As True/False Film Fest begins, filmmakers and guests alike gather to enjoy a night of mingling and merriment
Guests were dressed to the nines inside The Missouri Theatre on Feb. 27 for The Jubilee Gala, a masquerade ball that kicked off the highly anticipated True/False Film Festival. The gala gave the perfect chance for film enthusiasts, filmmakers and members of the community to socialize before the festivities in the coming days.
From the very beginning, the atmosphere was vibrant and booming with excitement. Between the lavish appetizers made by culinary students from the Columbia Area Career Center circling all floors and drinks from local crafters such as Logboat Brewing Co. and Broadway Brewing the event was fueled for the entire evening.
Travis “T.O.” Oakley speaks with Jubilee attendee Shelley Sigholtz on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, at the Missouri Theatre in Columbia, Mo. Oakley was one of the many drink vendors scattered around the Missouri Theatre and the Sculpture Yard.
All three floors of the theater were dimly lit creating a magical feeling and was filled with guests freely roaming from room to room, enjoying the mixture of symphonic and club-like music. Between the hustle and bustle of attendees conversing, appetizers floating around and music playing, a True/False merchandise booth was set up in the main entrance, offering guests a chance to buy some gear before the weekend.
A floral design by Tiger Garden is set up for Jubilee attendees as they enter the Missouri Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. The arrangement was inspired by the festival’s poster design, with the floral artists interpreting the passage of time through flowers.
Guests were also able to enter an art gallery inside the theatre, which offered more entertainment and opportunities to interact with other art enthusiasts. A wide range of art was displayed, ranging from paintings and photography to pottery and handmade jewelry which could be bought, adding to the feeling of elegance in the air.
Maxubishi plays his DJ set in the Sculpture Yard party pavilion outside the Missouri Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. Maxubishi is one of many Columbia native musicians featured at the film fest.
Decorations and additional art displayed throughout the venue added to the ambiance. A particularly striking piece was a tree-like sculpture adorned with masquerade masks, which guests could grab and wear. A featured photo booth added the opportunity for attendees to grab a quick photo to remember the night by. The lively atmosphere carried from inside the theater to 9th Street where space heaters were scattered along the road and tents were set up with a DJ.
The true unifying element amongst guests was the theme of masquerade masks. Whether the masks were homemade or store bought, the glitz and glamor they added pulled everything together and made the night even more memorable.
From left, Ragtag Board Secretary Betsy Garrett talks to Tim and Linda Harlan, parents of CACCCA instructor and Jubilee food director Brook Harlan. Garrett has been a longtime fan of True/False, attending every year since its inception and hosting friends and family from across America.
As the night died down and crowds began to disperse, one thing remained clear, The Jubilee was a true testament to the excitement and community that True/False brings out.
You can keep up with The Maneater’s 2025 True/False Film Fest coverage here.
Edited by Alyssa Royston | aroyston@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com
Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com