Press Release: Delaware Humanities Partners with Wilmington International Film Festival to Present Award-Winning Documentary “Crime & Parody”
September 15, 2026
At the Wilmington International Film Festival, Delaware Humanities will sponsor the documentary “Crime & Parody” which addresses issues around free speech and police accountability.
Delaware Humanities will present “Crime & Parody” on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Theatre N as part of the Wilmington International Film Festival (WIFF). Doors will open at 3:00 pm, and the program will begin at 3:30 pm.
In celebration of National Arts & Humanities Month, which occurs each October, Delaware Humanities is excited to present “Crime & Parody” to Delaware audiences. Released in 2026, “Crime & Parody” is an award-winning, feature-length documentary directed by Brooklyn-based filmmaker Will Thwaites. Following the screening, Delaware Humanities will host a Q&A with local leaders to discuss themes and topics addressed in the film.
“Crime & Parody” follows Anthony Novak, an amateur comedian from Ohio, who finds himself in serious trouble after making a parody Facebook page mocking his local police department. As his case draws national attention, The Onion joins his fight for free speech in a case that helps shed light on police conduct and accountability. But “Crime & Parody” pushes those questions even further by following a second story about a man named Omar Arrington-Bey who grew up 15 miles from Anthony. Omar’s story ultimately highlights just how much is at stake when constitutional protections break down.
“Documentary films like this one help us to understand the human experience, especially experiences that might vary from our own, and have historically been one of the types of projects Delaware Humanities has funded in Delaware,” said Michele Anstine, Executive Director at Delaware Humanities, “We are excited to partner with the Wilmington International Film Festival to connect our supporters and supporters-to-be with the message of Crime & Parody,”
This screening is made possible through WIFF’s Film Champion program which invites Delaware nonprofits to sponsor a film and screen it during the film festival. Through the Film Champion program, 75% of proceeds from ticket sales will support Delaware Humanities and our mission to provide humanities programs throughout the state.
Tickets for “Crime & Parody” are available at wilmington.film/crime-and-parody/. Seats are limited and tickets are required. Concessions will be made available at Theatre N. On-street parking and lot and garage parking is available within walking distance.
About Delaware Humanities
Founded in 1973, Delaware Humanities is Delaware’s independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. We provide services and resources to organizations for humanities-based projects and events in Delaware. We work to strengthen our communities by connecting Delawareans through the diversity of human experiences. For more information, please visit our website at https://dehumanities.org.
About “Crime & Parody” (Official Synopsis)
Nearly a decade before Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert came under attack for their political humor, Anthony Novak, an unknown comedian from Ohio, finds himself in even more serious trouble for making fun of the government. The Onion joins his fight for free speech in a case that helps draw national attention to police conduct and accountability. But Crime & Parody pushes those questions even further by following a second story about a man named Omar Arrington-Bey who grew up 15 miles from Anthony. Omar’s story ultimately highlights just how much is at stake when constitutional protections break down.
About the Wilmington International Film Festival
The Wilmington International Film Festival offers a unique and multifaceted experience that extends far beyond traditional film festivals. This dynamic festival serves as a key networking event for filmmakers, passionate movie lovers, non-profits, and businesses seeking impactful engagement opportunities. The 2026 Wilmington International Film Festival will take place October 8-11, 2026 in Wilmington, Delaware.
For more information, contact Kelly Murray, Communications Manager at info@dehumanities.org.
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