Panel examines the adventures and existential musings of a struggling artist

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 University of Calgary 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 University of Calgary 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, University of Calgary, Haskayne faculty member
• Prof. Shirley Steinberg: Critical media research professor, University of Calgary, Werklund School of Education
• Tia Halliday: Professional artist and art instructor, University of Calgary

The Graduate College at the University of Calgary, host of the event, is a new initiative that brings together a core community of exceptional scholars to realize a bold and exciting vision to connect, enrich and energize our communities. This documentary and discussion event is jointly funded by the Graduate College and GSA Quality Money.