The Unspooled Film & Animation Festival is a juried annual event in Menomonie, Wisconsin featuring work made by regional and international independent storytellers. Unique films and animations are screened at the historic Harvey Hall Theatre on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
It's a vibrant gathering where film lovers, students, and seasoned professionals connect, share, and get inspired. Through our incredible lineup of film screenings, hands-on workshops, and engaging guest speakers, we're building a supportive space for every storyteller to thrive.
Emerging and seasoned storytellers are invited to be a part of the festival by submitting their films in a variety of categories. The two-day festival showcases selected projects and creates opportunities for filmmakers, students, and community members to network and share their passion for film and animation.
2026 Theme: Celebrating Design in Cinema
This year, the Unspooled Film & Animation Festival is proud to be a signature event of the School of Art & Design's 60th Anniversary Celebration! Our theme, "60 Years of Design in Motion," honors the deep legacy of creativity and innovation that has defined our institution. For six decades, UW-Stout has been a place where art and technology converge, and this festival celebrates that unique "hands-on, minds-on" spirit.
Before we learned to build theaters, we gathered around the flame. It was there, against the deep black of night and beneath the impartial gaze of the stars, that the first stories were unspooled—told through the crackle of fire and the jagged dance of shadows. At this year's festival, we honor that primal instinct by examining the exquisite evolution of design in narrative. From those raw, flickering cave paintings to the precise, world-building craftsmanship of modern cinema and animation, the fire hasn't gone out; it’s just become infinitely brighter. We invite you to step out of the dark and sit with us as we celebrate the designs that keep us huddling close, waiting to hear what happens next.
2026 Guest Speaker: Jeff Kennel
Documentary Photographer, Filmmaker, & Multilingual Storyteller
Jeff Kennel is a documentary and editorial filmmaker driven by the transformative power of the "honest moment." His approach is rooted in deep immersion, a skill honed by living in 11 countries across four continents over the last 15 years. As a multilingual storyteller, Jeff possesses the unique ability to bridge cultures and contexts seamlessly.
His career is defined by remarkable contrast. Jeff has navigated high-stakes environments for international NGOs like Americares—documenting conflict, disaster recovery, and extreme poverty—while simultaneously executing high-pressure commercial campaigns for global brands like Trek Bikes and NMDP. Whether on a glacier in Alaska, in a village in Tanzania, or within a hospital in war-torn Ukraine, Jeff brings the same profound empathy and technical precision to every frame.
2026 Guest Speaker: Augustus Hinton
Augustus Hinton is a Midwest-based animator whose work is fueled by a lifelong passion for visual storytelling and a strong Wisconsin-born work ethic. Beyond his technical proficiency, Augustus is the creator of the acclaimed Closet Combat series, a project that utilizes narrative movement to explore complex themes of identity. His dedication to the craft has earned him prestigious recognition, including the Creative Individuals Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Whether he is drawing from his early roots in action comics or developing grant-funded independent projects, Augustus remains focused on the power of collaboration and telling stories that resonate on a personal level.
We are excited to premier Closet Combat 3 at Unspooled!
2026 Guest Speaker: Tim Schwagel
Tim Schwagel is an Eau Claire-based filmmaker whose career is rooted in the spirit of collaboration and community. A self-taught director, Tim began his journey making movies alongside a close-knit group of friends; a creative partnership that continues to thrive today. Beyond his own sets, Tim is a fierce advocate for the state’s creative economy, as a member of Action! Wisconsin to help successfully revive film tax credits and establish the state’s new film office. His passion for film is on full display in his latest film, Blossom Needs a Ride, a sharp-witted satire that explores the "honest hassle" of being a horror movie survivor that we're so happy to screen in the Harvey.
Made in Menomonie Feature
Nathan Demming, California, Winter Hymns (2:36:15)
Over the course of one day in a single hospital room, a doctor of palliative care - the "care that doesn't cure" - is drawn into escalating conflicts as patients and their families wrestle with the end of life.
Independent Animation World Premier of "Glow" by Stout Faculty: Jesse Woodward
Jesse Woodward teaches Animation & Digital Media at UW-Stout. Before entering academia, he contributed to high-profile projects including the film Star Trek Renegades, as well as the acclaimed animated shorts Sonder and Sweet Friendship. A dedicated mentor, he acts as the faculty advisor for the Tea Time Animation Club and leads youth outreach through the STEAM Summer Experience, introducing the next generation of creators to industry-standard techniques.
As the Director of Aurora Bell Tower Studios, Jesse leads a dedicated team of artists in pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling. We are incredibly excited to host the premiere of the studio's years-long project, GLOW. A poignant story about family and resilience.
2026 Guest Speaker: Nathan Demming
Nathan Deming is a filmmaker from Wisconsin, based in Los Angeles. A graduate of the London Film School where he studied with British filmmaker Mike Leigh, his work blends European and American influences with a focus on character and place. His feature "Speaking in Tongues" premiered at the Austin Film Festival and is available on Amazon and Apple TV. Alongside other features, he is in the midst of a decade-long film series called The Year Project, exploring life in Wisconsin month by month, most recently with "February". He also co-produced the upcoming horror-comedy "Thinestra".