Peasant Jean Valjean (Jean Gabin) suffered through decades in French prison for stealing a loaf of bread, but once released, life doesn't automatically become easier. Not only does the community shun him as an ex-convict, but a policeman named Javert (Bernard Blier) refuses to believe he's a good man. Wherever Valjean goes, Javert follows, intent

Legendary film director Werner Herzog will receive FilmScene’s Cinema Savant award and appear in conversation to discuss his life in film and read from his soon-to-be-released autobiography, Every Man for Himself and God Against All: A Memoir. Presented in collaboration with Prairie Lights Bookstore, Iowa City Book Festival, Infinite Dream Festival, and The Englert Theatre.

Denis and Cindy Johnson Friends and admirers of the late Denis Johnson read from and discuss his work at this special event co-presented with FilmScene’s Refocus Film Festival and the University of Iowa Office for Writing and Communication. Participants include Chris Offutt, Cindy Lee Johnson, Will Patton, Rachel Yoder, Red Danielson, and James Galvin.