"Midwest Skidmark" Film: A Bold Statement on Minority Life, Awarded and Celebrated

We’re proud to highlight Midwest Skidmark, a comedy film directed by Phillip Arthur Dixon, which was honored with an award at the Los Angeles Film Awards in 2024. Since then, it has made waves by being screened at the prestigious AMC Theater in Kansas City. The film, which explores the experience of being a minority in the Midwest, especially around the Kansas City Metro area, has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Midwest Skidmark Movie Poster

"Guillermo" played by Jerry Manan and "J.P." played by Matthew Eklund

Justin and Guillermo played by John Conklin and Jerry Manan

Jerry Manan, Shelby Dominguez, John Conklin III, Robert Coppage, Tommy Waller, Joey Greene

As part of the cast and crew, Cosmic Atom Sound Studios played a pivotal role in the sound design and music production of the film. I had the honor of leading the sound department, crafting original scores and ensuring that the sound design underscored the powerful themes of the film. From immersive soundscapes to the driving beats of the soundtrack, my goal was to make sure the sound reflected the raw, authentic emotions captured on screen. Additionally, Cosmic Atom Sound Studios handled the post-production audio work, ensuring that the sound design was meticulously cleaned and tightened, making the final product crisp and ready to be shown to the masses.

What makes Midwest Skidmark stand out is its honest portrayal of life in the Midwest for minorities, all while delivering the humor and wit that makes the film such an enjoyable watch. Phillip masterfully weaves a story that is both personal and universal, exploring the unique challenges and triumphs that come with navigating multiple cultural identities in a region often overlooked by mainstream narratives.

Phillip has continued to stay active in the film scene, working on several exciting new projects. He’s dedicated to bringing more films from the Kansas City area, with the goal of putting Kansas on the map as a filmmaking destination. His vision is to create a thriving film community that will provide a platform for diverse stories to be told.

In addition to the accolades for Midwest Skidmark, Phillip was recently featured in an insightful PBS Broadcast interview. During this interview, he discussed his experiences as a filmmaker in the Midwest, highlighting the unique challenges of working outside traditional film industry hubs. Phillip also shared behind-the-scenes insights into the making of Midwest Skidmark, his motivations as a director, and the impact the film has had on audiences. You can watch the full interview here.

To learn more about Phillip and his body of work, visit his client profile page on the studio's website. There, you'll find a comprehensive portfolio of his film projects, his unique directing style, and his approach to telling diverse and impactful stories. The page also includes links to his social media channels, so you can stay up-to-date with his latest projects and achievements, as well as contact information for professional inquiries. It’s the perfect place to dive deeper into his filmmaking journey and discover how he's shaping the future of Midwest cinema.

I’m honored to have been a part of this important film, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to impact viewers and spark conversations about race, identity, and belonging in the Midwest.