Austin Film Festival is proud to announce a lineup of WORLD PREMIERES at its 31st season. Today we’ll be looking at the documentary short Return to Cheyenne directed by Jaime Wilken.
Return to Cheyenne
(USA, 18 MIN)
Director: Jaime Wilken
At 70 years old Jonnie Jonckowski, reflects on a defining moment that forever reshaped her life and the rodeo world. After an injury crushed her Olympic dreams, Jonckowski unexpectedly turned to bull riding, embarking on a quest to become the top bull rider of her era. The women’s rodeo circuit, however, suffered from serious neglect, sexism, structure, and funding. After championing the women’s circuit, she was confronted with the ultimate barrier: the banning of women from professional rodeos, a mandate dated back to the 1930s. Determined, Jonckowski orchestrated a massive media campaign, challenging the status quo and earning women a historic opportunity at Cheyenne Frontier Days, the crown jewel of rodeo competitions. With the spotlight firmly on her, Jonckowski was tasked with not just competing but proving the undeniable prowess and rightful place of women in the heart of rodeo’s most revered arena.
Screening Times
Keep reading for Jaime’s full interview.
AFF: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a documentary filmmaker interested in exploring spaces and people who live in intermediary worlds. I am drawn to humans with an urgent and chaotic passion for life and often focus on legacy, justice, and love. After graduating with a bachelor’s in psychology from Texas State University. I moved to Cambodia to volunteer and then to South Korea to teach English. There I made two short documentaries and cemented my passion. Since then, I have gone on to work with films that have premiered at SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL, HOT DOCS, DOC NYC, and TRIBECA. My documentaries have screened at BIG SKY FILM FESTIVAL, AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL, and multiple Oscar-qualifying festivals. My latest film was selected by NPR WEEKEND EDITION’s Short Film Showcase. I have recently obtained my MFA in film and digital production from the University of Texas. I am passionate about community outreach and developing partnerships with non-profits and companies to champion their story. I aim to facilitate symbiotic relationships for individual awareness and brand recognition. I direct, shoot, edit, and curate grassroots campaigns and strategic outreach through digital marketing.
AFF: Why did you choose Austin Film Festival for your world premiere?
As an Austinite I am always excited to premiere films in my home city. I love AFF’s emphasis on story and its strong ties to UT and old school Austin.
AFF: How long ago did you come up with your project, what motivated you to finish it?
This film was actually my thesis film for my MFA at UT. I was actively looking for a strong woman with an interesting story.
AFF: What part of your project really speaks to you?
The complexity of being a woman. The trade offs we make and the strength we must have to succeed.
AFF: What advice would you give new storytellers when it comes to finishing their screenplay or other projects?
Just don’t stop. Take breaks, but don’t give up.