Calling San Antonio, Texas his hometown, the Austin-based educator, artist, and acclaimed filmmaker, Ya’Ke Smith has been chosen as this year’s artist for the program, and will live in and work with the Taft Museum in downtown Cincinnati from October 4–18.
Smith, best known as a visionary pioneer for the advancement of African American film, will lead public programs, teach workshops, and visit schools across Greater Cincinnati during his time here in the Queen City.
Smith is best known for his breakout film, WOLF, which premiered at the 2012 SXSW Film Festival. “It centers on sexual abuse in the church,” Smith says, “and one family’s struggle to find closure after they discover their son has been molested by their pastor.”