Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6 p.m. CT with filmmakers Lili Calfee and Lizzy Montana to learn how to turn real stories into compelling documentaries.
Turn real stories into compelling documentaries. Join filmmakers and educators in this interactive workshop to explore the fundamentals of documentary storytelling and production. We'll cover how to find your story, develop a strong narrative structure, plan interviews, capture meaningful footage, and organize your production from start to finish. You'll also discover how to maximize the tools, technology, and creative resources already at your disposal to produce impactful films without the need for professional equipment. Whether you're creating your first documentary or looking to strengthen your filmmaking skills, you'll walk away with practical strategies, creative confidence, and the foundational knowledge to bring your story to life.
Liliane Calfee is a documentary filmmaker and film instructor at DePaul University. She leads programs in collaboration with the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), focused on expanding film industry access and amplifying the creative voice of young adults in public housing. Her award-winning programs pair female-identifying CHA residents with experienced filmmakers and top DePaul graduate students, resulting in a portfolio of short films recognized at prestigious festivals across the country. The programs provide continued mentorship such as attending film festivals, securing on-set placements, and serving on film juries, helping position the emerging filmmakers for careers in film and media.
Lizzy Montana is the founder of Squishy Banana Studios and has spent over a decade teaching kids, teens, and young adults how to make movies from start to finish.
With a BFA in Theatre/Film from Texas State University, she developed her own hands-on approach to film education through years of experience working in various areas of the film industry. Her professional background includes working with the Texas Film Commission, serving in multiple production roles for director Terrence Malick, and working in casting and location scouting for indie films and commercial productions.
Lizzy’s teaching philosophy centers on learning by doing. Through her original curriculum, more than 1,600 students have written, filmed, and edited over 200 short films, taking their projects from concept to final cut while building confidence, collaboration skills, and their own unique creative voices.
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