“Things We Imagined” is a feature-length documentary film about Black college and university professors and the futures they imagined for themselves. The film takes a narrative approach, drawing primarily from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with more than 30 faculty members from across the United States. Also included are behind-the-scenes moments from academic conferences, campus visits, and everyday interactions between colleagues and friends.
The film premiered at the 2025 Association for the Study of Higher Education conference in Denver, Colorado and is currently accepting invitations for campus screenings during the 2026-2027 calendar year.
Film Screening (and Talk Back) Interest Form
If you are interested in screening the film* and hosting a talk back on your campus or in your community in 2026, please complete the interest form below and our team will be in-touch in January.
*Imagined Futures is not currently licensing the film for public performances or private screenings.
Screenings currently require an invitation of the filmmakers to campus to show and discuss the film with campus audiences.
Screening FAQ
What is included in the screening?
All screenings include the following:
Customized promotional materials created by the Imagined Futures design team
A “Director’s Cut” conversation about creative process and applied research methods for aspiring creatives, faculty, staff, and students with co-creators
Private screening of “Things We Imagined” with a post-screening Q&A with Dr. Candace Hall (Producer) and Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III (Director)
What costs should I consider in my budget for hosting a screening?
The following costs should be considered in your proposed budget:
Honoraria for two (2) presenters (Dr. Candace N. Hall and Dr. Charles H.F. Davis III) to screen and discuss the project, including “Director’s Cut” presentation
Round-trip travel and minimum one-night lodging costs
Are there any additional services available in conjunction with hosting a screening?
Yes, Imagined Futures offers the following programming at an additional cost per program:
Professional and faculty development workshops related to hiring, retention, and promotion of Black and other minoritized faculty
Graduate student socialization and engagement programming to support matriculation into the professoriate
Research integrity and multimodal methods training for producing publicly-engaged scholarship
What about the exhibit? Are campus installations an option?
Campus installation of “Things We Imagined” mini-exhibit for public and museum or gallery spaces are available. Please reach out to our team at hello@imaginedfutures.net to discuss your vision (e.g., dates, size and scope, venue/space) and associated costs.