Highlighting the annual Friends of the Plains Dinner on Friday was keynote speaker Kevin Willmott, who discussed the Center for Great Plains Study as well as his own recent success.
Each year, the Center for Great Plains Study has this dinner as a fundraiser, and to catch their constituents up on their recent happenings. A special guest speaker is typically appointed for the annual dinner, but Willmott’s presence raises the bar for future speakers.
Kevin Willmott, a Junction City native, recently won an Acadamy Award for Best Writing Adapted Screenplay for BlacKkKlansman, a movie he co-wrote with Spike Lee. Willmott says his raising in Kansas is a driving influence behind his works.
Willmott is also a professor of film & media studies at Kansas University and also credits his teaching experiences and students to his success. Willmott says his recent Oscar win will hopefully open the doors for future projects.
Willmott currently has one movie in production being shot in Thailand, and another he hopes to begin shooting this summer.
to keep up with the Center for Great Plains Study at Emporia State, visit their website at emporia.edu/cgps or go to their Facebook Page.
