars to realize a bold and exciting vision to  our communities. This documentary and discussion event is jointly funded by the Graduate College and GSA Quality Money.