So if you read myprevious entryon the short documentaryLemonade, which features the inspiring stories of 16 people who turn their lives around after getting laid off, you’ll know that I’m a fan. That’s why when I heard news of the movie coming to a screen in Chicago, I grabbed the opportunity to go.
A huge crowd showed up at both screenings in the beautifulChopin Theatre. I caught up with Erik Proulx, the Creator & Executive Producer of Lemonade. He shared with me what its like to receive so much support from cast, crew and viewers alike, and how he’s utilizing the power of film to inspire others.
If you’re in the US, I encourage you to catch it for free on Hulu. If you’re outside of the US, Erik’s arranged to make it available for viewing online privately, but only until this Sunday. Simply sign up for the film’s mailing list to learn how. He’s also currently still seeking stories for his follow-up film… Lemonade, Detroit. Click here to learn more.
Media Impact Spotlight is a web video series featuring professionals utilizing various forms of media for positive social change. Click here to subscribe to it on Vimeo.
Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win an Academy Award for ‘Best Director’ has women in the industry worldwide fist-pumping and high-five-ing in this historic moment. She walked away with not one, but two awards – the second being for ‘Best Picture‘ for The Hurt Locker – at the ceremony last night, beating both Avatar and former husband James Cameron.
Congratulations, Kathryn. Here’s to more similar wins down the line!
We had a chance to chat with Steve about why he decided to shine a spotlight on the Allen Iverson Trial and about the main takeaways for the audience. Also featured are Co-Producer Adam Singer, Assistant Editor Leslie Simmer, Post-Production Supervisor Liz Kaar, and Kartemquin’s Executive Director Justine Nagan.
I had a chance to bring 3 of my housemates along with me to watch the sneak and we all enjoyed it tremendously. Look out for it on ESPN’s 30 for 30 series as it makes its Television Premiere on Apr 13th, 8pm.
I’m pleased to announce the start of my new web video series Media Impact Spotlight. In each episode, I’ll chat with professionals utilizing various forms of media for positive social change. To subscribe to the series, click here.
In this first episode, I catch up with Chicago-based photographer Jabari Zuberi, who spoke at the Tell Us Your Story event organized by Inspire Films. I ask him about his work with CeaseFire – a campaign working to end gun violence in Chicago – and the impact he hopes to have on viewers.
I’m honoured that The Talking Picures Festival co-director Ines Sommer invited me to join her programming team yesterday to review some of the hundreds of entries received from all over the world. And many thanks to Tim for putting the idea in my head in the first place. Sitting in a theatre with other very experienced filmmakers and film enthusiasts discussing each short we viewed was a great learning experience, and tremendous fun.
We saw everything from music videos to animations to experimental shorts from places like Australia, Spain and even Estonia. It’s amazing how being a part of a festival programming committee will bring you the chance to watch thousands of films. And it’s up to us to make sure that what makes it to the big screen is top notch quality.
Definitely not an experience you get from going to film school. Loved having my eyes opened to what goes on behind the scenes when I submit my work to festivals. What a great way to spend 3 hours on a Saturday! Look forward to bringing you more updates on how things are going. If you’re in and around Evanston/Chicago, do swing by! :)
Working to bring my two passions of documentary filmmaking and social entrepreneurship together to create positive social change.
Radio/Television/Film grad from Northwestern University currently working at Kartemquin Films and Conscious Planet Media, and teaching at Cabrini Connections.
