Southern Circuit - Tour of Independent Filmmakers

November Update: IMBA Means Sing!

2015-12-02T14:36:00.000-05:00

Welcome back everyone! We at South Arts hope that you had a joyous Thanksgiving holiday! Today we have another blog post from one of our filmmakers, Erin Bernhardt, as she completed her Southern Circuit with her film, IMBA Means Sing. We hope that you enjoy her blog post!

IMBA Means Sing Blog Post #2 - by Erin Bernhardt

Hey again y’all! I had the best time on the Southern Circuit tour. If it weren’t for my husband at home, I would never want this incredible experience to end.

After traveling across the South showing IMBA MEANS SING to so many incredible communities, I have some recommendations of things to check out:

1. You should visit every place we screened! Each town, community and college was wonderful. They all have such charming places to eat, people to meet, and treasures to see and experience.

Here are the list of cities that we visited while on tour:

Monroe, North Carolina

Bonita Springs, Florida

Memphis, Tennessee

Barbourville, Kentucky

Hapeville, Georgia

Troy, Alabama

Hanceville, Alabama

Sheffield, AL

2. Rural roads are so beautiful and relaxing that you need to drink tons of coffee to stay awake. Luckily, there were fantastic local coffee shops in places I visited. My favorite was River Town Coffee in Florence, Alabama.

3. Being born and raised in Atlanta and a sixth generation Georgian, I was so surprised that I have never been to this gem of a city: Hapeville. It happens to be home to three of my, and Imba’s, favorite things: Delta Airlines, Chick-fil-a and one of our Associate Producer’s dads – Jeff Foxworthy! Next time your flying through Atlanta, you should leave the airport on your layover and have a meal at Volare Bistro in their historic downtown.

4. If you are a filmmaker, you need to apply for the Southern Circuit! The audiences and hosts were incredible. The Q&As were packed with riveting discussions. You’ll have the best time!

Thank you so much Teresa, Patti, all of our incredible Imba hosts, and the whole South Arts team!

I would love for all of you to share our film -- it comes out on demand and digitally on Friday, December 4! You can find the links to download at www.imbafilm.com, and makes for a perfect holiday gift for anyone!

2015-2016 Southern Circuit November Filmmaker Updates

2015-11-11T14:00:00.001-05:00

Hello again, everyone! Today we would like to share a blog post with you from one of our filmmakers, Erin Bernhardt, and her first of many great experiences she will have while on the Southern Circuit. Enjoy!

Imba Means Sing - Blog Post #1 by Erin Bernhardt.

The first two days sharing IMBA MEANS SING on the Southern Circuit have been incredible! I am so grateful and think this is the coolest thing the government could do to help bring important films to communities. Thank you!

Here are a few highlights so far:

- Several close friends from various times in my life – high school, summer camp, studying abroad in Australia, volunteering in Uganda – came to our screening at Wingate University. It was such a treat to see them. I’m on my way to Memphis right now where I get to spend the night with one of my best friends from college, too. Who knew a tour away from home could be so full of love?!?

- A college class full of future teachers at Wingate is going to use our Imba Discussion and Impact Guide. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!

- The awesome audience in Bonita Springs asked some of the greatest questions last night after the screening. Their wisdom and wonder were really inspiring to me. They also shared stories about friends they know who are also making a difference in Africa. I love that our film helps connect viewers to so many amazing people.

My favorite moment was when the entire audience together realized how incredible it is that it just took ONE PERSON, Ray Barnett, to have the idea to start the African Children’s Choir and the impact one human can make. I know it encouraged them to all live and give in their lives to the fullest.

More soon! Can’t wait to see y’all in TN, KY, GA and AL soon!

For more information about the African Children's Choir, scroll over the "African Children's Choir" link to the left.

Shield and Spear - October Update

2015-11-04T14:49:00.001-05:00

Hello, everyone!

One of our filmmakers for the October session on the Southern Circuit, Petter Ringbom, documented his trip and would like to share his experiences while on the circuit with you with his personal blog.

We hope that you will visit his website for a more in depth look of his film and his time on the Southern Circuit.

2015-2016 Southern Circuit November Films

2015-11-04T14:26:00.001-05:00

Hello, everyone! We hope you were able to view a screening of our October filmmakers who were on the Southern Circuit Tour last month. Just in case you might have missed out, here is the list of the films that were on tour:

Movement and Location by Alexis and Bodine Boling

Shield and Spear by Petter Ringbom

1971 by Johanna Hamilton

Throughout the month of November, we are proud to announce three new documentaries from our filmmakers: Jeanie Finlay, Alexandria Bombach & Mo Scarpelli, and Erin Bernhardt. And as always, the filmmakers travel with their films and are in attendance for post-screening discussions.

Orion: The Man Who Would Be King

ORION tells the story of Jimmy Ellis of Orrville Alabama – an unknown singer plucked from obscurity, and thrust into the spotlight as part of a crazy scheme that had him masquerade as Elvis back from the grave. With an outlandish fictional identity torn from the pages of a novel, the backing of the legendary birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll Sun Records and a voice that seemed to be the very twin of Presley’s himself, the scheme – concocted in the months after Presley’s death exploded into a cult success – and the “Elvis is alive” myth was begun.

Borne by his incredible voice, Jimmy – as the masked and rhinestoned Orion – gained the success he’d always craved, the women he always desired and the adoration of screaming masses but it wasn’t enough…

Our story revels in the manipulative schemes of the music industry, the truth and lies at the heart of the story, the allure of fantasy and the eternal search for identity. Orion proves that fact is indeed ‘stranger than fiction’. This is the story behind that story. Who was that masked man?

Jeanie Finlay is an acclaimed British artist and filmmaker who creates intimate, funny and personal documentary films and artworks. Her focus is on creating compelling portraits and she is obsessed with uncovering what makes people tick. Incorporating art, film and event cinema her work is known for its innovation in audience engagement and distribution.

Her work includes the feature documentaries Orion: The Man Who Would be King (89 mins BBC Storyville) Panto! (71 mins BBC Storyville) The Great Hip Hop Hoax (88 mins BBC Storyville, BBC Scotland), SOUND IT OUT (75 mins ) and sister artwork More than Music, Goth Cruise for IFCTeenland (BBC) and interactive documentary Home-Maker.

Schedule:

November 3, 2015: Carolina Theare of Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
November 4, 2015: Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), New Orleans, LA
November 5, 2015: Florida State University Foundation, Inc. Tallahassee, FL
November 6, 2015: Miami-Dade County Dept of Cultural Affairs, Cutler Bay, FL

Frame By Frame

When the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, taking a photo was a crime. After the regime fell from power in 2001, a fledgling free press emerged and a photography revolution was born. Now, as foreign troops and media withdraw, Afghanistan is left to stand on its own, and so are its journalists. Set in a modern Afghanistan bursting with color and character, FRAME BY FRAME follows four Afghan photojournalists as they navigate an emerging and dangerous media landscape – reframing Afghanistan for the world, and for them. Through cinema vérité, intimate interviews, powerful photojournalism, and never-before-seen archival footage shot in secret during the Taliban regime, the film connects audiences with four humans in the pursuit of the truth.

Alexandria Bombach is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker who lives on the road. Founding her production company RED REEL in 2009, Alexandria is known to sell all of her belongings to tell a story she believes in. In 2010, Alexandria set out to film “23 Feet” a 30 minute documentary about people living a simple life in order to do what they love in the outdoors, “23 Feet” takes an in depth look at what it means to live for your passions. The film screened at festivals in 15 countries and across the U.S. in a rogue distribution outlet: her 1970 Airstream with an outdoor theatre attached to it. Her Emmy Award-winning 2012 film series MoveShake features real life stories and lessons of people dedicating their lives to environmental and social issues. Focusing on character-driven films, Alexandria’s work is defined by her ability to get to the core of what drives passionate people to do what they do

Mo Scarpelli is a non-fiction filmmaker and multimedia journalist. Her curiosity of humans and her compulsion to the underexposed has led her to shoot in more than 15 countries around the world. Mo is the Founder and Director of Rake Films, which produces character-rich films and multimedia stories for news and non-profits. Rake’s award-winning short films with non-profits have screened at the World Health Organization, the United Nations and in global health events across Africa, Asia, Europe and the U.S. As a journalist, Mo’s work has been published with the BBC, The Wall Street Journal, Africa Review, The Huffington Post and Narrative.ly. She holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Missouri, nearly 10 years of experience filming in unfamiliar territories, and that bottle opener on her at all times doubles as a tripod key

Schedule:

November 5, 2015: Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Auburn University, Auburn, AL

November 8, 2015: Winder Cultural Arts Center, Winder, GA

November 9, 2015: East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN

November 10, 2015: Oxford College of Emory University: Oxford, GA

November 11, 2015: Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, GA

November 12, 2015: Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC

Imba Means Sing

IMBA MEANS SING is the story of one little boy who is a big star. As the celebrity drummer from the Grammy-nominated African Children’s Choir, Moses relies on his youthful resilience. Growing up in the slums of Kampala, Uganda, Moses and his family lack enough resources for him to even attend the first grade. The film is an intimate character portrait, stunningly shot and told through Moses’ perspective on his one shot journey from poverty towards his dream of becoming a pilot.

Erin Bernhardt is a humanitarian journalist, filmmaker and impact producer dedicated to making movies that make a difference. She works to inspire and motivate people to rally behind important issues and causes. Erin is currently on tour with her first independent documentary feature film, Imba Means Sing, a story about music, education, and poverty alleviation told through the eyes of young members from the Grammy-nominated African Children’s Choir. A former CNN writer/producer and Peace Corp volunteer, Erin now works to bring media and development together. She is grateful to have won several awards for her work, including an Emmy and two Peabody’s. Most recently, Erin was honored with IndieFEST’s Award of Excellence for Women Filmmakers, Speranza Foundation’s ‘Female Filmmaker of the Year’ grant and with giving two TEDxWomen talks. Erin has a heart for her city and the developing world. Locally, she is part of LEAD Atlanta and the Beltline’s Young Advisory Council. She’s a proud wahoo from the University of Virginia and loves making new friends, adventuresome travel, live music and yoga

Schedule:

November 9, 2015: Union County Community Arts Council, Monroe, NC

November 10, 2015: Center for the Arts Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs, FL

November 11, 2015: Memphis Development Foundation, Memphis, TN

November 12, 2015: Union College, Barbourville, TN

November 13, 2015: City of Hapeville Association of Trade & Tourism, Hapeville, GA

November 16, 2015: Troy University, Troy, AL

November 19, 2015: Wallace State Community College, Hanceville, AL

November 20, 2015: The Tennessee Valley Art Association/Ritz Theatre, Sheffield, AL

We hope that you be in attendance to enjoy the films and to meet the filmmakers!

2015-10-20T09:32:00.000-04:00

MOVEMENT AND LOCATION on the Southern Circuit tour

by Bodine Boling

Alexis and I just had the incredible pleasure of taking, MOVEMENT AND LOCATION, on the Southern Circuit Tour. We brought our casual science fiction feature first to Greensboro, North Carolina, and then on to Tallahassee and Miami, Florida.

Greensboro had us screening in the gorgeous Carolina Theater; although, first we ate some nachos.

We had a great Q&A — thoughtful, interesting questions and a series of great conversations, which Alexis and I continued with some audience members over at Natty Greene’s until they started putting stools up on tables and turned on all the lights. It was a wonderful night.

Then we went to Tallahassee! We screened at the IMAX at the Challenger Learning Center.

Look how big it is! Let me tell you it’s pretty remarkable to see your own face STORIES HIGH. This was also a great Q&A, with a smart, engaged crowd. Then we had dinner with some of the extraordinary Opening Nights staff.

Then we went to Miami! Eric Fliss, director of the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, showed us around the incredible facility.

Alexis and I actually ducked out for the screening itself and watched a phenomenal jazz show in their black box theater, then came back for the Q&A. Which, again, turned out to be full of amazing and insightful questions from a thoughtful, engaged crowd. And a big thanks to Kevin Sharpley for moderating.

It was a whirlwind of a week, but so fun, and such an honor.

MOVEMENT AND LOCATION is science fiction more in context than plot—we tried to make a real, human drama (but funny) where a few of the characters happen to be time travelers. My favorite thing is when a person comes up to me after a screening and confesses that he or she generally hates science fiction but really enjoyed my film. I love this so, so much. It happened a lot at film festivals, often women over 30 who are bored by movies that don’t make them think, and it happened after every screening on the Southern Circuit tour.

I can relate to this, which is why I wrote the script I did. Making it was a bit of an ordeal, but getting to share it with new audiences is a joy, and makes the process feel totally worth it.

In December we’ll have our last Southern Circuit screening in New Orleans. I’ll be sure to check in after!

More details about the film here, including trailer and ways to watch:

http://movementandlocation.com/watch

With gratitude,

Bodine (& Alexis) Boling

2015-2016 Southern Circuit October Films

2015-10-13T17:00:00.001-04:00

Hi, everyone! We hope you enjoyed the filmmakers' films as they toured on the Southern Circuit for the 2015-2016 season during the month of September. Here is a brief recap of the films that were screened in September.

I Will Dance by Joseph East

She's Beautiful When She's Angry by Mary Doe

Myrna the Monster and other short films by Ian Samuels

During the month of October, we are proud to present to three films: two documentaries by Petter Ringbom and Johanna Hamilton, respectively, and a science fiction thriller by Alexis and Bodine Boling. And as always, filmmakers travel with their films and are in attendance for post-screening discussions.

Movement and Location

Kim Getty is an immigrant from 400 years in the future, sent back to modern-day Brooklyn to live an easier life. She's built a new identity in this time that nearly satisfies: she has a full time job, shares an apartment with a roommate and is falling in love. But when she encounters two other people from the future - a 15 year-old girl and Kim's own long-lost husband - Kim must fight to keep the life she once had from destroying the new life she's built.

Alexis Boling is Georgia-born but Brooklyn-based. As director and cinematographer, he made the "Mansford Roof" music video for Vampire Weekend, the first three seasons of Moonshiners for the Discovery Channel and the Ted Haggard Monologues, a narrative feature based on a hit play by Michael Yates Crowley. Recent projects include the Carousel Ride music video for Rubblebucket and a new show on Nat Geo called Live Free or Die.

Schedule:

October 13, 2015: Carolina Theatre of Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
October 15, 2015: Challenger Learning Center, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
October 16, 2015: South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, Cutler Bay, FL
December 16, 2015: Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), New Orleans, LA

Shield and Spear

An artist paints a caricature of South African president Jacob Zuma that provokes a lawsuit, death threats and a massive street protest. An musician devises a stage character based on an archetypal African dictator to more freely comment on his community and his country. For a group of designers in Soweto, their fashion creations and style are manifestations of freedom. A photographer dedicates her life to documenting the LGBT community and exposing hate crimes that go unnoticed by the government and mainstream media. While one Johannesburg-based band is overtly political, another band makes a conscious decision to not deal with politics. Shield and Spear explores a constellation of stories about art, music, identity, race, and freedom of expression in South Africa, twenty years into democracy.

Petter Ringbom is a New York-based director of documentary and narrative films. His debut feature documentary The Russian Winter, a film about American musician John Forté, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in 2012 and screened at IDFA, Moscow Int’l Film Festival, and Gothenburg Int’l Film Festival. His short film May Fly premiered at Stockholm Int’l Film Festival and screened at festivals around the world. Petter’s video collaboration with the artist Karl Haendel, Questions for My Father, has screened at Harris Lieberman Gallery, Susanne Vielmetter Projects, Utah Museum of Contemporary Arts, and Wexner Center for the Arts.Questions for My Father was selected for the Art Video program at Art Basel Miami in 2012. After studying at the Cooper Union School of Art in New York, Petter partnered in the creative agency Flat, where he served as an art director for clients like MoMA, Red Cross and ESPN. He has taught at Parsons School of Design and New York University and served on the board of the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Petter is a Film Independent Fast Track Fellow for 2013.

Schedule:

October 19, 2015: DP Culp University Center, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
October 20, 2015: Harrington-Peachtree Academic Center (First Floor Amphitheater), Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC
October 21, 2015: Williams Gymnasium, Oxford College of Emory University, Oxford, GA
October 22, 2015: Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
October 24, 2015: Colleen O. Williams Theater, Winder Cultural Arts Center, Winder, GA
October 26, 2015: University Center Theater, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC

1971

On March 8, 1971 eight ordinary citizens broke into an FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania, a town just outside Philadelphia, took hundreds of secret files, and shared them with the public. In doing so, they uncovered the FBI’s vast and illegal regime of spying and intimidation of Americans exercising their First Amendment rights.

Despite searching for the people behind the heist in one of the largest investigations ever conducted, the FBI never solved the mystery of the break-in, and the identities of the members of the Citizens’ Commission to Investigate the FBI remained a secret. Until now…

Johanna Hamilton co-produced Pray the Devil Back to Hell, the gripping account of a group of brave and visionary women who demanded peace for Liberia, a nation torn to shreds by a decades old civil war. It premiered at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival where it won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary and was later short-listed for an Academy Award. It screened at hundreds of festivals and grassroots events around the world. In fall 2011, it spearheaded the PBS mini-series, Women, War & Peace. The series won the Overseas Press Club Edward R. Murrow Award for best documentary. Johanna has produced non-fiction programs for PBS, The History Channel, A&E, Discovery Channel, The Washington Post/Newsweek Productions and New York Times Television. Johanna began her career in the dramatic run-up to the 1994 first all-race elections in South Africa. She went on to work on the country’s premier investigative magazine program, Carte Blanche. She has worked in Africa, Europe and North America and received numerous awards for her work. She is an alumnus of the Garrett Scott Documentary Development Grant and the Sundance Documentary + Composers Lab. Johanna is a graduate of the University of London and holds an MA in Broadcast Journalism from New York University. 1971 is her documentary feature debut.

Schedule:
October 13, 2015: Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs, FL
October 14, 2015: Rector Little Theatre, Union College, Barbourville, KY
October 15, 2015: Burrow Center Recital Hall, Hanceville, AL
October 16, 2015: Ritz Theatre, Sheffield, AL
October 19, 2015: Trojan Center Theatre, Troy University, Troy, AL
October 20, 2015: Batte Center, Wingate University, Wingate, NC
October 21, 2015: Halloran Centre at the Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, TN
October 23, 2015: Hapeville Historic Christ Church & Carriage House, Hapeville, GA

We hope that you will be in attendance!!!

"I Will Dance" Tour with Joseph East

2015-10-06T12:28:00.001-04:00

It was an incredible trip touring I Will Dance on the Southern Circuit. All of my hosts, as well as the people I was given the opportunity to meet, were welcoming and generous. Below are my top 10 highlights, in no particular order:

1. “I WILL” Cards

At the end of each showing, we handed out cards and invited everyone in the audience to share their stories by writing down a personal commitment. Seeing what people wrote on their cards always touched and inspired me. Here are a few: I WILL live cage free. I WILL strive to be the best I can be. I WILL stand up and stand out. What’s YOURS?

2. Central BBQ in Memphis: “Go where the locals go”

I asked them what the best thing on the menu was, and without hesitating the employee said, “you have to try the pork sandwich.” I did. And my tastebuds were happy.

3.The Kentucky Bed and Breakfast

It was unique and antique, with an illuminated stained-glass bed hanging, a trombone on the wall and homemade quiche for breakfast. What’s not to love?

4. The Diversity

One thing I loved about the tour was the wide range of screening venues and audiences. In downtown Memphis, we screened at the beautiful Halloran Centre in their state-of-the-art theatre. The very next venue was an old simple church in a small town. Some audiences were primarily students of color while others were older and white. Every experiences was unique (and terrific!).

5. The Civil Rights Museum

I had an extra day in Memphis, so I decided to spend part of it at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. To stand in that spot was an unforgettable, emotional experience.

6. Live Music

Remember the old church? As part of the pre-film reception, my hosts went all out by including a live jam session! One bucket-list item crossed off the list…

7. Heartwarming reactions

During a Q&A, one woman grabbed the mic and talked about the courage of the kids in I Will Dance to stand up for what they believed in. Choking back tears and with resolve in her voice, she said, “I want to dance with those kids on the bridge.” The showing was only a couple hours from Selma, where the kids are from and her interest in putting her feet to their cause means more than I can simply express.

8. Seeing friends

Since several showings were within a few hours of Selma, some of the film’s subjects joined for showings and Q&As. Their unique voices and perspectives were a HUGE addition to the experience for the audiences and a big support to me.

9. Feet in the Ocean

When I arrived in Bonita Springs, FL, I had about an hour before the screening, and I knew exactly how to spend it.

10. Meeting Future Storytellers

At the showings, I had the pleasure to meet young people who want to tell stories– to become editors, journalists, directors and more. They are the future, and if the story of I Will Dance inspired any one of them to create, question or dream more, the trip was more than worth it for them alone.

Photos from Joseph East's tour of "I Will Dance"

2015-09-29T16:58:00.003-04:00

Here are some photos from fellow filmmaker Joseph East as he toured with his film " I Will Dance"

First stop, Monroe, NC

Memphis, TN!

Memphis Development Foundation

National Civil Rights Museum

The Lorraine Motel

Hapeville, Ga - before screening

Troy, AL - Troy University

Bonita Springs, FL - Center for the Arts Bonita Springs

Barbourville, KY - Union College

Hanceville, AL - Wallace State Community College

Sheffield, AL - The Tennessee Valley Art Association/Ritz Theatre

'She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry' and the Mountain Tour!

2015-09-28T14:06:00.002-04:00

Monday started off the third day of Southern Circuit, driving from Athens, Georgia to Johnson City, Tennessee, an epic adventure – thrilled by the mountains, lakes, and gorgeous scenery on I-26 W. I wanted to stop and take it all in; however, it was hard to keep driving. But there were students to meet!

I arrived at Eastern Tennessee State University early that afternoon and met with two terrific classes on women’s issues and gender studies taught by Hilary Malatino. The students had great questions, and it was such a pleasure to get to talk with them.

I enjoyed a delicious Thai dinner with some of the ETSU staff and students before screening 'She’s Beautiful' to a packed audience that night.

An additional treat, our youngest viewer ever, nine-month-old Charlie, was all eyes for the film!

The ETSU team did a fantastic job of publicizing the event. Many thanks to Heidi Ehle and Phyllis Thompson, and Anita DeAngelis, the Director of Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, for sponsoring this whole event. There was a lovely reception afterwards in a gallery with a brilliant installation on violence against women, the body and blood, by Native American contemporary artist Luzene Hill. What a powerhouse team! Many thanks to Lisa Gail Cutshaw for the great photographs.

As I was driving back down the mountain roads the next day, I became a fan of country music radio, especially the song, “Crash and Burn,” which I sang along with in the car because it’s on all the stations and no one could hear me! My next stop would be Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. I drove through so many fascinating places, including Maggie Valley, and realized that the South can be habit-forming. Yes, I love the Smoky Mountains!

At Western Carolina University, I met with the next dynamic duo Francis Ann Ortiz from Campus Programs and Maven Mayfield, her student associate – what an amazing team!

They made the screening fun and interactive with a wall poster for students to write about their views on feminism as well as a special frame for photos, not to mention popcorn!! There was a great Q & A after the screening and then more discussions about the film and feminism in the hallways.

By then it dawned on me - every site on Southern Circuit is full of more than great audiences, but also deeply dedicated staffers who are making sure that it’s a wonderful experience for everyone. Lucky me!

Two more stops on the road to go, TO BE CONTINUED……..

All best,

Mary Dore

Myrna's Name in Lights

2015-09-17T12:02:00.000-04:00

Myrna - Star of 'Myrna the Monster' admires her name on the marquee at Carolina Theatre of Greensboro (Greensboro, NC).

'She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry' and Mary Dore hit the Southern Circuit !

2015-09-15T14:11:00.000-04:00

As a Northeasterner through many generations, it’s been such a pleasure to meet and talk to people as part of the Southern Circuit. While I’ve filmed in the South before, on shoot schedules one barely sees anything besides the event/person you’re covering. Not so on the Southern Circuit! In just my first few days, I’ve visited wonderful towns big and small, met lovely people and had great conversations around the film showings. Driving has its pleasures, and I’ve been awed by the beauty of the landscape. Also appreciate the kindness of total strangers (already quite a few) who’ve helped me out when I miss the exit or get lost!

On Friday, drove from Atlanta to Auburn University in Alabama, and since my home town is Auburn, Maine that felt like kismet. We had a terrific audience at the showing at the Julie Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art; despite a major thunderstorm the room was packed. Afterwards we had a long Q&A, and then hung out at the lovely café at the museum. They serve the best crab cakes, I was in heaven at the first bite! And it was lovely to finally meet and chat with Debbie Frojo, who managed the event for the Museum.

The next morning I spoke to a media class led by Ric Smith at Auburn University, on the issues of funding and how to distribute films. Lots of questions on how to make money (shocker, not the easiest or most likely result with indie films) and the ups and downs of filmmaking with a great group of smart students.

I had some time off before the next screening, so had a chance to hang out in Athens, Georgia before my screening in Winder. The highlight for me, besides some great meals, was visiting the Georgia Museum of Art, on the University of Georgia campus. There was a spectacular show on graphic artists from Mexico, 'El Taller de Grafica Popular,' and other excellent exhibits. Many thanks to Chris Childs from the Wilder Cultural Arts Center for his recommendations in Athens.

On Sunday I met Chris in at the Wilder Cultural Arts Center, where I learned that he is a one-man team running the local TV station and the Southern Circuit screenings, as well. We showed She’s Beautiful at their in-house theater, and Chris did a very thoughtful interview with me afterwards.There’s a loyal audience for the Southern Circuit Tour in Wilder, and it was a pleasure to talk to them after the screening.

The next day I did an epic drive to Johnson City, Tennessee. To be continued!!

All best, Mary Dore

2015-2016 Southern Circuit: A new season begins!

2015-09-10T11:48:00.003-04:00

Hi, folks! I trust all our readers had a terrific summer! South Arts staff has been busy working with our new filmmakers prepping for the 2015-2016 Southern Circuit season. Lots of good stuff to report!

Please visit the South Arts website for the full line-up of films, filmmakers, screening partners/venues and schedule.

In September we have two incredible docs from Mary Dore and Joseph East, respectively -- and a smart collection of shorts from Ian Samuels. And as always, filmmakers travel with their films and are in attendance for post-screening discussions.

Here's more:

In a city where young peoples’ fate seems predetermined by their circumstances, I Will Dance is a defiant proclamation not to be another statistic, teenage parent, or gang member. The film follows RATCo Selma’s journey to New York City. There, they share their stories through an original show written and choreographed by the participants themselves. Around every corner and with every skyscraper, monument, and museum, there is a discovery. But their greatest discovery is their own voice.

Director Joseph East is a freelance videographer and editor based in Denver, Colorado. His first full-length documentary, I Will Dance recently broadcast on PBS in Colorado.

Schedule:

September 8, 2015: Batte Center, Wingate University, Wingate, NC
September 9, 2015: Halloran Centre at the Orpheum Theatre, Memphis, TN
September 11, 2015: Hapeville Historic Christ Church & Carriage House, Hapeville, GA
September 14, 2015: Claudia Crosby Theater, Troy University, Troy, AL
September 15, 2015: Center for Performing Arts Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs, FL
September 16, 2015: Rector Little Theatre, Union College, Barbourville, KY
September 17, 2015: Burrow Center Recital Hall, Hanceville, AL
September 18, 2015: Ritz Theatre, Sheffield, AL

She's Beautiful When She's Angry resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, brilliant women who founded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971. She’s Beautiful takes us from the founding of NOW, with ladies in hats and gloves, to the emergence of more radical factions of women’s liberation; from intellectuals like Kate Millett to the street theatrics of WITCH (Women’s International Conspiracy from Hell!). It does not shy away from controversies over race, sexual preference and leadership that arose in the women’s movement, and brilliantly captures the spirit of the time — thrilling, scandalous, and often hilarious.

Mary Dore is an award-winning documentary producer who brings an activist perspective to her films. Dore grew up in Auburn, Maine and began her career working with a Boston film collective that produced independent historical documentaries, including Children of Labor (1977) which premiered at the New York Film Festival. She has produced television series for Maine Public Broadcasting and 13/WNET in New York. She produced and co-directed the feature documentary The Good Fight: the Abraham Lincoln Brigade in the Spanish Civil War (with Noel Buckner and Sam Sills), which screened at the Toronto, Sundance, and London Film Festivals. She has produced dozens of television documentaries for PBS, New York Times TV, A&E, and the Discovery Channel. Her TV work has won Emmys, Cine Golden Eagles, and Cable Ace Awards. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and two sons.

Schedule:

September 10, 2015: Jule Collins Smith Museum, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
September 13, 2015: Colleen O. Williams Theater, Winder Cultural Arts Center, Winder, GA
September 14, 2015: Ball Hall, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
September 15, 2015: University Center Theater, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
September 16, 2015: Williams Gymnasium, Oxford College of Emory University, Oxford, GA
September 17, 2015: Harrington-Peachtree Academic Center (First Floor Amphitheater), Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC

Ian Samuels is a director based in Los Angeles. His hybrid work has screened internationally at festivals and venues including Sundance, SXSW, Telluride and Slamdance. He has worked for the Jim Henson Company and Sesame Street. He received his MFA from California Institute of the Arts in film directing and a BFA from Bard College in film/video.

Samuels brings a collection of his short works to Southern Circuit:

Myrna the Monster – A heartbroken alien dreamer from the moon transitions into young adult life in Los Angeles like any other 20-something. Caterwaul – An aging fisherman develops an intimate relationship with a lobster as he struggles to find closure with his lost wife. The Eyes and The Ice – A young man faces insecurities about his relationship and what appears to be a human eye frozen in the ice outside his vacation cabin. Nancy and the Dapper Toad – An aging woman finds courage to grow up from a storybook dapper toad.

Schedule:

September 15, 2015: Carolina Theatre of Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
September 16, 2015: Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), New Orleans, LA
September 17, 2015: Challenger Learning Center, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
September 18, 2015: South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, Cutler Bay, FL

Michael Graziano of Resistance visits Union College and The Tennessee Valley Art Association

2015-05-04T10:57:00.001-04:00

From Filmmaker Michael Graziano of Resistance:

I've now passed the halfway point on the tour and it's been great. After Madison, GA I headed, to quote Daniel Day Lewis from "Last of The Mohicans", east toward Kan-tuck-kee to Union College in Barbourville, KY.

Union College is a small liberal arts school tucked into a residential section of an Eastern Kentucky hamlet. Barbourville has a sleepy, all-American feel that is nicely disrupted/punctuated by a number of large murals on the sides of downtown buildings. I especially like this rendering of a wistful, if a bit haggard looking, frontiersman surveying a verdant Appalachian valley (Daniel Boone maybe?). This tile work inexplicably graces the exterior wall of a Subway sandwich shop. Another notable example is comprised of a large silhouetted face off between two founding fathers. I stared at this for a while, wondering about its genesis and why the owner of a blue sedan had chosen to park so closely to it, thereby ruining what could've been a great photo. Lincoln seems to loom (ever so slightly) over Washington. Washington, for his part, appears a bit surprised by this and has an upward articulation that suggests both a 'bowed up' confrontational posture and an unsteady weight-shifted-to-the-back-of-his-heels-I-don't-like-the-looks-of-this-guy attitude. I wonder if this was intentional? Did the artist intend to give Lincoln (a Kentucky native) the upper head? We may never know...

The screening was on campus and was well attended by members of the school and the broader community. The film played well and we had wide ranging discussion after.

From there I traveled south to Sheffield, AL. Sheffield is part of a cluster of small and medium sized towns in North Alabama including Florence, Tuscumbia (home of Helen Keller) and Muscle Shoals (home to a number of influential musicians and musical acts). The film played in a wonderfully restored old theater in Sheffield called The Ritz. The Ritz, along with all the other theaters in the area, was at one time owned by the Rosenbaum family. A highlight for me and a nice connection to film history was seeing the Frank Lloyd Wright designed former home of said Rosenbaums - family of renowned film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum. The hosts from the Tennessee Valley Arts Association were the picture of gracious hospitality and the screening unfurled accordingly. I have three stops left and will report back on those soon.

Michael Graziano of Resistance visits Madison, GA

2015-04-27T13:34:00.000-04:00

From Filmmaker Michael Graziano of Resistance:

My tour started last night in the picturesque town of Madison, GA. There was a great turnout and lively discussion that continued for some time in the reception room after the screening.

The highlight of the stop, apart from the kind and hospitable people, was the building where the screening was held. The structure is a striking 19th century red brick affair that used to be a school house - side note and interesting connection to film history: Oliver Hardy began school there in first grade, and continued for some time before Stan Laurel's became the lanky, hapless counterpoint to Hardy's rotund malcontentment. The dark-polished wood paneling and chandelier (all 19th C. originals) of the auditorium were equal to the building's exterior. The camera on my phone doesn't do the space justice.

I got to Madison early and spent a couple hours killing time. Nearly everything in the sleepy town center closed by 5pm, so instead of working at a cafe or lunch counter like I'd planned, I had the good fortune of wandering onto the town's "Wellness Trail". A lovely path lined by a creek on one side, and carefully labeled trees and other plants throughout. I made it about halfway around the trail when I arrived at the "Old Cemetery". The cemetery was full of former Confederate soldiers, including a not insignificant plot of "Unknowns". The day was warm and breezy and the small rebel flags that someone or a group had placed to mark each confederate grave, never billowed but shrugged and drooped beside the weathered headstones. I couldn't help but think of Faulkner's admonition that, "The past is never dead. It's not even past". The scene offered a poignant frame for thinking about lots of things, not least of which is the Southern Circuit tour of Independent Films, and my good fortune for being invited to join it.

Noel Schwerin of A Kind of Order visits Pompano Beach, Indie Memphis, and Auburn University

2015-04-24T11:40:00.000-04:00

From Filmmaker Noel Schwerin of A Kind of Order:

Well, it was sunny, and the small audience that had heard about the film stayed for a lengthy Q&A with one viewer (a high school teacher) pressing for greater outreach for films like IDEAL, and offering his educational networks to the organizer. There are certainly audiences in southern Florida…I invite them to contact me to see the film and hear about the others in the Circuit!

Last night’s screening with Indie Memphis at the Screen on the Square was such a pleasure! The screen was big, the sound was great and the projected image was perfect. More importantly, members of the board of directors at Indie Memphis worked hard to reach out to a variety of communities, and the post film discussion was hugely enriched by their efforts. Thank You! The audience included, for instance, a retired correctional officer whose son had been an offender, the director and volunteers of a Memphis justice organization, MidSouth Peace and Justice Center, and many other curious and knowledgeable community members. Diverse in age, gender, ethnicity, knowledge about prison and in their professions, it was an audience that shared its varied perspective and experiences with each other and with me. Just the kind of screening that helps move the conversation about the role of prison in America!

Now at my final stop - and the final screening of this year’s Circuit - the beautiful Jule Collins Smith Museum at Auburn University. A land grant school with a great football team (my sons tell me), the school has a very active film program at the museum. While exam week kept many students away, an informed, interested and active group of community members came and shared comments, questions and support for the Southern Circuit.

It’s been a fascinating (and beautiful) tour of the south - an opportunity and access I could not have organized on my own, and I have been thrilled and honored to be a part of it!

Noel Schwerin of A Kind of Order visits Oxford College Of Emory University and Presbyterian College

2015-04-24T11:32:00.000-04:00

From filmmaker Noel Schwerin of A Kind of Order:

My first stop on the Southern Circuit was Oxford College of Emory University. Lovely small town Georgia, so friendly and relaxed, and to a Californian, SO GREEN! At Oxford, intrepid English Professor Stacy Bell teaches a memoir writing class where her students visit and share life stories with inmates at a woman’s prison. Visiting her class was great; we could jump right into the issues, rewards and obstacles to working with the incarcerated and the corrections bureaucracy.

Noel Schwerin (L) and Professor Stacy Bell (R) in class.

Later my film showed in the chapel to a large and appreciative audience. (It is so satisfying to hear a crowd laugh and be told later they cried as well.) Thanks to English Professor Molly McGehee for the kind introduction and for bringing the Southern Circuit to Oxford!

Next: Presbyterian College in Clinton SC. It may be the end of the term, but PC people show up! I had a fascinating (and delicious) dinner with four faculty before being greeted by a big room of attentive students. (No cell phones or snoring…that’s good at this time of year, right?) There is nothing simple about a conversation about racial ordering anywhere, and maybe especially in Clinton SC, but college students really are open and they really want to talk about their conflicts, feelings and fears. Thank you PC.

Off to Pompano Beach, FL… I hear it’s sunny there.

Danielle Beverly from Old South visits Presbyterian College

2015-04-15T15:30:00.000-04:00

From filmmaker Danielle Beverly of Old South:

Presbyterian College in rural Clinton SC hosted the final #‎SouthernCircuit stop of Old South. The college was born from the ruin of The Civil War and has deep Southern roots. It was the largest audience yet, for the tour. Students just kept packing the tiny room. Several football players even carried in a couch and plopped it down right in front.

What had seemed like a sleepy campus when I arrived at 5pm, now appeared to have 20% of the student body in the room. Students had been buzzing about the film I was told, and they were ready.

Many members of the Greek community attended - including a large number of KA fraternity members - as well as non-fraternity/sorority students. The conversation was at times tough, but it yielded a deeper understanding for all. It spoke well about the students that they were able to share truthfully to one another about how race and complications around legacy, impact their personal and campus lives.

Myself and faculty continued to talk with students one on one, for hours after the lights came up. A success. Special thanks to Dr. Terry Barr, Professor of English, who arranged a dinner with a young KA member, a student athlete, and several faculty members before the screening. He also introduced the film, as seen in the photo.

As this is my final blog post, I want to use it to thank Southern Circuit and South Arts for all that they do. This is the most meaningful way to screen my documentaries. As a filmmaker and as a professor, I am committed to the power that film can bring to open minds, spur difficult conversations, and touch audiences, particularly students. Southern Circuit is essential.

...until next time, with the next film....

Jesse Roesler from The Starfish Throwers visits Clemson University.

2015-04-11T11:00:00.000-04:00

From Filmmaker Jesse Roesler of The Starfish Throwers:

The very first stop on the Southern Circuit Tour for The Starfish Throwers was at Clemson University in South Carolina. Our wonderful host Amy Monaghan showed me the campus and introduced me to several film students before and after our screening.

We had a great screening with a highly engaged, mostly student audience - including a friend of Katie Stagliano's who was actually featured in the film! A wonderful conversation followed the screening about how the film was made, and ultimately turned to the state of independent film-making and how students could get started making indie motion pictures.

It was especially rewarding to connect with young people who were considering making a film of their own. Thanks to the Southern Circuit for introducing us to our new friends in Clemson (several pictured below with their #ThrowStarfish messages!

Danielle Beverly from Old South visits Oxford College

2015-04-10T13:00:00.000-04:00

From Filmmaker Danielle Beverly of Old South:

Oxford College is the small, rural outpost an hour away from big sister Emory University in urban Atlanta. With just around 900 students, it’s a lovely, tiny, but bustling campus. My host Dr. Margaret “Molly” McGehee, arranged a dinner prior to the screening, and as we walked through the student cafeteria I could see and hear how connected students were with one another. I smiled as I caught snippets of their animated conversations (and jealously eyed their frozen yogurt machine.)

Dr. McGehee invited several faculty, staff and students to a small dinner before the screening. Talk quickly turned to Greek and race issues on their campus, and other colleges. No small talk was exchanged. Rather each of the women took a turn to share illuminating personal stories. A stranger and their guest, I was grateful for such generous conversation, which provided me salient insight into their college and wider experiences, in advance of the post-screening Q&A.

Sated by meaningful conversation, and a healthy (yay) salmon dinner, we took this photo before heading to the screening.

I didn’t quite believe my host Molly McGehee, when she warned that the huge gymnasium theatre would be pretty full. But she was right. I took this photo, as folks still had 10 minutes to arrive.

Oxford College is special in that it is reserved for freshman and sophomores only. It provides a focused, intensive liberal arts education that primes first and second year students for the move later to Emory’s more sprawling campus in Atlanta. This made me all the more impressed with the deep and sometimes heated discussion about racial dynamics, after the screening of Old South. I asked for “real talk” and these underclassmen brought it. Students felt empowered to share strongly held opinions, and then those impressions were refuted and challenged by others. In this vigorous back and forth exchange, they dialogued intelligently and shared passionately with each other, even as they respected one another. This was, by far, one of the best post-screening conversations of the Old South tour. I learned so much from this student body.

A week later, I received an email from an Oxford student: “Black Student Alliance had a discussion on Race and Greek Life during our general meeting and many of our talking points came from the film and Q&A afterward.” I had hoped the film would resonate with students, and it appears it has at Oxford College. Greatly humbled.

Pete Tedrow from The Starfish Throwers visits Winder Cultural Arts Center, Morris Museum of Art, Wallace State Community College

2015-04-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

From Impact Producer Pete Tedrow of The Starfish Throwers:

Winder, Georgia - Sunday, March 15, 2015
The second stop on our Southern Circuit Tour, and my first as Impact Producer, landed me in the lovely small town of Winder, Georgia. The Winder Cultural Arts Center is a true gem. Cultural Arts Director Don Wildsmith and film programmer Christopher Childs of Wilder Television make an excellent team.

The Q&A led Christopher after the film showed just how engaged and well-versed Winder audiences are with documentaries and independent film in general. It was a special pleasure to have members of the local First United Methodist Church youth group in attendance, and to chat with them more after the Q&A. It’s young people like them who can inspire a generation of young people to throw starfish and make a difference in their own communities.

Augusta, Georgia - Tuesday, March 17, 2015
On the banks of the historic Savannah River in Augusta, Georgia, lies the Morris Museum of Art, the third stop on our tour. Director Kevin Grogan and Michelle Schulte, Curator of Education, were gracious hosts! Even though it was St. Patrick’s Day and over 80 degrees outside, it didn’t stop a highly engaged audience from attending our screening.

Katie Stagliano’s story was especially moving to the seniors in the audience - always so uplifting to see how a young girl can inspire older adults to work for positive change in their communities. Being that Katie lives just a few hours to the East in Summerville, SC, there was definitely some southern pride in the room.

Hanceville, Alabama - Thursday, March 19, 2015
The last stop for The Starfish Throwers on the tour was the small Alabama town of Hanceville. Wallace State Community College and its Burrow Center are top-notch facilities! Staff writer Russell Moore and the whole team at Wallace State (Gail, Jesse, Stefany) helped run two very smooth screenings, one in the morning and one in the early evening.

Most impressive, though, were the students of Wallace State. I had the pleasure to chat with many of them after the morning screening—hearing about how they themselves throw starfish, and how inspired they are to begin lives in which they do just that through their future work as doctors, nurses, and artists. Young people like these definitely give me hope that the future has good things in store for all of us.

Danielle Beverly from Old South visits East Tennessee State University

2015-04-08T14:39:00.001-04:00

From Filmmaker Danielle Beverly of Old South:

East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN was the 4th stop for Old South on the #SouthernCircuit. I was greeted by the nicest Budget car rental agent ever and mountains in the distance. I made my way to the posh Carnegie Hotel conveniently located right across the street from the campus.

My screening was not until the next evening, which gave time to have a great dinner. I chose Café Lola where server Jamie could not have been more lovely. Southern hospitality, stories about family, and what’s important in life, were shared. He greeted all guests with the same warmth. The food was super delicious.

The next day I was able to do two class visits where I found out that ETSU has a bluegrass studies program! I spoke to a large writing class, and also watched student work, providing one on one feedback. Engaging with students is one of the best things about the #SouthernCircuit.

ETSU went all out for the screening. They created amazing giveaways – packets of seeds to promote “Plant Seeds of Understanding”. Also “Hope”, “Kindness” and “Friendship”. I grabbed a few to give to Karen, the gardener in “Old South,” and my mom, who I would be seeing at The Atlanta Film Festival screening later that week.

A special shout out to the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts faculty here, who all worked to promote the event, and make it incredibly well attended.

A highly diverse audience came and dialogued – community elders, students, fraternity members, faculty, and a variety of people and organizations from the town including Umoja. As often happens, two different people teared up as they shared with me their impressions one on one, in the reception afterwards. Old South opens up memories for audience members, and an eagerness to take steps forward.

One great moment was when a terrific young man from Sigma Ep came forward to ask about the film, and what he and his fraternity could do to engage in significant community service in the off campus neighborhood where they live. I encouraged him to talk with the community, ask their needs, and truly listen. I look forward to what emerges.

Danielle Beverly from Old South visits Creative City Collective

2015-03-30T15:01:00.001-04:00

From Filmmaker Danielle Beverly from Old South:

Pompano Beach FL was the 3rd stop on the Southern Circuit with my documentary Old South. The film was scheduled at The Creative City Collective's BaCA Arts space, a cool and inviting gallery space.

Audience members were greeted at the door by the preteen daughter of host Caroline Breder-Watts, who offered cookies, snacks, and information about upcoming events at a welcome table. It's never too early to get young people interested in the arts, and she was enlisted to be the ambassador. Caroline's whole family were there to welcome me, and the attendees.

Caroline is Executive Director of the Arts Radio Network and is also Pledge Producer/Radio Host at local public radio station WLRN. All day I'd been listening to NPR and they were in the midst of a committed pledge drive. I was thus so grateful for all she did to organize the screening, as it was crunch time for her!

The gallery was turned into a small viewing space, with chairs and a large flat screen television. A diverse crowd of about 15 all stayed to have what was such a thoughtful and engaged conversation that we forgot to take pictures! Many people there were returning audience members who'd been to see The New Black the previous month at BaCA Arts. They were now Southern Circuit devotees, and came to my screening to check out what was next on the tour. :-)

One older man offered his experience about how benevolence can be both useful and transforming, but also potentially reinforcing of power dynamics - a tricky balance, and one to be mindful of. This is exactly the type of meaningful shares that come from the Southern Circuit post-screening discussions. Insight and context comes directly from the audience - and TO the others in the audience. Sometimes I barely need to speak! The conversation is happening among those in the room.

April's Films and Filmmakers

2015-03-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that it's already Spring? We can't, especially as we enter the last month of this year's Southern Circuit. Finishing up the tour, we welcome April's film and filmmakers If You Build It, A Kind of Order, and Resistance. Find out more about these films below and check out the webpage to stay up-to-date with the entire lineup for the 2014-2015 Southern Circuit Film Schedule.

Patrick Creadon began his career as a cameraman at PBS shooting the critically acclaimed series, The 90’s. His feature-length directorial debut, Wordplay, was a breakout hit at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. The film continues to be one of the top highest grossing documentaries of all time. In 2011, Creadon made his television directing debut on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. He is a graduate of Notre Dame and earned his Master’s degree in Cinematography from the American Film Institute. The recipient of a number of grants and a veteran film festival jury member, Creadon is married to and collaborates with producer Christine O’Malley. They have three children.

If You Build It follows designer-activists Emily Pilloton and Matthew Miller to rural Bertie County, the poorest in North Carolina, where they work with local high school students to help transform both their community and their lives. Living on credit and grant money and fighting a change-resistant school board, Pilloton and Miller lead their students through a year-long, full-scale design and build project that does much more than just teach basic construction skills: it shows ten teenagers the power to re-invent not just their town, but their own sense of what’s possible.

Schedule:
April 08: Clemson University, Clemson, SC
April 09: Wallace State Community College, Hanceville, AL
April 12: Winder Cultural Arts Center, Winder, GA
April 14: Morris Museum of Art, Augusta, GA

Noel Schwerin has written, produced and directed award-winning films, including two national
PBS primetime specials: Bloodlines, which was used by the U.S. Senate, the National Association of Women Judges and the Federal Judicial Center, winning top honors at the National Association of Science Writers and the Association of Women in Communications; and the two-hour A Question of Genes, which won a special citation in CPB’s Report on Public Broadcasting and The Needs of Minority and Diverse Audiences, and is excerpted at San Jose’s TechMuseum and the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

A Kind of Order follows a warden, a white separatist and a black gang-banger for seven years as they struggle to move beyond the stark reality of America’s locked down racial order. Challenged for the first time by a U.S. Supreme Court desegregation ruling and a novel mixed race program, their stories reveal the institutional nature of racial hierarchies and the hope and hidden risks of transformative change.

Schedule:
April 15: Oxford College of Emory University, Oxford, GA
April 16: Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC
April 18: Creative City Collaborative, Pompano Beach, FL
April 20: East Tennessee State University, Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, Johnson City, TN
April 22: Indie Memphis, Memphis, TN
April 23: Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts, Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Michael Graziano produced and directed Resistance. He and Ernie Park, who also helped produce Resistance, founded Uji Films in 2007. Their films have aired in more than 10 countries and have been screened at a variety of well-known film venues and festivals around the world. Their previous documentary film, Lunch Line, was screened across the US and in Europe and Australia sparking dialogue and collaboration on both sides of the school lunch divide. Prior to joining with Ernie to form Uji Films Michael received an MA from Georgetown University and was a PhD Candidate and teaching fellow in film and media studies at Northwestern University.

When scientists in the mid-20th century developed the means to mass-produce antibiotics, it was a medical miracle. Only now are we realizing the potentially catastrophic implications of this innovation. Have we reached a point where we must save antibiotics in order to save ourselves? Resistance explores the global pandemic of antibiotic-resistant infection – what’s causing it and what’s being done to combat it.

Current debates over antibiotic use in human medicine and animal farming take center stage as the film follows patients, healthcare providers, and farmers who’ve confronted resistant infections first hand; and microbiologists and medical doctors who’re working to develop new solutions to the problem. Their stories are joined with insights from writers, public officials, and politicians to explain the past present and future of antibiotics and why their ineffectiveness is one of the greatest threats modern humanity has ever faced.

Schedule:
April 23: Robinson Film Center, Shreveport, LA
April 24: Union College, Barbourville, KY
April 25: The Tennessee Valley Art Association/Ritz Theatre, Sheffield, AL
April 28: Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
April 30: Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, Madison, GA
May 01: City of Hapeville, Hapeville, GA

Chris Simon & Maureen Gosling of THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC! - Western Carolina University, Robinson Film Center, & Union College

2015-03-25T15:00:00.000-04:00

From filmmakers Chris Simon and Maureen Gosling of THIS AIN’T NO MOUSE MUSIC!:

CULLOWWHEE, NC

We interrupted our Tour to make a brief trip to Austin for SXSW where we joined others from the Les Blank film family to celebrate the opening of A Poem is a Naked Person, a film the late documentarian made 40 years ago on rock star Leon Russell. Maureen spent two years living at Russell’s rural Oklahoma studio compound, working with Blank as an assistant and sound recordist. After Les’ death, his son resurrected the film and miraculously convinced Leon Russell to let it be released. It was an event neither of us could possibly miss. The opening was fabulous, with Leon Russell in attendance, as well as many family and friends, and the celebration lasted – well, too long!

Maureen on stage at SXSW

After 2 hours of sleep, Chris flew back to Atlanta, leaving Maureen to further celebrations, and drove to Cullowhee, NC. What was supposed to be a three hour drive was more like five, but she got there, exhausted, in time. The screening was at Western Carolina University and there were young student filmmakers, as well as musical members of the community. As usual, it was a real pleasure to talk to the folks afterwards.

Chris with some questionable barbecue on the way to Cullowhee

Coffee was very much needed on the five hour drive to WCU!

SHREVEPORT, LA

We made it to Shreveport with little time to spare on Thursday afternoon, enough to briefly check in at the fancy casino hotel. We headed to the impressive Robinson Film Center, where the screening room was set up with chairs, and a hot string band trio performing and singing for people as they arrived. During the screening, we had a delicious dinner across the hall in the classy bistro. The audience loved the film and there turned out to be among them a more than usual number of record collectors, historians and music aficionados. They not only knew a lot about the music in the film, but reminded us of Shreveport’s place in US music history, such as being home to the famous Louisiana Hayride and the legendary Leadbelly. Archivist and historian Chris Brown played a musical sample for the audience from a 78 recording of a local musician whom Arhoolie Records’ artist Black Ace gave credit for his slide guitar style. Post screening, we had drinks with Chris, his wife, Board of Directors member Jeff Hendricks and other music aficionados. It was nice to have the time to chat at length. We were sorry not to have time to make a pilgrimage to Leadbelly’s grave, but next time.

Trio playing as people arrived

Robinson Film Center's electronic billboard

Film Reel Art

Drinks with Chris Brown, Jeff Hendricks, and others

BARBOURVILLE, KY

Up and out early next morning, we flew to Knoxville, TN, where we rented a car to drive north into Kentucky to Barbourville for our last screening of the Tour. Finding our way to the correct highway from the Knoxville airport and then finding the airport again later proved to be one of the most stressful parts of our trip – thank God for GPS! Chris swore off paper maps after that one. But otherwise it was a nice, partly foggy drive to Barbourville, where the screening was held at Union College. The venue, once again, was a re-purposed church hall that housed a theatre and portable movie screen. We were pleased at the almost full house, made up of many students who’d been encouraged by their instructors to show up. That meant more young folks. During the screening, the new local and very popular Italian restaurant kindly squeezed us in, though we had no reservation (plus it was Saturday night) and we discovered that Barbourville is “dry”, so we couldn’t bring in our celebratory bottle of wine. Back at the theater, the Q & A was hosted by Union College professors and folklorists Hugo Freund and Susan Isaacs. They lead the questions and offered their own, making it a pleasingly in-depth experience for the audience who stayed till the very end. Our hosts provided treats for all afterwards. We were very satisfied with the ending of our wonderful Southern Circuit Tour. Chris headed home the next morning and Maureen went on for an overnight trip to nearby Harlan, KY, where she had lived for four years as a child.

Folklorists Hugo Fruend (left) and Susan Isaacs (right) with Chris and Maureen (middle)

Reception

Maureen with Daniel Boone

FINAL THOUGHTS

We really congratulate the hosts in each town we visited for their hard work in promoting the arts and keeping the arts vibrant in their communities. It’s clear that the Southern Circuit Tour is a great contribution to that. We were very impressed with the win-win that the Tour affords both us as filmmakers and the community audiences we were able to share our film with. An exhausting, but richly rewarding experience! Long live South Arts!

Danielle Beverly from Old South visits Auburn University

2015-03-25T10:12:00.001-04:00

From filmmaker Danielle Beverly:

Auburn, AL was my second stop with Old South on The Southern Circuit. I nearly didn't make the screening on time when I discovered I'd reserved a car at the Columbia SC airport, and not the Columbus GA airport. Doh!

"I'm sorry Ma'am we don't have any cars. Completely sold out," was the response I got from each of the apologetic rental agencies. Some quick producing got me into a cab and across the state line to the Jule Collins Museum of Fine Art on the campus of Auburn University

I was met by "Super Docent" Virginia Transue. She was working an afternoon chamber music event in the atrium, a series she is deeply involved with there. Virginia was to be my host and liaison. She and I hit off immediately. As the concert was ending I did my tech check in the theatre, and then Virginia drove us the mile to her home to have a lovely egg salad sandwich lunch before the screening.

We talked about music, politics, Southern identities, and super computers. She shared the press clipping she'd saved, promoting Old South. We did some bird-watching - an energetic woodpecker was the highlight. She told me about her departed husband Bill, who was clearly the love of her life for over 45 years - a mathematician from French ancestry, who fell in love with the plucky young Virginia, from rural Louisiana.

As we got ready to drive back to the museum the sky had darkened. Thankfully, a torrential late afternoon rain still did not keep the audience away. Students arrived soaking wet, but ready to watch the film.

Afterwards a great Q&A with questions about fraternities and the eerie timeliness of Old South's release, why and how I made the film, and a reflection from a man who'd lived in Athens, GA and knew the neighborhood in the film. (Each screening seems to have at least one former Athens resident).

The conversation continued in the museum's cafe as a jazz band played in the atrium. Virginia's offered this sage observation on life in the South, "Alabama is frustrating often, discouraging often, but it is never boring".

As we drove home, Virginia's eagle eye spotted a coyote loping across the road. We stopped the car and watched it as it watched us. Then it turned and disappeared into the woods. A beautiful way to end the night.