ABOUT
Old Times Not Forgotten Film Festival was created in honor of my son, Brett Jones. At an early age Brett had a passion for film and knew it was the career he wanted. At the age of five he started setting up the camera on his own and acting in front of it. In middle school he began making short videos with his friends.
While attending Derby High School, he was a videographer for the athletic department and made numerous short films that won several awards. Brett graduated from Derby High School in 2019 and began attending the University of Arizona as a film student. Whenever he came home to Derby, he would go to the high school to speak to the film students. Brett wanted to do whatever he could to help students achieve their goals as filmmakers by giving them insight, encouragement, and support.
While at the University of Arizona, he was again a videographer for the athletic department and made numerous short films. Brett won a Student Emmy/Student Production Award for Best College Nonfiction short form for “Something to Fear”, which was about his former Derby classmate, Kennedy Brown. The following year, for his senior thesis project, Brett created “Old Times Not Forgotten” which has won awards for Best College Director and Best College Film. On May 12, 2023, Brett graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Film and Television and then moved to Georgia, to begin his cinematography career.
Sadly, on January 4, 2024, Brett passed away in a car accident. A couple months later, I discovered, that prior to his passing, he had submitted his last film, “Old Times Not Forgotten” to several film festivals. I started attending these film festivals, as I had for the previous 8 years, but this time in his place. During this process, I was inspired to create this film festival in his honor.
Our goal for the Old Times Not Forgotten Film Festival is to share Brett's passion for film and helping others.
In our inaugural year, the festival focused solely on Brett’s home state of Kansas. We met so many incredible people who now feel like family—something that meant the world to Brett. In our second year, we added another state with a deep connection to Brett: Arizona. During his time in Tucson, while attending the University of Arizona, he supported countless classmates and even strangers. He truly loved the University of Arizona, Tucson itself, and everyone he spent time with while there, so I know he is proud to see Arizona included. We hope to support and encourage all current and aspiring filmmakers.
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MEET THE TEAM
Founder and Creator
Debbie Richert
Debbie founded the Old Times Not Forgotten Film Festival in honor of her son, Brett Jones, a talented filmmaker whose creative spirit continues to inspire the festival’s mission. She created the festival to give students and independent creators a platform to share their work, connect with others in the industry, and see their stories come to life on the big screen.
Manager
Donna Arnett
Donna is Brett Jones’ aunt and a passionate supporter of the arts and young filmmakers. As a dedicated member of the Old Times Not Forgotten Film Festival team, she brings heart, organization, and unwavering support to our mission. Donna’s presence honors Brett’s legacy and helps create a welcoming space where emerging filmmakers can shine.
Treasurer
Amanda Fisher
Amanda Fisher has a strong background in both financial management and spiritual care, making her uniquely equipped to serve as Treasurer. She recently served as Accounting/HR Manager at a recovery center, where she oversaw financial reporting, payroll, compliance, and organizational accountability. In addition, she served as a Spiritual Recovery Specialist, offering guidance and support to individuals in recovery.
Today, Amanda continues this work in a new capacity as a Spiritual Director and Student Counselor, reflecting her commitment to both personal growth and community well-being.
Her professional path also includes roles as Accounting Manager and Team Lead in the dealership industry and a Public Accountant, where she gained expertise in auditing, financial reporting, and tax preparation. Amanda is currently completing her Master's in Counseling at WSU, earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and her Master’s degree in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University, as well as an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies from Newman University.
As Treasurer, Amanda applies her dual expertise in financial stewardship and spiritual leadership to ensure the organization’s fiscal health while upholding its values of integrity, service, and sustainability.
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Board Member
Kenneth Linn
Kenneth Linn brings decades of experience in film education and community storytelling to the Old Times Not Forgotten Film Festival. As the longtime Video Production and Digital Media teacher at Derby High School, Kenny has mentored hundreds of students—including Brett Jones, whose passion for filmmaking helped inspire this festival. His guidance, support, and videography expertise were instrumental in shaping the success of our inaugural event.
In addition to his work with OTNFF, Kenny is a founding director and Creative Director of the Doc Sunback Film Festival in Mulvane, Kansas, where he has helped showcase independent films from across the Midwest since 2015. He is also an award-winning filmmaker whose projects reflect his belief in the power of visual storytelling to connect communities and spark conversation.
Kenny’s dual role as both educator and filmmaker makes him an invaluable voice on our board, bridging the classroom, the festival stage, and the broader independent film community.
Judge
Michael Mulcahy
Michael is a filmmaker, teacher and freelance production sound mixer. He is curently producing and directing Making Arizona, a documentary series and educational project designed to advance climate action at the local, state and federal levels. The project is funded in part by the Arizona Humanities Council, Southwestern Foundation for Education and Historical Preservation, and the University of Arizona's Udall Center, Institute for Resilience, Southwest Center, and the College of Fine Arts. A professor in the School of Theatre, Film and Television and the recipient of several University teaching awards, he teaches courses ranging from introductory aesthetics to graduate documentary production.
Judge
Jacob Bricca, ACE
Jacob Bricca, ACE is an award-winning film editor, director, producer, and scholar. He has edited eleven feature documentaries including the international theatrical hit Lost In La Mancha, the Independent Lens Audience Award Winner Jimmy Scott: If You Only Knew, the 2016 Sundance Special Jury Award Winner The Bad Kids and the 2023 Peabody Award Winner Missing in Brooks County. His producing and directing credits include films screened at the Berlin International Film Festival, DOC NYC, and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. He is a member of the American Cinema Editors, where he is Co-Chair of the ACE Education Committee. His book Documentary Editing: Principles and Practice is the definitive textbook on documentary editing and is a part of the curriculum at film schools around the world, including the USC School of Cinematic Arts and UCLA, and his newest book How Documentaries Work, published by Oxford University Press, offers a provocative deconstruction of documentary tropes and conventions. At the University of Arizona he teaches classes on narrative and documentary film editing, documentary history, and documentary production.
Student Intern
Janaé L. Jackson,
Janaé is a Film & Television major at the University of Arizona with a deep-rooted passion for visual storytelling in all its forms. Whether it's a critically acclaimed masterpiece or a so-called "mediocre" film, she finds value in the creative intent and effort behind every project. Janae is a big believer that every frame has a story, and every story deserves to be seen, questioned, and appreciated. Her enthusiasm for the filmmaking process drives her desire to support and elevate diverse voices in cinema. Beyond the screen, she is an avid bowler, a writer, voracious reader, music lover, and a fearless ("on a good day") karaoke performer.
GUEST SPEAKER
Eric Willis is an award-winning director, producer, and writer whose works range from comedy, to music videos, to family drama. Eric is the founder of Shining Light Industries. An organization that focuses on independent filmmaking but also performs weddings as an officiant. Eric began his filmmaking career in 2016 with his first short film “Silence”, about the last man on earth after a virus killed everyone else on earth. He has produced 41 projects since that first film and is beginning his fourth feature film this fall titled “Finding Tessa.” He has won several independent film awards over the years such as “Best Heartland Feature” in the Kansas City Film Fest International for his feature film “Wholesome Grove.” Eric has a B.A Degree in Theatre from Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, Missouri and a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration from The University of Phoenix. Eric will continue to make films “till the wheels fall off.”
OUR SPONSORS
From the bottom of our hearts, we are so appreciative of your generous sponsorship! As a non-profit organization, you are enabling us to give an incredible experience to aspiring filmmakers and our community. We could not express enough gratitude for your generosity!
Old Times Not Forgotten Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 99-24949225). Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our Venue
Derby Plaza Theater
FILM FESTIVAL FEATURES
Old Times Not Forgotten Film Festival will offer a unique platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent and connect with a diverse audience. We will provide opportunities for networking and discussions to enrich the cinematic experience.
Film Screenings
Experience a curated selection of compelling films that inspire, entertain, and provoke thoughtful conversations.
Interactive Sessions
Engage in interactive sessions with industry professionals and fellow film enthusiasts to gain insights and broaden your perspective.
Networking Events
Connect with like-minded individuals and build lasting relationships within the vibrant community of filmmakers and artists.