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About this blog FLEFF Intern VoicesThe Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival from the interns' point of view |
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Phil Wilde, vice president of Insights International, Inc. fell in love when he was a college student at Cornell University in 1970. That year, he picked up a Portapak camera for the first time and began recording everything. Film became his addiction.
Since 1970, Wilde has helped develop small video organizations in Ithaca, has worked at Insights International Inc., and has worked for Ithaca College several times as lecturer. His most recent collaboration with the college has been through his involvement with Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival.
EG: How did you first discover film?
PW: It's an addiction. Honestly, it's just like heroin. I had my first hit of video in 1970. I borrowed a Portapak, it was the first thing that I could get my hands on where I could actually have the freedom of expression in television. Film was too expensive to produce. I was a student; I couldn't afford film to run through a camera, but I could to borrow a video camera from Cornell University's library, and go out for the very first time — these were the first portable cameras that ever existed — and go out and film something that was a subject I was interested in. So I got an addiction to being able to tell my story with video and I was lucky enough to come along at the time when it was first invented. I was a sophomore in college, I was just 18.
EG: Why is it important to have festivals like FLEFF somewhere like Ithaca, a college town?
PW: The problem with most film festivals is that they are mostly involved in selling the films. In other words, the film festival is a place where the filmmaker comes and presents his or her work. They bring their stuff here and try to get a distributor or whatever it might be, that is the typical film festival. Or a film festival is meant to try to promote a certain place. The first film festivals where Paris and Italy and Rome and they were meant to promote Rome and not necessarily the film, but what Ithaca College brings to it is a third way. It's not just about the film, it's not just about the place, it's about the intellectual experience of the expression of film and the audience. The intellectual perspective that a college town and a college — and specifically Ithaca College — brings to it is to allow a dialogue that is an examination of the film not just a celebration.
EG: How are you involved behind the scenes at FLEFF?
PW: I teach people how to schmooze, how to go up to people and have a conversation and come out of it with something more than a pleasant conversation. In other words you never learn anything if you are talking, so I teach people how to listen to the people who come to FLEFF: the presenters, the people who bring their films, the people who are interested in film.
An awful lot of the [interns in FLEFF are] people who were in film or television or theater or parts of Ithaca College that are the performing and television radio arts and the best thing that you can do if you are a person like that is to learn how to talk to other people. So I showed people the ways to get the most out of that kind of experience at FLEFF. To enhance the students' intellectual dialogue. Thats exactly what we do.
EG: What about FLEFF do you like the most?
PW: I just love the idea of having this experience right in my backyard. I travel all over to other festivals. I've got some favorite little ones that I always try to go to, but here it's coming to me, and the other side of it too is an chance to offer what I've got inside me to this intellectual community. I've always thought of the educational side of video and film.
EG: What advice do you give students attending the festival?
PW: I think everyone should take the time to go up to the artists who are there and engage in a personal dialogue. I think that is the most incredible thing about FLEFF. Everybody should approach a filmmaker or a producer or somebody who has brought a film or somebody who speaks on a film at FLEFF, or somebody who's been at FLEFF. Everyone, engage in a dialogue.
I know it's as hard as asking a girl out. It's just as hard to go up to most people and start a conversation, but it's so worth it.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Blog posting written by Alexis Lanza, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts, '15, FLEFF Blogger, Enfield, Connecticut.
My name is Alexis Lanza. I'm a Junior at Ithaca College, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film, Photography, and Visual Arts. Although I applied and was accepted to IC as a BFA major, more than once I came close to changing my major. Something always stopped me right before I handed in the paperwork. By the second semester of my sophomore year, I found myself putting everything I had into a film for my second Cinema Production class. In a moment when I was feeling particularly overwhelmed, I found solace in the quiet of the Athletics and Events Center track during a weekend-long swim meet and called my older brother. "I can't do this," I said to him. He told me to keep trying, to push through. If I hadn't called him that day, I might have given up what has become the most important thing in the world to me: creating.
I spent the first nine years of my life on the shores of Leonardo, New Jersey, soaking in the salty air and collecting bits of sea glass on the beach. My family relocated to a minuscule town in upstate New York called Rockdale, which was about as exciting as it sounds. We lived in a renovated brick schoolhouse that became my home for almost ten years. I spent most of my time wandering around fields, climbing trees, and writing about the bits that were revealed to me in that quiet, dusty slice of the world. I graduated from a class of forty four students and was shipped off to college. Shortly after, my family moved to Connecticut.
Here at Ithaca College, I work as a supervising lifeguard at the campus pool, as well as at PPECS (Park Portable Equipment Center and Services). Outside of classes, I volunteer on student film sets in pursuit of as much experience as possible. When I find extra time, I illustrate and photograph for Ithaca College's Buzzsaw Magazine and participate in ICES meetings (Ithaca College Environmental Society). My major is broad; I have the opportunity to take a wide variety of classes in Film Production Film Theory, Photography, and Art History. Classes that open my mind as far as it can possibly go in the limitations of a traditional classroom setting fulfill my Anthropology minor. I also have a minor in Honors, which means I can choose fun seminars and take trips to National Parks in the summer through a program called Partners in the Parks. My favorite seminar was Cultural Encounters at Ithaca College, in which we were required to attend a certain number of events on campus: music, performative, intellectual, et cetera, and blog weekly about our experiences. I attended events I never would have even thought to go to otherwise and was given the chance to write about it.
Last semester was a growing experience for me as an artist. I took two production classes: Advanced Cinema Production: Experimental and Selected Topics in Photography: Photobook. In both classes, I explored techniques I hadn't known about before and discovered my tendency to incorporate narrative aspects in my photography, while I enjoy experimental techniques in my filmmaking. I also acted as the Director of Photography for a student film for the first time, and nothing has ever felt more right than how I felt behind the camera. There is something inside me that is larger than I am. It grows, sometimes painfully strong, pressing against the inside of my chest until I am sure I will break— but it is released into my work as an artist. Learning how to understand this was a long process; unfamiliar, dark, and downright terrifying.
I am looking forward to FLEEF this year and will be experiencing the festival for the first time. I am eager to be working as a blogger, and will be trekking into every event possible with wide eyes. Nothing excites me more than an opportunity to learn about myself and grow as a person, and my instincts tell me working as a blogger for FLEFF won't let me down in that aspect. I most look forward to having the opportunity to meet filmmakers at events. I ache to talk with them and discover I am not the only one who experiences such a raw, innate need to create films.
I hope you're all as excited as I am for the 17th annual Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival! I fondly cling to this quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., "A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions." If there's one thought I hope to stir in the murky section of your brain where ungraspable thoughts often linger, it is: what experiences have you had so far that have shaped who you are?
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Blog posting written by Timna Mayer, Violin Performance,'15, FLEFF blogger, Salzburg, Austria
My name is Timna Mayer. Yes, it's Tim-na (people usually have trouble understanding my name so I'm just making sure). Anyway, I'm Timna and I come from Salzburg, Austria. Austria is the tiny country right next to Germany (just in case you were wondering). I came here to Ithaca about 1.5 years ago, with only one suitcase and a violin.
I left my home, because, even though Austria is a wonderful country, I had always been feeling as if I didn't quite fit in- into the bigger picture; a bigger picture drawn precisely, in simple colors (not too bright) and planned out into its greatest detail. I had always been spontaneous, a bit dramatic (as my parents would say) and, most of all, driven by the idea of living a life as a free artist (call me an idealist!).
Born in Austria, the glory land of mountains and Dirndl-dresses, there was no place for an alternative musician like me- with terrible yodeling skills and a natural disinterest for Mozart. I was, as you will, the part of the picture where the artist accidently sneezed or spilled color- a part in blurred lines that was unplanned. In my world, the world of music, they'd call me a dissonance.
So there I was, a dissonance in a perfect Mozart piece, and after 23 years of searching for release, I finally decided to get on my feet and make a change. At a slapping pace, I left everything I knew, packed my life into a suitcase and got on a plane. Aiming for something greater or, without setting my expectations too high, at least something different.
For those who know Ithaca, the fact that I ended up here shouldn't be a surprise. Ithaca: home for people of any kind and hot spot for artists, intellectuals and hedonists; a place with a sweet aftertaste of homelike idyll.
It didn't take me a long time to find myself a home and a place to study. Ithaca College welcomed me with open arms, with a sense of personal warmth I had never experienced before. In Ithaca, and at Ithaca College, I immediately felt as if I had finally arrived; as if I had finally found a place that wouldn't only allow me to be me, but would also help me embrace it.
No one has ever told me how to live my dreams. There's no recipe for it and no manual. I've surely heard stories of princesses being rescued by a prince in shining armor, but I never thought it could happen to me. It sounds cliché when people come to America and talk about the "American dream", but it happens- at least sometimes. At least it happened to me. My dream came true; I could finally be me.
Today, 1.5 years after my arrival, I can say that Ithaca and the people here have changed me; they have changed me in so many ways. It was here that I grew up, found my voice as a violinist and was culturally and intellectually encouraged on my way to becoming a professional musician. I performed countless concerts, I was taught and supported by highly qualified professors and I was engaged in many astounding cultural events such as the FLEFF film festival.
When I was younger, my mom used to tell me "When you find something good- share it". After "finding" Ithaca, I felt the strong need to share my luck and what I know about this wonderful place. I wanted to become an active part of this city.
During my first semester at Ithaca College, I stumbled on a class called FLEFF Festivals: Politics and Practices in Creative Industries. Even though this class had nothing to do with my major (violin performance), I was fascinated by the idea of being part of such an important event for our college and city. But not only that, because I grew up in Europe where film festivals are highly celebrated for representing nations, I also saw this film class as an opportunity for me to finally be involved; involved in getting this city "out there".
One year later, after experiencing FLEFF 2013, I can say that participating in this festival was one of the best decisions I have made. Only in Ithaca can a student like me get the chance to experience all kinds of cultural features this city has to offer, in only one week (and there are plenty, trust me!). Film screenings, concerts, international guest speakers, flash mobs, intercultural exchange, etc. I knew from the start: This festival is Ithaca, the way I love and appreciate it.
After participating in this event for the first time, I was sure there was no better way for me to share my fascination with Ithaca than by being part of FLEFF. Ithaca has given me so much more than I expected and I want to share this experience by representing this place in the best possible way. I want to give more people the chance to experience what I've experienced and to become as happy with Ithaca as I am.
My name is Timna Mayer and I'm proud to say that I'm here now, representing Ithaca as a blogger for the FLEFF festival 2014.
My team and I welcome you to Ithaca, our home.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
I'm a senior Documentary Studies and Production major at Ithaca College with minors in African Diaspora Studies and Honors. My schooling has provided me with every outlet to explore the worlds I care most about. I have traveled to England to experience the literary works of Pygmalion and My Fair Lady; completed independent research in South Africa about the strength of single motherhood for Xhosa women in the historically oppressed township of Langa; interned and produced for the WNYC arts and culture radio program Studio 360 hosted by Kurt Andersen; and consistently volunteered with the food donation program SWIFT. As I approach graduation, I thankful that Ithaca has given me everything I wanted and more.
In short, I am a passionate student journalist with an ear for stories, an eye for the small but beautiful aspects of life, a taste for an adventure, and a heart that always welcomes a genuine laugh. Anyone know a good joke?
Croton-on-Hudson, NY, my hometown, is a small village just north of NYC. It is known for the annual Clearwater Festival, a folk music and green initiative festival started by Pete Seeger nearly 45 years ago. Ever been? As it is a little hippie and post-communist town, I grew up to believe that you must be the change you wish to see in the world. I continue to strive for that every day.
FLEFF has been a key part of my experience at Ithaca College. From incredibly engaging international films to thought-provoking contests, from knowledgeable speakers to exciting performances, I have enjoyed every moment of FLEFF that I have ever experienced. In a previous year at the festival, I had the opportunity to meet director Tina Mabry of Mississippi Damned, a film that is still one of my favorites to this day. She helped me believe that a film could be made to truly challenge its viewers to think differently about race inequality.
This year, I am so thrilled to be a FLEFF blogger and truly honored to be part of the grand team. This year's theme of DISSONANCE is surely going to create extraordinary events. Our writing contest for high school students reflects the festival's ability to bring people from around the world together in an intellectually challenging way. I can't wait to see what the students submit. FLEFF 2014, here we come!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Blog post written by Elma Gonzalez '14, FLEFF Blogger, Journalism, San Diego, CA.
Hello fellow FLEFF enthusiasts!
This year is FLEFF's 17th anniversary. The theme is Dissonance, and beginning March 31 through April 6, the festival will feature "different environments" across artistic platforms like music, film and technology. Although I am excited for the festival every spring, this year is special for me because I will not only attend, but I will also be backstage part of the staff as a blogger!
I am a senior journalism major with a minor in deaf studies at Ithaca College, which presents the festival since 2005. I currently write for The Ithacan, a daily online newspaper with a weekly print edition at the college, and I have also worked in online and video platforms at international institutions and companies in Brazil and Japan. I tend to cover hard news and rarely step out of that box, so working as a blogger for the festival and incorporating a voice to my reporting is thrilling.
I was born in San Diego, CA, but grew up in Tijuana, Baja California, a Mexican city by the U.S.-Mexico border saturated with Japanese manufacturing companies. In fact, my house is located one block from the Samsung and Toshiba factories.
Because of my Latin background, I often gravitate toward films that uncover issues relevant to the region. Every year, FLEFF offers screenings of Latin American films through collaborations with organizations like the Chiapas Media Project, in Mexico, and those are usually the films and discussions I make sure to attend.
What has made FLEFF so special for me as an audience member, are not only the wonderful unique films they screen, but the meaningful dialogue sparked by such films. The festival also gives audience members the opportunity to meet and converse with filmmakers and producers, who are invited to attend. In short, unlike other festivals, in FLEFF, I am able to casually go up to successful figures in film, shake their hand, share my opinion with them, and ask them to share theirs. Ultimately, this kind of experience is what motivated me to become part of the festival's staff. I just hope I can also intoxicate you with the excitement I have for the festival.
FLEFF is only a few months away, so be sure to keep reading the Intern Voices Blog for the latest news on the festival, check out the Dissonance Project, which is a writing competition open to high school students, and follow me on Twitter @elmayedda for quick updates.
In the meantime, I'll leave you with this question: what do you think of this year's theme, dissonance?
Friday, May 10, 2013
Blog posting written by Shawn Steiner, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts '13, FLEFF Intern, Elkridge, MD
It's been a good three years since I started college and I haven't missed a single Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival. I was a blogger my freshman year, a willing participant under Dr. Zimmermann's tutelage my sophomore year and yet again a blogger this year, my junior/senior year at Ithaca College.
Each experience was different but equally amazing.
This year was especially great. With a revamped meeting structure and more diverse projects to work on I really got involved with the festival. And, since I'm a senior I didn't have any of those nerves popping up when I was talking to festival guests.
And, if there was one point to take away from all this it is this: "We need to do something together."
During each presentation, film or chat in the hallway where a couple people of differing skills were together it always seemed to lead to that conclusion. Transmedia especially seemed to be at the forefront of this.
Great projects require collaboration. Different people from different environments coming together to make something. Because if I have learned anything during my college experience it is that your good friend and editor that leans over your shoulder to tell you that your fade out doesn't work is in it for your best interest.
You have to listen to one another and evolve and move through various mediums to tell your story. Hopefully, after a few years in the field I'll be able to tell mine.
Thank you to everyone involved with FLEFF this year for the great time and learning experience.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Blog posting by Kimberly Capehart, Documentary Studies and Production '16, FLEFF Intern, Cherry Hill, New Jersey
I'm sitting in at what is arguably the most exciting FLEFF event: FLEFF Lab Friday!
Directors, producers, distributors, and scholars have been sitting in Park 220 all day long, speaking with students and amongst themselves about a wide variety of topics.
Right now, Yong Ki Jeong (film director, Couples, Once Upon a Time) and translator, Changhee Chun (Cinema, Ithaca College), Peter Miller (film director, AKA Doc Pommus), Carlos Gutierrez (Cinema Tropical), Bo Wang, (director, China Concerto), Kevin Lee, (dGenerate Films), Dominica Dipio (film director and film scholar), and Vanessa Domico (Outcast Films) are sitting together at the front of the room, waiting to share their secrets of the industry and answer questions.
Moderator Steve Gordon (TVR, Ithaca College) has each guest introduce himself or herself by sharing his or her own personal story. Their backgrounds are all extremely different; some guests started in film, others started with Physics degrees, and still others began their careers as activists.
What did they do to end up where they are? What advice do they have to offer to other people looking to pursue similar careers?
Here are some quotes from the conversation:
Kevin Lee: "Whatever you do, do with a real sense of purpose. Don't do anything because you feel trapped or pressured into it."
Vanessa Domico: "I couldn't agree with Kevin more. Do what you're passionate about. This sounds like a cliche, but I really mean it: embrace the moment. You need to keep your eyes open to see all the opportunities."
Peter Miller: "I had many breaks along the way. I basically apprenticed for a very long time with a lot of different people. Now I make my own films, but working with people who have done this for a while, who really know what they're doing, is so important. It's something I really think we have to do to learn how to tell the stories we want to tell."
Kevin Lee: "A lot of students in the past have been really surprised that I had a day job for about ten years that was completely unrelated to film. If you're planning on going to Los Angeles or New York, looking for your big break, don't expect that things will just fall into place. You need to hustle and work hard."
"Pursue your passion any way you can and stay open to different things. Sometimes things just organically crystalize into opportunities that you never expected. Your life and your career are things that happen when you're busy working on other things."
The group discusses the power of social media, with Lee and Dipio referencing the Kony 2012 video as an example of a film that gained support through outlets like YouTube and Facebook.
Yong Ki Jeong:"Social networking allows films to reach larger, international audiences. Korean filmmakers get more support for international works than they do for domestic works."
Discussing activism, and film's ability to introduce activist notions in the minds of viewers, as well as playing off of Jeong's mentioning of Seoul, South Korea, Miller offers: "Go into a co-production with your soul, do something that means a lot to you."
Peter Miller: "It's especially important, since you're young and trying to change the world, to get inside yourself and realize what you're trying to do. Just because you're trying to make money, doesn't mean you should do something. The world needs your talent to make things better."
Vanessa Domico: "Know yourself and know your strengths and weaknesses. It's good to work with collaborators. A lot of the time you're going to have to assemble a team of people to work with who can fill in your gaps."
The panel is open to questions!
Q: Are there any outlets that are especially supportive of independent films?
Peter Miller: "There are some organizations that give money out to independent films, but the budgets are growing smaller and smaller. Sometimes individual people give money. When asking for money, you need to know two things:
1. Learn to write well. Being able to write about and explain your film is as important as your film itself.
2. Have a sample of your film to show."
Vanessa Domico: "There's also programs like Kickstarter and Indiegogo"
Carlos Gutierrez: "That's an open issue. Sometimes individual fundraising sites like that take away from a larger discussion of independent distribution and production. I think that we need to come together as a community of independent filmmakers to find more sources of funding."
The conversation continues about various sources of funding and questions about receiving and asking for grants. It opens up to a conversation about the need for a close film community with which to collaborate and on which to depend.
Q: If you have something you're very passionate about, but don't think that anyone would be interested in, do you still make it?
Kevin Lee: "That question is different in regards to Chinese film. In China, a lot of things can get banned or removed from the internet, but a lot of Chinese filmmakers are very persistent. Audience is very important, so filmmakers aren't making films just for themselves, they're making films on social issues that they want other people to see.
Carlos Gutierrez: "Thinking about the audience can be tricky, because you're just projecting your own ideas on how the audience will react. I think it's more about the relevance of the film: social and economical relevance is most important."
Dominica Dipio: "Personally, a lot of the filmmakers in my country are independent and self-motivated, and a lot of things that motivate them are relevant social issues and the potential for change. So when I feel passionately about something, I am the first judge of its relevance. But sometimes it turns out to be what people want to hear and what they would like to reflect on."
Q: Do you think having a graduate education is beneficial or necessary in establishing yourself in a film-related career?
Peter Miller: "If you want to teach, you probably need an advanced degree. Teaching is one way that people subsidize their filmmaking habits."
Kevin Lee: "I'm pursuing a higher degree because I'm based in Chicago, and a lot of the community there is academia-based. That's just me, though. Sometimes you can learn more from collaboration or apprenticeship than you can learn in school."
The conversation ends with the discussion of a need for a film community. Use FLEFF as your opportunity to start establishing YOUR own community of filmmakers, audience members, and professionals!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Blog posting written by Erica Moriarty, Documentary Studies and Production '16, FLEFF Intern, Houston, Texas
Hello FLEFFers! Can't make it to the FLEFF Lab in Park 220? No problem! I'm here live blogging to bring you the highlights!
And due to a last minute change, filmmaker Bo Wang, the first Chinese filmmaker to attend FLEFF, will be doing a presentation this hour.
Bo directed a film called China Concerto at 4PM and 9PM tomorrow at Cinemapolis. dGenerate films brings underground, new generation Chinese cinema out of China. This new generation of films emerged post-Tiananmen with a new, radical spin.
"Set the stage for us and walk us through China," Dr. Patricia Zimmermann began the
Bo described a brief history of China. After Mao died in 1976, the country began to adopt capitalism.
"It's been described as socialism with Chinese characters," said Bo.
After 1989 and the incident at Tiananmen Square, a new movement emerged. It began with the avant-garde movement which was politically driven in the form of personal expression. However, many movies continued to be censored. In the 90s, many artist began making movies and used connections in the western world to distribute the Chinese independent filmmaking.
In August, Bo attended a film festival in Beijing, one of the biggest in China. During this time, there was a significant party shift in Chinese government.
Bo described the interruption by the government: "After a half hour of the festival beginning, the electricity was cut...There was a back and forth resistance from the festival, but eventually, the festival was shut down."
After the festival shut down, the films became even more independent, often being shown in artists' studios or houses. Therefore, Bo's film, China, was never shown in an actual festival.
Although he is very involved in Chinese filmmaking today, Bo did not begin college as a filmmaker. He originally planned to go into the sciences, but he felt that he could connect with people more through art and film.
"Do you worry about censorship at all?" asked a member of the audience.
"I'm not attacking any specific person or authority," answered Bo. "I also did not expect this film to have a public showing in China. I think it should be okay. It should be safe."
In all of east and southeast Asia, the film screened at only one shut down film festival. We're lucky enough to have it this week at FLEFF! Come to Cinemapolis Saturday at 4PM or 9PM to learn more.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Blog posting written by Shawn Steiner, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts '13, FLEFF Intern, Elkridge, MD
And once again we are back in Park 220 for FLEFF Lab Friday. Kelly Matheson from WITNESS is here and Dr. Patricia Zimmermann is moderating this hour. Come on by!
Kelly begins with the well-known video of Rodney King. It was the catalyst for witness and proved that video could enact social action and change. So, they got together and got video cameras all over to record stories all around. And for 20 years, after working through many issues, they are working to create many international videos and tell compelling stories.
QUESTION: Who is Oscar Grant?
How do you get your video seen when there is an absurd saturation of digital media out there? That is an issue that Kelly and others like her deal with constantly.
Informed consent is the current topic of Kelly's. She is screening clips from a huge variety of projects. Including a short from her TRUST series about youths fighting climate change.
An new take is how to take perpetrator shot video and turn it back onto the perpetrators, as opposed to the humiliation to the victim intended by the original video.
Verification is another thing that needs to be analyzed. Kelly cites the website storyful.com as a source for validation of video for news. Here is the fireball example that Kelly cites.
"Technology is always a double-edged sword."
QUESTION: What do you do when your documentary or video risks the well-being of your subject?
The question of reconciliation is a major talking point during the discussion. And it may bery well be added to Kelly's list of major things to think about when dealing with video. We need to determine how citizen-shot footage will allow usage in things like court cases and how they can be verified.
What does it mean when that image is recorded, circulates, or as evidence?
The ethics behind the usage of a video as evidence requires it to have a much more intense method of verification.
"Give the archive love. They are the unsung heroes."
Friday, April 5, 2013
Blog posting written by Andrew Ronald '15 & Shawn Steiner '13, Film, Photography & Visual Arts, FLEFF Interns
What's the best part about Friday during FLEFF week? FLEFF Lab Friday of course! Shawn and Andrew are here live blogging the event for everyone who couldn't make it to Park 220 today in person.
We are starting with Ulises Mejias, author of Off the Network: Disrupting the Digital, discussing Augmented Reality Games.
10:13 AM - "Every crisis is an opportunity, but sometimes you don't get enough crises."
10:15 AM - "Play it before you live it [by] constructing scenarios about things that could happen in your community, and then using this platform to create dialogue." This year in particular, Mejias is discussing the all-too accessible issue of fracking.
10:20 AM - Mejias discusses how he gets his students on campus to participate in these games through an interactive, virtual experience. The goals range from the conceptual ability to create dialogue by writing comments and sending invitations, more participatory actions like attending events and educating others, and perhaps the ultimate form of involvement: the ability to act.
10:33 AM - To what extent can these games go in terms of the topics being covered? As far as Mejias is concerned, the administrators have not censored him, yet. But he reflects upon the games where the point is to "...choose topics that, by their nature, create discomfort." And for example, "...people are not that willing to talk about racism."
10:36 AM - What otherwise might be looked at as nothing more than schoolwork, Mejias stresses what makes these games more playful than academic? Simple elements, like the element of competition, generating participation on the website, and centralizing the mere essence of game theory separates the boundaries.
10:40 AM - Although he started doing this with one class, participation has steadily increased to about 150 students. Colleagues have begun to offer this as both credit and extra credit, and the number of stars won on this game are even associated with a grade for Mejias' students. 3 stars earn a C, while 5 stars earn a very worthy A.
10:50 AM - The idea of intensification is quite paradoxical where, while participating in various activities, you happen to leave room to generate more inequality. Although these games are a great simulation, it has its limits: there is no active energy associated with a virtual experience. So the obvious follow-up to the question is, of course, how to get students to physically create change.
10:53 AM - Augmented realities aren't about aliens invading. ARG's are a way of marketing products, video games, movies, etc.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Blog posting written by Andrew Ronald, Film, Photography & Visual Arts '15, Social Media Manager, Mahopac, NY
It's the second day out of a week-long worth of events for FLEFF and they're going strong! If you couldn't make it to this insightful workshop with Sarah DuPont, producer of Amazon Gold, there is no need to fret! I'll be liveblogging the event for you all to read right here:
4:02 PM - What better way to start than with a trailer for Amazon Gold?
4:08 PM - DuPont describes the detailed, yet poisonous process to acquire gold and the harmful dangers on the environment that occur in the meantime. This is why she made this documentary.
4:09 PM - Why is the Amazon and biodiversity so important? Thoughts from the audience touch upon the importance of the ecosystems that exist there. Even more frightening, "you are destroying things that you didn't even know were there in the first place."
4:14 PM - This was a true documentary. The crew members were exploring while the camera was rolling in some places that had never even been shot before. "If you get caught, you can get killed and no one cares. It was a dangerous endeavor, but it was worth every minute because the implication of losing the Amazon..."
4:16 PM - The Amazon is a big regulator of weather patterns and climate change, something that is very accessible to individuals everywhere today.
4:18 PM - A bit of inspirational advice from DuPont in which she mentions "this film was made for the game-changers out there."
4:22 PM - This is what discussions are all about. While getting some input from the crowd about their concerns regarding climate change, audience members are currently comparing the Earth during the prehistoric era to the modern age. And Sarah gets us back on track...
4:25 PM - Why did DuPont make this movie in the first place? The power of the visual is accesible. You can create awareness and give people a wake-up call if you show them devastated areas and damaged environments.
4:30 PM - How did DuPont make this movie in the first place? She describes the traditional filmmaking process from acquiring the appropriate crewmembers to the dangerous shooting process, and the tumultuous post-editing process. Simply put, "to make a movie is very, very hard." And three years later, the movie was complete!
4:38 PM - As United States citizens, we are supposed to promote positive change and reformation, even after we were the ones who caused this turmoil in the first place. DuPont lists off some alternatives to the process of making gold. So what do we do? Lobby off some ideas - we have voices, so why not use them?
4:52 PM - Dr. Zimmerman relates Dr. Phil McMichael's conversation from the previous night to today's conversation by emphasizing the collective nature of coming together to prove to be the solution. The global solution.
5:00 PM - How much regulation is too much regulation? Another controversial discussion leads to hands popping up throughout the audience. Opinions clash, thoughts are generated, and discussion occurs. It's what FLEFF is all about.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Blog posting written by Shawn Steiner, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts '13, FLEFF Blogger, Elkridge, MD
Welcome to FLEFF's opening day and the first of many live blogs of the week.
We have concluded our discussion, but at 10:00AM-10:50AM in Park 220 Ulises Mejias will lead a discussion about Augmented Reality Games
"Networks increase participation, but also increase inequality."
"It's not if we shape our tools or if our tools shape us, but how."
Mejias' agenda includes "thinking the network" and then how we are to then "unthinking the network" to get us to move beyond network logic through many strategies, like intensification.
First, what is a network?
1. Nodes (each one of us)
2. Links (similar interests)
The problem with this type of "nodocentrism" is that a node cannot connect to anything except other nodes. Take your friend who refuses to make a Facebook page, you may realize the trouble they have getting party and event invitations since people only invite people currently on Facebook. This is an issue with social networking.
And, while those with few connections still grow (the poor), those with large networks (the rich) will rapidly gain more connections. This is a preferential system where Mejias says "the rich get richer."
"[Networks] are shaping the way we think about friends."
A network in Facebook or media terms is something very specific. It is a template created that is altering the way we think about things like friends and likes. It is software and programming that is reprogramming our mind based on algorithms.
It has moved from a network as a metaphor to a network as a template.
Mejias also explains the change from old media as a "one-to-many" monopoly to a new media "many-to-many" perfect competition.
However, monopsony is the economics of new media, it is a "many-to-one" approach.
DISCUSSION QUESTION: Can these metrics help us catch terrorists? How?
"The sacrifices in privacy may not be worth the gains."
Inequality through participation takes many forms. This includes surveillance, filtering, blocking, psyops, spambots, and the loss of freedom of speech.
This is done by organizations and companies that run social media networks. Using fake accounts to spread propaganda, deleting so-called "problematic" accounts, and simply shutting off the network are all possibilities that can limit the people utilizing the network.
QUESTION: What are the power dynamics between activists, hackers, and the media?
SHORT SCREENING: Virtual Revolution, a BBC documentary.
"Dissent will only become possible in the spaces outside of the social networks."
We need to look into the spaces between the nodes. We must see the paranodes are the resisters, the rejecters, the expelled, and the excluded.
Paranodality: the outside of the network is not empty but inhabited by multitudes that do not conform to the organizing logic of the network.
And once we reach these paranodes and maintain a MOBILITY between being in a network to being outside of it we can find power (intensification).
QUESTION: Is it easier to express dissent inside or outside the network?
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Blog posting written by Dorothea Hinman, Cinema and Photography '15, FLEFF Intern, Rochester, NY
"FLEFF has now become something that's fun for me. It helps me get away from the work and it's very easy for me to talk to people, to set up a discussion."
Truer words could not have been spoken by Jonathan Morello. I recently had the privilege of sitting down and chatting with FLEFF's very own Assistant to the Co-directors, who indeed loves discussion.
Jonathan has an undergraduate degree in journalism from Hofstra University and is now a graduate student at Ithaca College, pursuing a master's degree in Communications. We delved into everything from his background, his current responsibilities at Cinemapolis with Scott Bliss, to his responsibilities in mobilizing and helping the interns.
Upon discussing the festival with Jonathan, it became very clear as to why Jonathan became involved in FLEFF.
"I'm studying Strategic Communications, so I'm getting my Master of Science in Communications with a focus in Corporate Communication, Strategic Communication and Management. I'm getting a lot of management experience working with all of the interns and bloggers. One of my biggest roles is working side by side with Scott Bliss at Cinemapolis. I'm working with him to sell on screen advertising. Right now my responsibilities include working through the list, calling businesses up. Some advertisers might want to renew, some people might never have heard of screen advertising or Cinemapolis before. The people I'm hitting up first are the people who want to renew. When I go out and try to find new people, I don't cold call them. I go into the business, approach them, see if they're interested. One of my great conversation starters is FLEFF. It's a great plug: I say there's going to be this huge festival, there's going to be a ton of people from Ithaca. It's also a great way to generate conversation about the festival."
Jonathan is just as new to the festival world as some of the first time interns and bloggers, (and that includes me!).
"I'm brand new to this. Except I started in August. It's been fun so far, I've learned a lot. Definitely patience. I've learned how to react fast; react quickly. It used to take me a long time to send a long email, for example. Now I can fire out a long email no problem. When you're fast at it and you can send up to 20 to 30 emails a day and talk to multiple different people, it's a plus. It's a great experience as far as time management goes. Today I've already had a bunch of meetings in a row with the team leaders and the assistants to talk about flash mobs, and now I'm sitting down with you."
The fact that Jonathan is new to the festival this year gives him a unique angle on managing the interns.
"A big role of mine is mentoring, putting myself in the shoes of undergraduates, and trying to help them walk through this process in the sense of learning to go from a student in a classroom to a professional working on an international film festival."
He takes his role as a mentor seriously, often wishing the interns would use him as a resource a bit more often.
"Anytime you're feeling nervous or concerned, just let me know and we could talk through it because half the time talking through it helps. Because usually we can take it down and it's probably not as big of a deal as you think it is. I kind of wish the intern class would communicate with me a little more, I have office hours, I send emails reminding people I am available for that. I did the one on one info sessions in the beginning to meet you guys and talk about the festival, generate your ideas, I just wish I could carry that more. It's a resource. Even if you want me to look at your resume, professional help, professional development."
Although any new endeavor has its fair share of ups and downs, Jonathan continues to look at the whole thing as a fruitful, worthwhile experience for himself and the interns.
"It's very rewarding, especially working with all you guys and watching the internship program develop into something that you all can put down on your resumes. To have an opportunity to have an internship on campus that allows you to add one line to your resume with four bullets underneath is tremendous."
Jonathan has been a wonderful asset to the FLEFF team, and has learned a lot in return. He will conclude his graduate program on June 25th after starting in the spring of 2012.
What have you learned from Jonathan and/or FLEFF?
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Blog posting written by Chloe Wilson, Television-Radio '14, FLEFF Intern, Ashland, Massachusetts.
Getting excited for the FLEFF March 3rd Kickoff Screening? I know I am! I'm even more excited for the screening after getting the chance to speak with Karen Rodriguez, the curator for this year's screening. Read on to learn about the purpose of the screening, the filmmakers you can expect to meet, and the works you can expect to see!
Chloe Wilson: For those who aren't very familiar with FLEFF, can you give a quick description about what this year's Kickoff Screening is for?
Karen Rodriguez: This screening is for two things. It starts the FLEFF season is comprised of films that have already been screened at FLEFF in the past years and that are made by local filmmakers. The second reason is that it's a also a fundraiser for Cinemapolis. The theater is in the process of transitioning to digital projection and we're helping to raise money for them for their purchases of new digital projectors.
CW: Are the filmmakers from the entirety of upstate New York or specifically Ithaca?
KR: Some of them are faculty at IC, some of them are faculty at other colleges in the areas - like Hobart and William Smith Colleges. It's an opportunity to highlight local filmmakers and to get the FLEFF season off to a start.
CW: As the curator of this year's screening, can you tell me about your role in organizing this event?
KR: As the curator, I look at work and talk to people about what is new, what do they have available to be screened. Then once I have a list of potential films, I try to choose films that work together and that compliment each other as well as show diversity in the subject matter and also in the approach. Then I coordinate information and such – working with the filmmakers and figuring out how to get the files from them to Cinemapolis. I also contacted Leah Shafer and I asked her to moderate the discussion after the screening.
CW: Each year, FLEFF has a new theme, and this year it's mobilities. Does the Kickoff Screening also have a theme?
KR: I didn't choose a theme for the screening. I think there are some approaches or stylistic approaches that have emerged from this group and I think there's a strong emphasis on the visual overall, but there is no explicit theme.
CW: What can you tell me about this year's films?
KR: For some of the films, there's a sense of poetry, like the films are adaptations of poems, but some aren't adaptations and still have a poetic quality to them. That's about half the films. The other half are narratives with local actors and stories. I think it's a strong slate of films. There's a music video by a local musician – Mary Lorson – directed by a local filmmaker and that's a lot of fun and the music is great. There's a piece about post-9/11 America and immigration policy. There's also a narrative piece about a child and she has two moms and she's wondering where her Dad is. It's a really interesting piece, especially since gay marriage has become legal and it's a question that people will be asking. It's done in a really positive and thoughtful way.
CW: Is there anything else that you would want a FLEFFer to know about the screening?
KR: I think the screening reflects a lot of diversity that we have in the area and the depth of the talent that we have in the terms in the filmmaking, storytelling, and the acting as well. There's some terrific acting and filmmakers. It's a great way to start off the FLEFF season.
Are you excited for the Kickoff Screening?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Blog posting written by Andrew Ronald, Film, Photography & Visual Arts '15, FLEFF Intern, Mahopac, NY
What's the best part about FLEFF? Meeting the guests, of course!
Yes, the films being screened are fantastically exclusive, but it's even more exciting to meet the people behind these films. And that's why I have composed the following list:
1. Evan Meany - Current Ithaca College alum and winner of the Distributed Microtopias Exhibit, Evan Meany will be making an appearance as a featured guest of the festival this year. An aficionado of transmedia design, Meany explores the mobilities of glitches of all kind, from the abnormal to computing technology. He will be showcasing some new media art and representing Ithaca alumni everywhere.
2. Jon Bowermaster - No stranger to film festivals, Jon Bowermaster is going to be present at Cinemapolis alongside the screening of Dear Governor Cuomo. He's traveled the world (both land and sea), is an award-winning journalist, and currently works at National Geographic. Who wouldn't want to meet him!?
3. Yong ki Jeong - Director/writer of Once Upon a Time, Jeong will be available to speak on behalf of this comedy heist following a con artist and a jazz singer. Considering the history this film has had in Korea, who better to promise an interesting conversation about the film than the director himself?
By no means does this imply that I am not excited to meet other guests because, let's be honest, I am beyond ecstatic to meet everyone I possibly can during FLEFF week!
But these are just some people to look out for. Who are you guys excited to meet?
Friday, February 8, 2013
Blog posting written by Andrew Ronald, Film, Photography & Visual Arts '15, FLEFF Blogger, Mahopac, New York.
I recently had the opportunity to Skype with Shambhavi Kaul, a continuation of this blog post.
After joking about the almost too-idyllic introduction of being able to pick up a camera at the age of five and instantly fall in love with the art of cinema, Kaul and I discussed a few things, ranging from what inspires her as an artist, some analysis on her piece, Scene 32, and how the piece fits into FLEFF's theme of "mobilities."
To begin, I asked her a question most artists are quite familiar with: what inspires you? Kaul responded with quite a powerful answer in which she stated, "meaning within cinema is produced in part by presenting both the familiar and the unfamiliar. The unfamiliar is usually what we take for granted, the aspects upon which the familiar becomes possible, the moon, animals, certain backdrops...my interest is to re-circulate these aspects while resisting the frames by which we claim to understand them."
Scene 32 also makes vivid use of both HD video and 16mm film. Upon elaboration, Kaul explained that "Film and video are two totally different mediums. When you put them next to each other in a deliberate way, their modes of description begin to seem imperfect and thus meaning is made unstable."
This only reinforces her place in the exhibition as part of the mobilities movement. Cinema travels, and it is one of the original modes of portability in the way it has become enhanced. "The deluge of images that was once thought to exist only in the darkened rooms of theaters is now all around us. In all this, I think of my work as acts of recirculation where a resistance, perhaps a counter argument to some modes of appropriation may be enacted."
As for plans for the future, Kaul is working on yet another exciting new project shot in Southern California and Northern Mexico. "It's a piece about borders and landscapes, and how they affect each other," she explains. "What pertains to meaning in landscape? This is something I definitely plan on looking out for. Are you?
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Blog posting written by Shawn Steiner, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts '13, FLEFF Intern, Elkridge, MD
Imagine that before you leave for work your roommate says that he/she is going to make soup for dinner. You get excited wondering what kind and mentally prepare yourself for the meal. But, when you arrive at home you find a series of bowls on the counter. One has broth, one has chicken, one has noodles, etc…
That's not soup. That's data.
Now, because you are starving you elect to just compile the ingredients yourself. Now you are looking at a nice, steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup. That's information.
Evan Meaney and Amy Szczepanski with their project Null_Sets took on the idea of data versus information. What is what? And is it really?
So, if we look at this analogy of data and information and look at Null_Sets we can make some comparisons.
The project takes the text as data and converts it into a jpeg image file. Simple enough concept. The text must be data and the image is the information.
Wait. The original text is a book. Isn't that information? It takes words and creates meaning with them. It seems to be both.
Now, the jpeg image must still be information, right?
But what if you could re-process the image and convert it back into the original text document? Wouldn't that make it data?
It seems that data and information are very difficult terms to use properly. It also seems very situational.
But, another question is what is the original data?
Is it the 26 letters that make up the alphabet? So wouldn't everything written be a derivative of that data. So everything isn't quite as original as we thought.
Is everything a copy? Is everything data? Is everything information?
What do you think?
Stay tuned for Part 2, written by fellow blogger Erica Moriarty.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Blog posting written by Shawn Steiner, Film, Photography, and Visual Arts '13, FLEFF Intern, Elkridge, Maryland
Can we spray paint? No.
Can we chalk the sidewalks? No.
Can we put pamphlets out across campus? No.
Can we still get people's attention? Yes.
We can form a group and walk into IC Square. We can talk to people. We can pass along information. That's what is great about the flash mob.
FLEFF is only two months away. The kick-off event is only one month away!
So pay attention. If you see a FLEFF shirt, or a FLEFF sign, that could mean something exciting is about to happen. And, that you are about to learn something new about what's happening at FLEFF this year.
Maybe you were in IC Square today just grabbing a bite to eat when we appeared en masse. That was our first flash mob! And if you weren't there you can check it out right here!
So, if you have any questions for us, or simply want to get involved, let us know! Ask us right here about something you may have only gotten a hint at during the flash mob.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Blog posting written by Dorothea Hinman, Cinema and Photography, '15, FLEFF Intern, Rochester, New York.
Art, in all its forms, is movement. I dare you to come up with one form of art that does not encompass movement.
A hand needs to drag the paintbrush across the canvas. A singer needs her vocal cords to vibrate in order to create a melody. A movie needs a projector to crank the 35mm film fast enough to transform still images to a "moving" picture. A ballet dancer needs all his muscles to engage in tandem in order to soar gracefully through the air.
Art is movement.
It may never be clear what exactly I will do in my life. What I am moving toward. But one thing was always certain: art would be involved. Whether this be through FLEFF, which has given me a step forward in my professional path; whether it be the world wide influences such as the Fulbright scholars from Africa and Sarah Dupont with Amazon Gold that will be present at this year's festival, or whether it be the conversations I will hopefully be lucky enough to engage in with people like Kevin Lee from dGenerate films, movement will always continue be a part of my life. Just as art will always continue to be a part of my life.
What art form of movement do you engage in?
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Blog posting written by Amber Thibault, Cinema and Photography '15, FLEFF Intern, Lewiston, Maine
Hello everyone!
Let me just start by telling you how excited I am to be a part of this blogging staff. There are so many exciting things lined up for this year! We even get to work with international partners! Wow!!
Oh, before I get too ahead of myself, my name is Amber Thibault. I am on the blogging staff for the 16th Annual Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival and proud of it! We'll be exploring so many new avenues with the theme of Mobilities and I invite you to join me as we journey through this year's festival together.
But let me give you a taste of who I am before we start this journey together. I am from a small town in Maine, a little place called Lewiston, and I am currently a sophomore in the Roy Park School of Communications at Ithaca College. I know, I'm a little far from home.
But, with aspirations to enter the movie business, I came to Ithaca College for its strong connections to the film world. Ergo, I major in Cinema and Photography with a concentration in cinema production in hopes to one day work with some of the best in the business.
However, I'm not just a film scholar, I have a minor in Honors. This invitation-only program involves challenging courses designed to engage highly motivated students and encourages a well-rounded college experience.
I've been blogging since I started college. Because of this, I've always seen my life as an ongoing story, a journey forward into the ever changing future. So when the opportunity to be a FLEFF blogger arose I was estatic! And as a cinema major I find other's stories engaging and compelling and I like to share these stories with others. Being a member of the blogging staff for FLEFF, I have the opportunity to see films and events with amazing stories. Stories that are near and dear to the creators' hearts. In turn, I hope to pay homage to their hard work my sharing their stories and journeys with you all.
So my question to you: Where would you like to journey to?
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Blog posting written by Andrew Ronald, Film, Photography & Visual Arts '15, FLEFF Intern, Mahopac, NY
The art of film is a dynamic fusion between a stimulating image and a moving soundtrack, and Patrick Winters is no stranger to proving his mastery of this balance as he specialized in sound design. In this interview, his passion vividly came alive when he told me that "...eventually I found sound editing and designing, or should I say it found me."
Not only has he used his career teaching sound design in the Department of Television & Radio at Ithaca College as a form of stewardship, but Winters developed this fascination for visual storytelling at the age of 16 when he created his first dramatic 8mm film. He goes on to say that "I believe it's important for those of who have acquired a body of knowledge and experiences to pass those along to the next generation," and as an eager film student, I can't object to this.
What Are Microtopias?
"I see microtopias as communities of individuals who recognize their connections and work together to enhance each others lives. These communities are not limited by cultural, ideological, political or geographic boundaries. These communities share in the joy of life that comes from seeing the world as being engaging and limitless."
Advice For Students
One thing: create. "Follow your heart and do what calls to you, because that's what will be the most rewarding thing for you to do."
Patrick Winters comments on his excitement over FLEFF 2012 because of the principle of the festival itself. It is very intellectual, complex, and mind-opening towards an interdisciplinary audience when it comes to creating and simply being.
Check out his workshop about sound designing on motion pictures and motion sound on Saturday, March 31 at Cinemapolis!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Before there were computers and iPods, he utilized simple CD players and VHS decks.
He bought it just before getting on the bus to Ithaca, because he forgot his regular mixer at home.
Or so a teacher once told him. Art uses this as a challenge to create films with meaning.
Four or more levels are woven and 'built' within a single mix, from still images to text to moving images to animations, and more.
"There is a huge difference between what you see represented, and what you see being there."
Monday, March 26, 2012
Blog post written by Colleen Ryan, Television-Radio '12, Anthropology Minor, Lansing, NY
In recent years, FLEFF added the Graduate Fellows of Color Program to the festival repertoire.
This past week I spoke with Warren Schlesinger (who has one of the best office views of Cayuga Lake I might add), the program's coordinator, who filled me in on a little more of what the fellowship consists of.
While the title is rather self-explanatory, I was pleased to discover the foundation behind the program: In hopes to create more depth and discussion to FLEFF, Ithaca College created the program in hopes to bring highly educated individuals to the area not only to participate in the festival but to become familiar with Ithaca College itself.
The program not only adds intellectual depth to the program and the college, but to Ithaca itself (which for its size is extremely deep with scholarly and enlightened minds!).
Next week, eleven competitively selected graduate students with expertise ranging from Latin American History to Film, be attending FLEFF, and traveling from California to as close as Binghamton.
So why become a graduate fellow? Why not. Not only is FLEFF a great place to be intellectually engaged, but it's also life enriching. Schlesinger told me that many of the fellows keep in touch long after the festival. Intellectual networking? Yes, please.
As a soon to be graduate student, I can't wait to pick their brains and learn about their studies!
The graduate fellows will be participating in many of the panels, screenings and discussions, so don't forget to say hello and ask them about their work!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Blog posting written by Hana Raskin, Communication Management & Design '12, FLEFF intern, New York City
Tom Torello is a graduate of Ithaca College, where he majored in Television and Radio with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations. He has worked in New York City as a media planner at a big agency, for clients like Proctor & Gamble and Richardson Vicks.
He started working in higher education marketing, first as the marketing director at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and later serving as Ithaca College's first executive director of marketing communications. While at IC, he was also the marketing director for FLEFF.
Torello later assumed the position of Vice President for University Relations at Pace University in New York City. But now he is back in Ithaca, because, well, this is where his heart is and where he wants to raise his family.
He currently sits on FLEFF's international advisory board.
Q. How did you become involved with FLEFF?
A. I was the executive director of marketing communications at IC when the school took over FLEFF. It started as a small environmental film festival at Cornell, but the provost at IC wanted to take it over and make it an Ithaca thing, and then Patty and Tom took it on.
Patty and Tom thought it could be so much more, a great local, regional and international festival.
We met with them to think about how we were going to remarket. We developed a new logo, because before, it was what you would expect a logo for an environmental film festival to be- a tree made out of film stock. We built the logo, the look, and talked about the marketing concept.
Q. How has the festival changed since your days of working on it?
A. It has changed in that it's become bigger. More people have come to know the festival so we get larger audiences and there's more of an international reach. Patty and Tom are so well known in their fields and are out there curating film festivals in places like India in the name of FLEFF. They bring in artists and develop connections with people all around the world. The reach of FLEFF over the past 5 or 6 years is incredible. It has become known for certain things, like the music component or particularly, the silent films with music.
Q. What do you think FLEFF does for both the Ithaca College and Ithaca communities?
A. FLEFF brings in some incredible artists and films that people generally wouldn't have the opportunity to see if they were not in a big city or at a large festival. It also brings people here to experience Ithaca that probably would not have come here otherwise, like FLEFF fellows. They wouldn't have experienced our little corner of the world, and so many people leave just absolutely loving it. It's great for the community and for the college. The people in India, Mexico or Germany that FLEFF touches, return with the Ithaca name and the Ithaca ideals.
Q. What are you looking most forward to at the festival this year?
A. Parties (laughs) and the silent films and music, but I met some incredible filmmakers and artists at the parties. It's great to go to a film and then go to a party and talk to the filmmaker directly after.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Blog posting written by Chloe Wilson, Television-Radio '14, FLEFF Intern, Ashland, Massachusetts.
I love movies. Seriously, I am absolutely crazy about them. So when FLEFF posted the FLEFF 2012 Film Descriptions and Trailers, I geeked out.
I recommend checking out the entire list, but here are five FLEFF 2012 films that are giving me that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
1. Nanook of the North
I know I already talked about this in an earlier post, but Robby Aceto, Peter Dodge, and Chris White will be improvising live music to the film. Nanook of the North is considered the world's first documentary and it was also one of the first 25 films to be selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. It's considered to be one of the most culturally and historically relevant films of all time. I can't wait to see it!
2. Art and Copy
A film from 2009, this film discusses the history of the advertising industry and its relationship to inspiration. Art Copy introduces audiences to some of the most influential creative minds of our time, which I'm especially excited for because the geniuses behind advertising campaigns are hardly ever publicly praised. As somebody who doesn't know much about advertising but loves Mad Men, I'm stoked.
3. Gay Games
To be honest, I'm immediately a fan of anything that promotes equality, and Gay Games is no exception. The film documents a sports competition that lacks customary rules, encouraging all participants to focus on respecting each other for their differences. The film highlights the coming together over over ten thousand people in Köln, Germany, known to Americans as Cologne, Germany. (Sidenote: Germany is a beautiful country and Cologne is a beautiful city. I hope there's some great scenic shots!)
4. One Water
You know what's crazy about this film? It was filmed in fourteen different countries. That's so many! One Water addresses the global freshwater crisis and is a result of collaboration between individual schools within the University of Miami. Having clean drinking water is a serious global issue, but I'm excited to see the results of a project that was the result of college students!
5.Truck Farm.
Documentarian Ian Cheney filmed his adventure that started with him planting a garden in his grandfather's old pickup truck and that follows his discovery of some of the world's coolest urban gardens. Personally, my family and I tried gardening once and I got food poisoning from one of the few edible products (which wasn't so edible, I guess) so I'm jealous of Cheney's gardening skills. I can't wait to learn about urban gardening though! Maybe I'll get some pointers.
What about you, FLEFFers? Anything you're excited to see at FLEFF?
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Blog Post by Sarah Lockwood, Cinema & Photography '15, FLEFF Intern, Blairstown, NJ
I have chosen to continue the journey to FLEFF week with a 'virtual tour' of some of the hottest places in Ithaca, NY to be during the week of March 25th, 2012!
This is a photo-journey, with all original photography taken myself. Shall we begin?
Just down the hill from Ithaca College, where TCAT's and bicyclists and artists and shoppers can convene, lies the downtown area - "a wide variety of shops, restaurants, theaters, and historic architecture" that is not to be missed any day of the year, but especially not during FLEFF.
Cinemapolis is an independent, not-for-profit art theatre in operation since 1986. It is located at 120 East Green Street in the Commons of Ithaca, NY. It will host many of FLEFF's screenings, and is an active partner that has ensured the success of FLEFF for many years.
The Ithaca College campus is not only beautiful when not being dumped upon by Ithaca's often-nasty weather, but also is the site for two very important aspects of FLEFF: a host large portion of the festival's film screenings, home of Ford Hall (hosting the Concert for Microtopias), as well as the site of a three-dimensional, all-recyclable display of the letters "Microtopias" in front of the library.
The Wine Center is a gorgeous tasting bar, wine store, tourism, and event center which will be hosting FLEFF's after-parties, a location for intellectual debates and creative folk to mingle about, post-screenings.
No matter where you find yourself FLEFF week, the importance is that you are in your own Microtopia. Will you find it in in the dark community of a movie theatre, the lawns of a college campus, or perhaps the solace of your own mind? That is up to you.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
The best things in life are messy. Sloppy Joes. Finger Paint. Food Fights. Muddy Rain Puddles. Tye-dye.
Their greatness comes from the fact you have to work for the end result. You have to get down and dirty, completely exposing yourself and being vulnerable to something that may not be routine in your daily life.
The same goes for "messy" ideas. The best thoughts are those that are out-of-the-norm. The best conversations are those with debate, connections, brainstorming and enlightenments. They aren't clean and nicely packaged, ready-to-go nuggets of information for willing people to digest without question. To digest this you have to put in a little elbow grease—or brainpower if you will.
Microtopias. MESSY. Everyone has a different definition, especially for how it applies to one on an individual level. But lets talk community. In this setting, I view a microtopia to be a complex, efficient working system.
By stating FLEFF itself is a microtopia, I have two options. I could just think of this on a neat and superficial level, accepting that FLEFF sparks communication about environmental ideals. Done.
Or we can dig deeper. We can evaluate the system in all of its little parts (the movies, music, parties, interns, networking, conversation, education) and realize how they relate to each other. It is the big snapshot picture of all of these parts working together that builds community.
And to join the community you have to not be afraid to jump outside your comfort zone. Because nature, the environment and it's systems are never simple. Everything is interconnected and messy. And creating this utopia within FLEFF is about embracing that naturalness and goodness of messiness.
So ground your feet in mother earth. Let her mud seep between your toes and revel in the mess that is innately beautiful in its systematic complexity.
What is the best mess you have ever taken part in? Why was it fun?
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I am sure everyone has heard of a little silent movie called The Artist. The musical score in this film brought the picture to life. The growing popularity of this film within mainstream culture has expanded the somewhat limited view we have about what qualifies as a good movie. For most, a "quality" film means explosions, a good love story and some 3D glasses. FLEFF, with the help of improvisational musician Robby Aceto, is bringing back the idea of beauty within simplicity. And even though there may be no explosions, simple does not mean boring. Because there is nothing boring about improvisational live music to a silent film.
Improvisation is all about evoking a response from the audience. It is interesting to think that improvisation could be considered the utopia for music—if we are applying the definition of utopia as a state of being without guidelines or restrictions. And this is not the only way in which the idea of a utopia, or better yet a microtopia, applies to improvisational music and its process. Aceto states in his improvisational trio, the first thing they need to do is establish a common base for their understanding of the film. There has to be a respect for the wish and intent of the director. Once that communication has taken place and once that basic understanding is met, all factors will work together, even if perspectives and interpretations between the musicians are different. Because differences create a textural sound-scape that allows the pictures to come to life off the screen (and without 3D glasses, imagine that!). As I have said before, FLEFF is all about the texture. In the microtopia FLEFF creates, communication is key. Though we may all be attending FLEFF for different reasons and with different viewpoints, we all have one thing in common: a basic respect for environmental advocacy and art through film. All the other differences, the unexpected interpretations of our minds—or even of the music—add texture, interest and excitement. Something you can't get from your standard, explosion-filled blockbuster film.
What do you think of the idea that the category of improvisation is a musical microtopia?
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Blog posting written by Chloe Wilson, Television-Radio '14, FLEFF Intern, Ashland, Massachusetts.
Doesn't 2008 seem so long ago?
It's so weird to think that FLEFF has been around for four years, let alone fifteen. And so much has changed since FLEFF 2008! We had a different president, The Dark Knight hadn't premiered yet, and I had no idea where I was going to go to college. (Spoiler alert: I chose IC!)
So looking at information and schedules from past years of FLEFF, I was expecting to see a lot of differences. You can find the website for FLEFF 2008 here, but here's a quick rundown of the differences between FLEFF 2008 and FLEFF 2012.
It's cool to see how FLEFF has progressed over time. With FLEFF celebrating its fifteenth year anniversary this year, FLEFF has taught us about so many topics, ranging from environmental issues to electronic music to the science of food. This only makes me more excited for this year's events!
What's your favorite FLEFF memory?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Blog Posting written by Meagan McGinnes, Journalism '14, FLEFF intern, Norwood, MA
The sign of a true artist, whether you are an artist of music, words, paint, film, community or whatever, is the recognition and utilization of texture.
Even the most unrelated topics become related, weaved together in lively and interesting way. It is the magic of FLEFF, stringing things together to make unexpected, but wonderful sense.
Example: combining a film festival with a musical concert.
Brad Hougham, assistant professor for performance studies (voice), said this concert is one of his favorites to perform in because of his musical freedom. And, man, did he use that freedom!
The repertoire includes pieces utilizing an orchestra, organ, harpsichord, cello, piano and more. The material spans from lullabies to gospel. At times, they vocally will be trying to sound like other instruments to add an interesting and cool effect.
These pieces vary in rhythms, harmonies and dissonance. Just by listening there would be no obvious connection. Yet, the differences create intrigue. Intrigue leads to conversation. Conversation leads to community. Communities lead to microtopias.
"What you see will be something different than you could have possibly ever imagined," Hougham said.
The same can be said about the FLEFF festival: it will be different than you ever imagined. FLEFF brings a diverse group of people with imaginative minds, creating a responsive environment. And what can move people to responsiveness more than music, an art form known for stirring emotions and kindling a spark in the soul.
"I love bringing excellent music to life in a different way so old music can speak to people," Hougham said.
Music, similar to microtopias, is fragmented and yet it can come together. It is a safe place to push boundaries, to question the preconceived and to create textures both vibrant and new.
Has music ever moved you to responsiveness? What material's texture do you feel best exemplifies the "texture" of FLEFF?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Blog posting written by Chloe Wilson, Television-Radio '14, FLEFF Intern, Ashland, Massachusetts.
Hey FLEFFers!
So I'm going to liveblog a FLEFF session that is for the interns, but I figured all you interested FLEFFers will get a kick out of this info too. This session is focused on The Concert for Microtopias and is hosted by two of the musicians performing in the concert.
Here goes!
6:58 PM- Patty Zimmerman (FLEFF Festival Coordinator and Ithaca College professor) is introducing "The Concert for Microtopias" and it sounds fantastic! Turns out we're using the Whelan School of Music for a concert location.
6:59 PM- Ann and Phil get a shout-out from Patty! #Awesome
7:01 PM- The actresses involved in the performance are loving the microtopia theme! The concert has been commissioned by FLEFF and is free!
7:05 PM- Patty Zimmerman is introducing pianist Debbie Martin and baritone Brad Hougham.
7:07 PM- Brad has the floor! (He loves FLEFF because he gets to pick what he sings.)
7:09 PM- Debbie says that she loves working with dead people (musicians, I hope/am pretty sure of). Debbie shares a story about a man and his fabric collection (and Brad bought the guy's house and it's full of fabric) and his fabric room.
7:11 PM- Debbie: "We thought we'd start off my choosing some of our favorite things to play. Different things that make you happy or inspired or feeling feelings at the most extreme levels. That's what you'll find here. You'll find everything from different countries to different takes on spiritual things to ethnic things. Old, old-old music, new music, it's really a lot of different things."
7:14 PM- Debbie made us stand up and clap/dance along to music! It was hard to liveblog...
7:15 PM- Brad is playing us a German song with lyrics from a sacred text. As somebody who has sung in German, it's really hard! Gotta give the singer props.
7:16 PM- Recording isn't working... bummer.
7:17 PM- FLEFF Team Leader springs into action! She saves the day!
7:18 PM- Discovering a love for German opera right now.
7:20 PM- The title of the song (when translated) is "I Have Enough," as it "I have enough knowing that I'll go to heaven." What a great aria! (Guess my older brother's interest in Gilbert and Sullivan is rubbing off on me! Even though this particular opera is from Bach...)
7:21 PM- Brad gets to sing this piece? He mus be so excited! (He is. He also just said so.)
7:24 PM- Debbie is playing the piano for us. It's such a soft melody. Makes me wish I was that talented...
7:27 PM- Brad is playing a recording of the piece that Debbie just played. The soprano is amazing and its such a soft lullaby!
7:30 PM- This soft opera lullaby is going to be followed up by Maurice Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante defunte." I recognize this! (I used to study at the New England Conservatory. It was all music all the time!)
7:34 PM- Debbie says that the challenge will be to take these orchestral pieces and adapt them fully to piano. It's going to be hard to adapt harp for two pianos!
7:35 PM- Next on the program?! "Wade in the Water!!!!" I'm so excited! I performed to this in high school and am obsessed with this song.
7:36 PM- Listening to Big Mama Thornton's cover!
7:38 PM- I always get chills listening to this song! This cover is by the African American Choral Ensemble. Loving the alto line in this!
7:40 PM- Brad says that microtopias occur all over the IC campus... when professors teach in their classroom, in organizations, etc.
7:42 PM- From Debbie: The word "tarantella" comes from "tarantula." Ew...
7:43 PM- Listening to "Anytime" by William Finn.
7:45 PM- Somebody is asking a great question about how to collaborate over long distances! Brad is saying that they owe a lot to Patty and that she helps bring everyone together.
7:47 PM- Debbie is going to Berlin to practice with her fellow pianist! I'm jealous, it's such a beautiful city and there's so much history.
7:50 PM- Debbie: "If you really sit and think about it... these small moments of every aspect of who we are and what we are and it's fragmented and yet it can come together... That's what we're aiming for. This should be a new experience! Something that you don't do all the time."
7:51 PM- Brad: "I feel that FLEFF has opened my boundaries greatly... Just knowing that this is Ithaca, it's a really tremendous and wonderful safe place where you can expand yourself as an artist."
7:52 PM- Brad: "I love music and I love pushing the limit. I love having the music speak to people."
7:55 PM- Art Jones is the VJ for the concert! According to Patty, he has never worked with classical musicians. This will be a cool experience for everyone!
8:00 PM- Brad: "It's interesting to wonder what brings people to the concert. I think it's great that people are there because of music and their appreciation and love of music. I think that having a response is also really important. Not applause at the end, it's about the sense of something being given and something being received."
8:03 PM- And that's a wrap! Brava! Thank you! Encore! Many other words to express the thanks of the FLEFF interns.
What music would you want to hear at a FLEFF concert? What if it could be anything (Britney Spears, Sutton Foster, Jarhand... literally, anyone!)? Sound off below!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Blog posting written by Andrew Ronald, Film, Photography & Visual Arts '15, FLEFF Intern, Mahopac, NY
It has been really exciting for us FLEFF interns to get to know each other, and as a blogger, I took the liberty in getting to know my fellow colleagues I will be working with at the festival. I would like to introduce all you FLEFF activists to the spunky and ambitious Karly Placek, a freshman at Ithaca College majoring in Documentary Studies and Production. Karly is from Monroe, Wisconsin, and if you ever happen to be in the area, she highly recommends Brennan's Market, the cheese store where she works, or just a good field to go cow tipping in.
ANDREW RONALD - What made you interested in becoming a FLEFF intern?
KARLY PLACEK - I was interested in the international aspects of it. I wanted to meet new people from different cultures and share ideas about art and media
AR - On that note, what have your experiences been like so far and have they upheld what made you originally interested in joining FLEFF?
KP - I like getting the chance to meet other kids at different schools [on campus] that I normally wouldn't collaborate with. It has been interesting to brainstorm different ideas for the festival with them. These students come from such different backgrounds and I think it's really great that we all get the chance to work together.
AR - Because FLEFF explores the theme of microtopias this year, how would you define this term in your own words?
KP - To me, microtopias are places that are created when people understand that ideas aren't necessarily accepted in society as a whole. They are, in fact, created on a smaller scale to unite people with comment interests.
AR - How effectively do you think the interns this year are promoting FLEFF through social media and other forms of communication?
KP - I think FLEFF interns this year are doing a good job about getting the word out about FLEFF. Not only are they utilizing Facebook and Twitter, but they are working on promoting public relations via word of mouth, posters and stickers.
AR - The screening of Oka! kickstarted the FLEFF experience unofficially last Sunday. What did you think of the film and the director?
KP - I absolutely loved it, and I think that has to do a lot with my global interests. Anything about Africa sparks my interest and I am personally an active member of Invisible Children, a club that aims to resolve conflicts in Africa. Having the director there brought me so much insight that I had never experienced in a film before. She really served as an example that I could emulate in the future with my own personal filmmaking career and anthropological exploration.
AR - What are you most looking forward to?
KP - I am most interested in meeting the directors and brainchildren behind international films and new media projects. I want to get advice from them and see what my career could actually be like in the real world. They have a lot to offer and I have a lot to learn.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Blog posting written by Andrew Ronald, Film, Photography & Visual Arts '15, FLEFF Intern, Mahopac, New York
The theme of FLEFF this year explores the concept of microtpias, and because this definition varies on a number of levels, I figured I would tackle my own definition of the term. And you can put the dictionary down because the idea behind microtopias is too abstract to be defined in a single sentence (and isn't even in the dictionary in the first place).
Alright, here's the English lesson for all you language aficionados out there. Microtopias is coined from the prefix micro, meaning small, and suffix topos, meaning a place. Microtopias therefore, are essentially small places. Logical, right? But is that really where the definition ends?
Microtopias are portmanteaus of reality and unification. The reality is that one singular, harmonious utopia cannot be achieved. In fact, to distinguish utopia from communism may call for a very interesting conversation. But microtopias are still unifying nonetheless, and this accounts for why they can be found on such a global scale. Utopias preach for a marriage between perfection and peace. But realistically, we must divorce ourselves from this idealistic society and strive to achieve unison in compartmentalized divisions - divisions we would call microtopias.
FLEFF understands this notion. It's a microtopia of its own and leads to interminable conversations revolving around complicated situations. It makes us strive to perfect sustainability, mesmerizes us through music, gain insight through international films and disrupts the premise of a utopia. Microtopias are now and they are here to stay.
How would you define microtopias? Do you think the foundation behind building a utopia is unrealistic?
Monday, February 20, 2012
In every academic paper I have written, I am always told to define my terms. But with a term as complex as microtopias, declaring a definition becomes daunting. The meaning of the complex concept of microtopias depends on personal perspective. But the same is true when defining utopias in general because perfection or the characteristics of a perfect society differs from person to person. So here are my terms.
A utopia is an ideal, perfect society. We imagine this society without limits or constraints, reminding me of the inspirational quote, "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" For me, that means creating a sustainable community with a systems thinking mindset that utilizes nonviolent communication.
That being said, I define microtopias as a society that recognizes one cannot create a utopia for the entire world. Instead we strive to bring this concept to the little piece of world surrounding us. What makes up my entire world may not even be on someone else's radar. It doesn't make it any less important; it just makes it mine. Through this concept we localize, which is a vital characteristic to my utopian sustainable society that I defined above.
FLEFF itself can be defined as its own microtopian society. It's here. It builds community. It sparks conversation about limitless solutions to local struggles.
How do you define microtopias? Is it possible to turn ideal into actuality? What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Blog posting written by Chloe Wilson, Television-Radio '14, FLEFF Intern, Ashland, Massachusetts.
What's up, FLEFFers?
FLEFF 2012 is still a ways away, but last Sunday (unofficially) kicked things off with a screening of OKA!. We had a full house and a great talkback with the director, Lavinia Currier. Not only was it awesome to hear about the true story behind the film, but learning about the global issues the film shows was a great experience.
Us interns, meanwhile, have been busy learning about and planning FLEFF events! I caught up with Gautam Singhani, Team Leader, and asked him about his FLEFF experiences and why he chose to work at FLEFF 2012.
Chloe Wilson: So you were a FLEFF 2011 intern. Why did you choose to be a FLEFF 2012 Team Leader?
Gautam Singhani: Last year, I had a suberb time helping organize the film festival and publicizing events as a FLEFF intern. I felt that there was much more that could be done to enrich the film festival experience, which is what drove me to apply as a Team Leader. I have many ideas on how to promote FLEFF, and I hope to implement them in order to help the festival grow.
CW: What was one of your more memorable experiences from FLEFF 2011?
GS: Meeting with the directors of some of the films last year was really valuable. I was able to interact, ask questions, and hold very intellectual conversations with them. I learned a lot about film making, but I was also able to network by simply holding conversations and listening to [the directors'] ideas and opinions.
CW: Do you have any cool stories from FLEFF 2011?
GS: Last year, I worked mainly as a projectionist. While striking equipment and packing up gear after an event, I got to interact with some of the performers and directors. I always found what they had to say about their own performances or films interesting. But what I really enjoyed was being asked to escort the directors and performers to nightclubs after their performances. There's no better sight than to see directors rocking it out on the dance floor!
CW: Are there any new changes that are coming to FLEFF 2012 that FLEFFers should look out for?
GS: FLEFF interns will be creating a huge recyclable art installation* on the Ithaca College campus to publicize FLEFF's theme this year- microtopias. We have also modified our advertising strategy to attract a larger audience and set ourselves apart from other film festivals.
CW: Any advice for 2012 FLEFFers?
GS: Get involved with ALL of the events that take place and actively participate in discussions after panels and screenings. Everyone can gain valuable information by interacting with directors and by asking questions during the event. (I also highly recommend interns to stay after events and observe, if not help the directors and performers after events. That interaction can help develop something further.)
And that's one of this year's FLEFF team leaders! Do you have anybody you want to hear from, FLEFFers? Sound off below!
*Our art installation won't look like these pieces... but seriously how cool are these?! It's amazing what you can do with recyclable materials!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Blog posting written by Isabel Galupo, Cinema and Photography, '14, FLEFF Intern, Towson, Maryland.
Nomenclature. Lackadaisical. Coagulation.
These are just a few of my favorite words.
To me, understanding and respecting the power of words is a crucial skill for all people living in today's world. Words can inspire life-changing epiphanies and spark revolutions. Words have the power to affect individual people at their very cores, while simultaneously resonating with entire communities and populations. Words can create significant and extraordinary change.
My love and respect for words is what brought me from my hometown of Towson, Maryland to Ithaca College. I entered my freshman year with a brand new pack of Black Papermate Profile Retractable Ballpoint Pens (which I highly recommend!) and an eagerly declared Journalism major.
However, I quickly discovered that my true passion lay in writing for film and switched my major to Cinema and Photography, with a concentration in Screenwriting. As an avid reader (I am currently in the middle of Michael Ondaatje's poetry collection The Cinnamon Peeler and Anne E. Kornblut's work Notes from the Cracked Ceiling), I use my love for words to connect to the Ithaca community and volunteer with The Family Reading Partnership. I enjoy playing with words to craft my own creative writing, in addition to writing Draft Resolutions during Model United Nations conferences where I represent the IC Model UN Team.
My love for words is also what prompted me to intern for the 15th annual Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival this semester. This year, the backbone of FLEFF is one singular word: "microtopias." Though FLEFF co-directors Thomas Shevory and Patricia Zimmermann did an excellent job breaking down the nuances surrounding the word on the festival home page, I am excited to see how FLEFF will provide moviegoers, directors, students, artists, intellectuals, writers, readers, and dreamers a space to explore the multitude of meanings and possibilities behind the word "microtopias."
Most importantly, however, FLEFF provides us all with the opportunity to reflect on the term "film festival." At first glance, the definition of this word may seem straightforward. However, FLEFF's interdisciplinary nature challenges all of us to question what we think we know about the limits of film festivals and the parameters of art.
Words are all around us. We often take them for granted, never pausing to savor the complexity and possibility that lies behind each and every one of them. In the upcoming weeks, I challenge all of you to practice challenging yourself in the way that FLEFF surely will. Ask yourselves: What is your favorite word? What possibilities lie within the multiple definitions of that word? How can you widen your understanding of words in order to effectively use them in our exciting and ever-changing society?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Blog posting written by Kacey Deamer, Journalism and Environmental Studies '13, FLEFF Intern, Binghamton, NY
Some people hate to talk about themselves. I'm not one of those people. I'll tell you just about anything you want to know about me. More than anything, though, I love to talk about the environment. That's probably why I am a double major in journalism and environmental studies. It is my job to write and talk about the environment, ranging from the science of climate change to eco-friendly lifestyle changes.
Working with FLEFF is a perfect combination of these passions. I get to promote an incredible, interdisciplinary environmental film festival through blogging! Through this platform I'll share with you the inner-workings of a festival: profiles, reviews, top 5 lists and many other musings. Think of this as a special preview, brought to you by students who care.
As a student who cares and who will be sharing stories on this blog, I thought I'd tell you some more about myself (since I do, in fact, love to talk about myself). I grew up in the suburbs of Binghamton, NY, which is not too inspiring in the environmental department. Despite that, I always had a consciousness of the planet and its well-being. Attending Ithaca College was an easy choice given the sustainability efforts of the campus and the perfect combination of majors.
My time on campus has been spent doing just about everything. On the journalist side: I'm an editor for Buzzsaw Magazine, the environment/sustainability beat reporter for The Ithacan, a member of SPJ and SEJ, and developing a personal blog. On the environmental side: I help maintain the student-run organic garden, am a member of the environmental society and Slow Food chapter.
Off-campus I am a full-time foodie and wine connoisseur (which will come in handy working on the festival). I also have a fondness for DIY projects and therefore a new addiction to Pinterest.
I'm here, as an intern and a blogger and an insatiable academic, to broaden my understanding of the festival world and to find new avenues to share environmental messages. Why are you here?
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Blog posting written by Andrew Ronald, Film, Photography & Visual Arts '15, FLEFF Intern, Mahopac, New York
The power of cinema is important to anyone who may be in the filmmaking business or studying film theory, and it even targets viewers who simply derive enjoyment from watching films. This affinity to cinema was something that struck me at an early age, justifying my current role as an eager freshman at Ithaca College working towards earning my BFA in Film, Photography & Visual Arts. It probably also accounts for why my friends vacantly stare at me when I hold interminable conversations about the latest feature film out in theaters that they "need to go see immediately!" It also explains why I find these jokes hilarious:
Screenwriting tip: The best place for a character to breakdown and cry is always in the shower.
In Fight Club, half the people in the movie talked about the damn Fight Club.
If you really want to know why horror movies no longer scare people, just watch the news.
...and more entertaining movie humor!
Simply put, film is moving. Is it captivating. And it is inspiring.
This power, however, is not limited to the cinematic world, and this is something that the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival understands. FLEFF manifests this energy in such a way to permeate the minds of an interdisciplinary culture, ranging from aspiring filmmakers to individuals who are ardent about exploring human nature and even those who are passionate about the planet. Appropriately, this year's theme touches upon the concept of microtopias, an environmentally relevant subject as the festival upholds values of sustainability. Microtopias is indicative of the nature of the festival, promoting a liberal view on a myriad of subjects that will be presented at the festival.
This is one of the main reasons I knew I needed to become involved with FLEFF. Of course during my experience as an intern, I know that I will be surrounded by an overwhelming (yet by no means exhausting) amount of film. After all, the first festival-related event includes a screening of OKA! taking place at Ithaca's local not-for-profit theater, Cinemapolis on February 12 with director Lavinia Currier. But I knew there was more to FLEFF than just letting the harmonious sound of the words "film festival" ring in my ears. There is so much more rewarding information to inherit by becoming involved with FLEFF (and some delicious wine to taste at the Finger Lakes Wine Center who was generous enough to host our evening celebrations!) The collision between social interaction, dynamic energy, mystifying adaptation, relatable locality, innovative technology, and rejection of utopia all seem to define FLEFF for what it promises and what it teaches.
So now I have a question for all you eager and ambitious FLEFFers out there! As a passionate film enthusiast, I am going to throw this question out there: What's your favorite film and how does it inspire you? Who knows, maybe your favorite film hasn't been discovered yet and will be screened on March 25 when FLEFF starts!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Colleen Ryan
Class of 2012
Television-Radio, Scriptwriting
Anthropology Minor
Lansing, NY
I'm a vagabond of passions.
One of my biggest regrets is ever believing I had to chose just one. As a college senior, Ithaca College is my third undergraduate institution, and I'm surrounded by so many other students and faculty, who like me, have discovered it's a beautiful thing to be abundantly passionate.
That's why I know I belong at FLEFF. I don't have to choose one form of expression because FLEFF celebrates it all.
I added an anthropology minor in the second semester of my junior year. My love for the human condition was what made it hard to find my niche in media for so long, but now I know I can intertwine them.
When you're a college senior the "real world" becomes ever more real and scary, and some how society pressures make it seem like graduating college becomes a quarter life crisis. Who are you going to be? What are you going to do? How much money are you going to make? How are you going to leave your mark on this world?
It's nauseating yet exhilarating.
These questions may not be completely answerable in one day, or one lifetime. In many ways I feel like a born-again activist. I'm a pescetarian, I've stopped using plastics (to the best of my ability), and have started to put extra money towards saving endangered species.
After living in Los Angeles for a month, in the fast lane towards my then dream of being a television writer, I realized that I didn't want to contribute to society by creating entertainment, but creating change. Media is a powerful thing. It's a universal language and it's ability to tug on heartstrings and make a difference in this world is amazing. I see it as a blessing to be in love with too many things, because there's no such thing.
FLEFF is allowing me not only to share my love of writing with you, but to give you an insiders look into the beautiful world that it commemorates.
I'm thirsty for knowledge and love to be well informed – perhaps it's because I'm the child of two academics. I'm in love with the idea of FLEFF because it turns these issues into art and expression, and I can't wait to be involved with all that it has to offer.
I'm a sap. I cry when I'm happy, and I cry when I'm sad. I get inspired easily. I want to know: Is there any film, photo, or piece of art (music included) that has moved you towards inspiration to make the world a better place?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Meagan McGinnes
Class of 2014, Journalism
Minors in politics and environmental studies
Norwood, MA
Fun Facts About Me:
1. I am a Boston girl.
2. I have a twin sister, who also goes to Ithaca College.
3. I am addicted to caffeine.
4. My favorite color is yellow.
5. I have Bieber fever, and I am not afraid to show it!
Don't laugh. I am 100 percent serious when I say that Leonardo DiCaprio helped me discover my passion for environmental activism. My ridiculous love for DiCaprio began with the release of the movie Titanic. While casually stalking him/scrolling through his website, I stumbled upon his eco-link. I was enlightened. I was shocked. I was hooked.
Since then, I have become dedicated to environmental advocacy and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles through my love of journalism (check out my blog from the Ithacan!). I am President of Ithaca College's chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. I am also Co-Editor for the upfront section of Buzzsaw Magazine. I love to talk and meet new people, but even more so I love to write. Sometimes, I have a hard time articulating exactly what I am feeling, but through my writing I am able to take the time to say exactly what I want to say, how I want to say it. And trust me, I have a lot to say. Words are beautiful. However, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and now it is time for me to look for beauty elsewhere.
I am so pleased to be working with FLEFF so I can explore a medium of journalism outside of my comfort zone, while still advocating for something I love: the planet. I am captivated by this art form that uses visuals to stir action, and I can't wait to learn more. But even more so, I am thrilled to be a part of the community created around this festival. Which is what the theme of microtopias is all about: building an ideal community on a local level to explore the world without constraints. We create boundaries and limits for ourselves all of the time. My resolution at the beginning of this New Year was to live my life by the words of Neale Donald Walsch who said, "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." I believe this statement is true for the environmental movement as well. By breaking through these zones we create for ourselves, only then can we challenge existing systems, mindsets, boundaries and limits.
So here is what I want to know from you: other than participating in FLEFF 2012, what will you be doing to advocate for the environment in your own daily life? What will you do to break out of your comfort zone? How will you work to make your own utopia a reality rather than an ideal?
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Blog posting written by Chloe Wilson, Television-Radio '14, FLEFF Intern, Ashland, Massachusetts.
My name is Chloe. I am a sophomore Television-Radio major with a concentration in scriptwriting. I have a triple minor in Legal Studies, History, and the Humanities and Sciences Honors Program.
I grew up in Ashland, Massachusetts (the original home of the Boston Marathon!) and was determined to spend my college years in New York City. I ended up not in New York City, and I couldn't be happier. Ithaca is the place that I'm supposed to be.
As introductions go, I don't do labels. I find it impossible to identify myself without elaborating on why I used the words I did. And yet, blog posts can only take so much space, so I'm going to do my best to introduce myself. (Concisely, of course.)
I love telling stories. I love discovering characters in real life and I love creating them in my screenplays. I believe that everyone and everything has an enthralling story. It just may have not been found yet.
I love working with people. I have a strong passion for peer advising, which rose out of my desire to discover the stories of others. I also love helping people and enjoy working to make a difference.
I believe that we can learn from people just as much as we can help them. This is why I was attracted to FLEFF. It's unique position as a curated and interdisciplinary film festival lets me partake in the dynamic intellectual engagement that no other festival offers.
I can't wait for FLEFF 2012! I'm excited to become more active with downtown Ithaca through FLEFF. This year, The Finger Lakes Wine Center will host all of our after-event parties. Try to tell me that that's not awesome. Go on. I dare you!
As they did last year, Cinemapolis will host our film screenings. The official film schedule for FLEFF is TBD, but Cinemapolis is screening OKA! at 4:30 PM on Sunday, Febuary 12th. FLEFF is co-sponsoring the event and a Q&A with director Lavinia Currier.
Again: it's going to be awesome.
FLEFF 2012 is going to be the opportunity of a lifetime. FLEFF challenges us to broaden what we know and immerse ourselves in what we don't, and this year's theme of microtopias only furthers that.
Personally, I'm really excited in learning about new media technologies through FLEFF. What about you FLEFFers" What are you most excited for in FLEFF 2012?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Blog was written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
I am now in the front row watching Helen DeMichiel's presentation.
She is telling us about how she started Lunch Love Community in 2009 with co-producer and director Sophie Constantinou. To emphasize her great character she says, "You can't do it alone, you have to have teams of people and lots of skills," in reference to the new media documentary approach.
Helen has had lots of experience in the media field. She's made a feature film, made lots of installations, and knows a lot about different aspects of media.
After a brief introduction she is now showing us a short webisode called The Whole World in a Small Seed, which is about a gardening program in one of the schools in Berkley.
The main focus of her presentation is to tell the story of why and how she started Lunch Love Community.
She says they started with the idea of a feature length hour documentary, but due to different challenges faced, they decided to "become part of the media revolution as artists." She is telling us about their decision to use webisodes (she chuckles after saying the new word).
An interesting discussion she makes is the comparison of a webisode to a segment.
She now is showing us a slide that has a chart titled "Connectors." The chart shows shows the increase in active website users throughout four months. She says a layering effect of sharing, offering, gifting and promotion lead to the increase in an interactive dialogue with the community and a growing internet audience.
To wrap up, she summarizes some of the things she has learned through the project. She said she has learned simple architecture works best for outline and it is important to recognize that not one size fits all.
She said she is starting to see the issues the project addresses in a much deeper way.
In her final concluding mark she says "the viewers are not viewers anymore they are users,." Her push is to tell people to watch and share, watch and share!
Make sure you get involved in as many ways as you can! You can visit the Lunch Love Community website, become a fan of Lunch Love Community on Facebook, and/or see more of Helen and learn about the issues and the project here at FLEFF! She will be participating in a discussion with Laura Deutch tomorrow at 1:10 in Park 220 and presenting at Cinemapolis on Saturday at noon.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Blog was written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
I am yet again in the third row of seats, but this time in the Park auditorium.
Dr. Zimmermann is introducing the former Ithaca College alum who used to sit in the class I'm in now: Nonfiction Film Theory!
Laura Deutch says she didn't know what her path would be in college, which makes me feel a little bit better about not knowing my specific path for the future yet. I love how she is telling us about how she became involved in media and the steps she took to get where she is today.
The main focus of her presentation is her newest project Messages in Motion, which she started as a grad student senior thesis two years ago.
She is a very organized and clear presenter. Her slideshow is very informative and compliments what she is saying well. I am drawn to her idea of documentary which includes more new media concepts.
With her project she has individuals make "video postcards" using Flip cameras. The project activates social relationships and promotes personal expression. She redid an old cargo van and drives around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania teaching basic filmmaking techniques and helping community members use media in a meaningful way.
The slide that is currently up contains influential mobile media projects for Laura. While her idea is unique and creative she makes the point that it is not the first of its kind...
She is kindly explaining her process with us and using examples from her different experiences. She has a neat chart slide up with the following information giving the simple format of her process:
She is now showing us the homepage of her website that has a crazy map with blue lines marking where her Messages in Motion van has been. It is very visually appealing!
One thing I didn't know is she didn't originally plan on working with youth, and generally wanted to work with adults as well, but says she has worked mainly with youth since.
As what I am doing now, Laura says she has been trying to blog as much as she can. Her reason for doing so is to make the project and process as transparent as possible.
She showed some clips of videos individuals have made.
Now, the presentation is coming to an end so I am going to wrap up this blog.
Laura Deutch is very inspirational to me and I have immensely enjoyed and appreciated this presentation.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Blog was written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
The opening concert held tonight in Hockett Hall was was amazing!
The event lasted over an hour but time flew by as audience members were captivated by the extremely talented performers. Pianists Jairo Geronymo and Deborah Martin electrified the keys while vocalist Brad Hougham eloquently sang a German opera.
The projections continuously playing behind the performers were also a spectacle!
The perfect alignment of everything throughout the concert was astonishing!
The event was definitely a once in a lifetime experience! I'm so glad I was able to attend!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Blog was written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
I am not usually the kind of student who pulls out their computer during class to go online, but I have been instructed to do so for this blog.
I am sitting in the third row of seats in room 115 of the Center for Health Sciences building. Renate Ferro is currently speaking to the audience of mostly students who regularly attend Dr. Zimmerman's class Nonfiction Film Theory at this time.
After an introduction from Dr. Zimmerman, Tim Murray began the discussion with a brief history of video art and new media. I found out a great deal started right here in Ithaca, NY!
The Experimental Television Center, which has been an important place for discovery for many respected artists is located in Owego, NY. It sadly will be closing this year in May, but is most definitely celebrated and will not be forgotten.
Renete showed us some neat projects she has done or is working on including:
Now, Megan Roberts and Raymond Ghirado are speaking and showing pieces they have worked on. They began by showing us a project they did with twelve stacked TVs that they synced with music.
The projects they are showing us were made at the Experimental Television Center. It is interesting to hear their personal stories about how they made them while they show us the art.
Some of the projects they showed us were:
It has been really neat to see the artists discuss their projects and share their thoughts with each other and the students in the room.
I'm looking forward to more FLEFF events and will try to keep you posted!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Blog was written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
On Friday, April 15, a panel will be held at 4 p.m. in Williams 225 called How to Get Your Break. This event is one everyone, I repeat everyone should try and make. Leading media artists, Rodrigo Brandao, Rodrigo Bellott, Tina Marbry, and Karin Chien will be present to discuss insightful information and tips on what one should do to well, "get their break" in the media industry. Ithaca College professor Steve Gordon will be moderating the panel. The event is free and will be time well spent! Mark your calendars and don't miss it!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Blog was written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
The Lunch Love Community webisodes will be screened on Saturday April 16 at Cinemapolis. To match the subject of lunch, the event will be held at noon and food will be sold for those hungry just thinking about the topic! Film director Helen De Michiel is coming all the way from California to take part in discussions about her website and the issues it addresses. To deepen the discussion, chef and cookbook author Julie Jordan will be present along with Ithaca College public health professor Stewart Auyash. If you like food and love to take part in intellectual engagement this event is for you!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Blog was written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
Tomorrow there will be an incredible event that every one should try and attend. The event is called New Media Art Installation and will be held at 3 p.m. in room 115 in the Center for Natural Sciences. The event will be free, which makes it even better! It will be moderated by Timothy Murray and feature artists Renate Ferro, Megan Roberts, and Raymond Ghirardo. This special event is also part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Experimental Television Center. Make sure you don't miss out on this spectacular opportunity!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Blog was written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
I had the opportunity to interview the incredibly talented Brad Hougham. He is a well known and respected baritone vocalist who also teaches at Ithaca College's School of Music.
In combination with Jairo Geronymo and Deborah Martin, he will be performing Rite of Spring with Gustav Mahler's Ruckert Lieder at 7:00 p.m. in Hockett Hall on Monday, April 11.
KG: Why do you have a passion for music? Is there a particular type of music you are fonder of?
BH: I have always loved music. I remember being moved by music at a very young age, either to dance or sing or laugh or cry.
I think like many people, music has been a source of comfort to me throughout my life and I love being able to teach in this field, because it allows me to share this love with others, hopefully helping them to develop their passion for it as well.
I like all kinds of music – I don't mind saying that I've been entertained and moved by a huge variety of artists. You should see who is in my iPod.
KG: What have been some highlights in your life pertaining to your vocal careers?
BH: I've been very lucky to have many wonderful opportunities. I sang for eight seasons in the chorus at the Metropolitan Opera.
During those years, I was able to watch the greats up close. I think that is very interesting from a teacher's perspective. How does Placido Domingo breathe? How does Renee Fleming move on the stage? How does a big voice sound up close as opposed to from far away – like from the back row of the opera house?
I have sung world premieres and worked with composers on their own pieces. I have sung many opera roles with various opera companies.
I love recitals of art song more than anything, and my job at Ithaca College has fostered that love and afforded me many opportunities to perform a wide variety of repertoire with some incredible musicians.
KG: You will be performing with Jairo Geronymo and Deborah Martin. Have you had any previous experience working with these individuals?
BH: I have worked with both before.
The last time I worked with Dr. Geronymo was three years ago when we did excerpts from West Side Story for the FLEFF Opening Ceremony.
The last time I worked with Dr. Martin was two years ago, when we did a piece together with the concert band in the Ithaca College School of Music.
KG: Can you please briefly describe the importance of the music you will be performing Monday night, both in its historical context and to you?
BH: The songs I'm singing are gems in the German Lied repertoire. When Gustav Mahler composed these, he was stretching the definition of 'Lied'. Previously, they had been much more 'miniature' in genre. His songs are much longer (usually), constructed with more complicated musical language, require a greater range of pitch, mood, dynamics, vocal color and rhythmic variation than many of the songs composed with German texts before his time.
The accompaniment for these songs can be either piano or orchestral and you can hear a great demand for color and texture variation in the accompaniment part.
I am lucky to have two such wonderful pianists who will be capturing these colors beautifully in their playing.
The reason I love to sing these songs is that for me, these poems are very powerful and the musical gesture that Mahler uses to express them form an absolutely perfect union.
KG: Can you please give us a glimpse behind the scenes as to what you went through and are going through to prepare for the upcoming event?
BH: Well, I have known these songs for a couple of years now, so I have not had to learn any new music, per se, but I have had to re-think them. I believe that many singers feel this, and that is that each time you come back to a piece of music you have sung at a different time, you learn something more about it.
In addition to that, I have had to think of these songs in relationship with Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, and how they can interplay with that larger work. The pianists were great about finding places in the Stravinsky into which the songs could be inserted.
KG: What are you looking forward to about this year's event?
BH: Just having a chance to share this beautiful music with a new audience and having a chance to work with these wonderful artists.
I love the idea of faculty from schools coming together to pool their talents. When they do, something amazing always comes of it; this will be no exception.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Blog was written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
As I mentioned several times in my blog entries, I am looking forward to all the events and guest at FLEFF 2011.
One specific event I am looking forward to at Cinemapolis is the screening of Good Fortune, Sunday, April 17 at 2 p.m. I am particularly excited about the discussion following it with the filmmakers Jeremy Levine and Landon Van Soest.
I have a strong interest in these filmmakers because they are Ithaca College alumni and I have talked to a few of my professors about them and their work. It is very inspiring to me that they were able to start their own production company right out of college and pursue their passion in documentary.
I am also intrigued by the complexity of issues involved with the film Good Fortune.
An event I am looking forward to on the Ithaca College campus is the performance of The Rite of Spring with Gustav Mahler's Ruckert Lieder by Brad Haughman and Deborah Martin. The event will be Monday, April 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hockett Hall.
The two very talented individuals, who are also faculty members at the college, came and talked about the event at our intern meeting last week. Their passion about the music was contagious and I cannot wait to see the live performance that will be a once in a lifetime event!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Blog posting written by Shea Lynch, Documentary Studies '14, FLEFF Intern, Glens Falls, New York
Schedules for Ithaca College Campus FLEFF events and FLEFF events at Cinemapolis are now up! Click here for more information.
One of the most exciting events during FLEFF Week includes two pianos, a baritone, and the meshing of two unlikely pieces of music.
You guessed it! The April 11 event, The Checkpoints Concert in Hockett Recital Hall.
This live performance features pianists Jairo Geronymo and Deborah Martin and baritone Brad Hougham.
Igor Stravinsky's work, The Rite of Spring, will be performed by Geronymo and Martin on two pianos. This commonly orchestrated piece will be reworked as a duel piano rendition.
Brad Hougham will perform Ruckert Lieder by Gustav Mahler.
The combination of these two distinct styles is a never before heard event everyone must attend. It will dazzle all the senses and, accompanied with visual art on modernist screens, will be a show you cannot forget.
I am excited to attend this event because I am not familiar with any of these works. It will be a great opportunity for me to learn something new and become more artistically cultured. I am also excited to see the visual art on the modernist screens my peer interns will be helping with. It is a bold statement but I am truly happy Ithaca College has the technology to support such an adventurous performance.
If you would like to attend this event, GET THERE EARLY. The event starts at 8:15PM in Hockett Hall on April 11. Hope to see everyone there!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Blog posting written by Shawn Steiner, Film and Photography '14, FLEFF Intern, Elkridge, Maryland
Welcome back to the FLEFF blog! Glad to see you are still checking in!
Today we have some proof of how this festival is truly international. Here at FLEFF, within our group of interns, we have Neli Gacheva. She is a freshman here at Ithaca College who hails from Bulgaria. She's pretty far from her hometown. But she's here working with the festival.
Here's Neli describing what her FLEFF experience has been like to date:
February is already over. March is already here. April is just around the corner. Now, FLEFF week is approaching with the speed of light.
My name is Neli Gacheva from Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Currently, I am a freshman Cinema & Photography major at Ithaca College.
A week ago, I was tabling at Cinemapolis as part of my internship at the festival. Sitting at a small table, I had to convince people to come see movies at the festival.
At the interns practica course, they taught us the importance of appealing to a large group of people. Focusing on the pros and cons of tabling and what was at stake if we do not fill the house.
When I first heard about my assignment, I thought it was going to be an easy job. First, because I was going to be talking to people at the cinema, already known moviegoers. Second, because I knew FLEFF was already well known in the area.
However, as it turned out people were not willing to stop for very long. So I had to come up with a strategy to get as much information out as fast as possible. (Shawn: As the other intern that afternoon I can vouch that Neli did an excellent job.)
But, the people who actually had time to stop by the table demanded to know as much information as possible. (Shawn: Here's some!) Hence, I came to understand the importance of one of the key points always made at the FLEFF practica: "Learn, read and know everything that has to be known in order to be a trustworthy employee and to attract as many people as possible."
* * * * * *
Thank you, Neli, for sharing your voice. Now, if you see her walking around campus or at Cinemapolis, ask her about FLEFF. She's ready.
Finally, check back in at FLEFF INTERNS VOICES as much as possible. All of our interns are working really hard to get the information out. Make sure to buy a pass for the festival!
P.S. If you have a good story idea check out our FLEFF Story Contest! And if you don't: think one up and write it down.
You still have plenty of time for this chance to win $500 dollars!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Blog post written by Kelsey Greene, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
I had the opportunity to speak with Laura Deutch, an Ithaca College alumna and Philadelphia-based media artist and educator.
KG: Can you please describe why you decided to use media as a tool for social justice?
LD: Media is a powerful tool to support advocacy and educational campaigns for social justice. Visual media allows people to connect with one another, and identify with diverse points of view.
The problem is that in the current system, there is inequitable access to resources for creating and effectively distributing media messages. Even with the explosion of social media, the digital divide is very real.
As an educator, it's important for me to not only help create alternative media, but to transfer these skills to underrepresented communities so they understand how media is constructed and manipulated, and gain the knowledge to document and express their own experiences and analysis.
KG: Your most recent project is Messages in Motion. Can you please explain this project and your reason to start it?
LD: There are two components to the Messages In Motion project. First, I've been identifying and working with organizations to conduct video workshops with the flip camera. At a workshop I speak about what a story is, what a shot is, what it means to upload, edit, and so on.
Participants see that they can create a video, and so they gain confidence. They see the power of this tool to reach a wider audience.
I'm a little less interested in having them recreate media they see on TV, but rather we experiment with voiceover, direct address and images to create something expressive and reflective of their experiences. The videos are used in an educational context or as part of an organizing campaign.
Second, I outfitted an old Chevy work van into a mobile media studio. I have 2 laptops, a workspace and a monitor. The equipment is powered by a solar panel on the roof.
People can stand outside the van and watch what others have created. I wanted to create a self-contained system so participants can create, upload it, and exhibit their work within a few hours.
Once people go through the whole process, it gives them the confidence that they can do it themselves.
KG: What has your experience been like doing such a project?
LD: For me, it has been really great. The neighborhoods in Philly are very segregated and have their own identity, so I enjoy being able to be mobile and being able to show people's videos and create connections between places.
What's great is that now that I am building an archive of videos, the participants are inspiring one another. They see the work of their peers in other parts of the city, and they respond to it, and build on it.
I'm starting to develop a broader understanding of the city. I hope to use this work to draw deeper connections between issues and create stronger alliances among organizations and neighborhoods.
KG: You have also recently completed a feature-length documentary, El Sol Sale Para Todos. Can you please give a brief summary of what the documentary is about?
LD: The documentary chronicles the last 15 years of the growth of the Mexican community in Philadelphia.
We wanted to show what it's like for the first generation of an immigrant community to come to a new place and build a life. By now, the community is quite established, but it's a history that many people do not know about.
What's happened in South Philadelphia is similar to what is taking place in many urban and rural towns throughout the US. Through the stories of the seven main characters, the film puts a human face on the struggles and complexity of migrating to make a better life for oneself and one's family.
It tries to break down stereotypes and can be used as a way to enter into the immigration debate.
KG: How did you find the story for the documentary? What was it like making the film?
LD: Since moving to Philadelphia 5 years ago, I became aware of the changing populations in the neighborhood where I was living.
I started volunteering with JUNTOS and Media Mobilizing Project for an initiative titled, Our City Our Voices. The goal of this project was to train low income and immigrant adults in citizen journalism media production.
During those workshops, I met Carlos and Leticia and we started making short films together, and 2 years later, we collaborated on this feature doc. Between the three of us we each brought unique experiences to the project. Ultimately it's a piece made by the community, for the community.
KG: Did you ever see yourself doing the projects you are doing?
LD: Yes, as a student I was a media studies major. I never took production classes at school--I got trained at the Public Access Center in town.
I was always interested in community media. My junior and senior year I was more politically active.
Since that point, I've been pursuing work that allows me to combine my interest in documentary and radical experimental film with social justice and media education. Going back to school, and creating the Messages in Motion project was a logical outgrowth of those interests.
KG: What are some of the difficulties with a career such as yours?
LD: The biggest challenge is stability. I work on a project-to-project basis and teach a lot of classes.
However, organizations and institutions are only starting to realize how important web video and social media is to their work.
KG: Can you please describe some personal benefits you have achieved from doing your projects/films?
LD: I like the independence that I have because it has allowed me to work with many different people.
Working with media has allowed me to access a lot of different struggles, stories and cultures and it has helped me understand my role as an educator and producer.
KG: What are your views of FLEFF?
LD: I appreciate the vision and holistic approach to expanding one's understanding of environment beyond global warming, for example, and trying to address the interconnected social, political and cultural issues which impact our natural and social environment.
KG: What are you looking forward to about FLEFF 2011?
LD: I feel very honored to be coming back as an alum.
I was always really inspired by visiting guests as a student--and I hope I can return the favor. I'll be bringing the van, and I hope to offer something that can connect college students and town residents.
I am also very excited to see and hear the presentations and meet other artists.
KG: What advice would you give to aspiring media students today?
LD: Take responsibility with the skills and knowledge you are developing, stay true to your values and instincts.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Blog post written by Kelsey Green, Documentary Studies and Production, '13, FLEFF intern, Buffalo, New York
I grew up an hour outside of Buffalo, NY, but currently, I reside in Ithaca, New York, where I am a sophomore enrolled in Documentary Studies and Production at Ithaca College.
I am from a rural area and therefore enjoy many activities outdoors such as horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking. Ithaca is a great place to pursue my studies because there are so many natural areas to explore nearby.
On campus, I am engaged in several ways. I am a resident assistant for the first year living community on campus. And, I'm also a dean's host for the Roy H. Park School of Communications.
When I am not on duty in the residential halls or giving tours of the Park School, the multimedia section of The Ithacan keeps me busy. I am regularly creating short videos and slideshows for the online section of the paper. On weekends, I get a thrill out of filming Cornell hockey games for the ICTV show Big Red Faceoff.
Education is very important to me. I do what I can to help youth, because I believe they are our future. Once a week, I go to the Ithaca High School to tutor local students. I also work through a program on campus to talk with visiting ninth graders about my college experiences. I hope to become a film producer after I finish my degree, but I am also interested in becoming a professor.
Why am I interested in documentaries and new media? Because I am amazed at the power they have in raising awareness and prompting social change. The engagement involved not only by the creators, but also by the audience, fascinates me. So, that's why I am excited to become more immersed in the media world through FLEFF. The opportunity to see so many different forms of art and to meet so many different leading artists is incredible!
What are you looking forward to in the 2011 edition of FLEFF? Are there certain artists you're particularly excited to hear speak?
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Blog posting written by Lindsay Harrop, Cinema & Photography '13, FLEFF Intern, McMinnville, Oregon
Hello FLEFF following world! Welcome to our FLEFF blog! To start things off, my name is Lindsay Harrop. I am currently a sophomore Cinema & Photography major at Ithaca College with a concentration in Screenwriting and a Politics minor.
I grew up in beautiful McMinnville, Oregon and came to Ithaca for the Park School of Communications. A bonus of living here is that - and this might be hard to believe - I love the cold! It only rains at home so I have a lot of fun with the snow and sub-freezing temperatures.
On campus I am a Leadership Scholar, Resident Assistant, Vice-President of the Writing for Production Association in Park and a delegate of the Ithaca College Model United Nations Team.
Beyond the cocurricular sphere, I love to travel both internationally and around the US. Some of my favorite places are Manuel Antonio on the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica and the National Mall at midnight in Washington DC. A few other things I enjoy are white water kayaking, Pacific Northwest coffee, talking politics and, of course, watching movies.
I was first attracted to FLEFF because it represents a fusion of my two central passions - film and politics. Something I love about movies is that they are capable of transcending cultures in a way few other mediums can. A movie could be about Thai farmers, shot by a French film crew, financed by a British company and then screened in America while simultaneously evolving and remaining consistent for each group involved.
Moreover, movies are unique for their ability to encapsulate human experiences as they occur while capturing the deeper emotional tones that are lost in a news broadcast or quick TV snippet.
As an individual filmmaker and member of the FLEFF team, my goal is to do just that – drawing the audience's eyes to the corners of the world that are most often overlooked and encouraging people to think critically about their place in the global community.
We've already had our first FLEFF event of 2011 with the spectacular Albert Maysles sharing his innovative features Gimme Shelter, Grey Gardens and Salesman with the Ithaca community. His visit kicked off some great discussions here and I'm really looking forward to all the other upcoming events. What FLEFF moments are you excited for?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Blog posting written by Shawn Steiner, Film and Photography '14, FLEFF Blogger, Elkridge, Maryland
Welcome to the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival! I'm Shawn Steiner and I am among the interns who will be bringing you the scoops, behind-the-scenes, profiles, and Q & A's throughout the festival. I hope you will be joining us here and at Cinemapolis during these fun times.
Here at Ithaca College I am a first-year student majoring in Film and Photography with a minor in Writing. It's a pretty far distance from my home in Elkridge, Maryland, but believe it or not I love the weather up north. Also, the school itself is fun! I am fortunate enough to be using 4x5 view cameras, a 16mm Bolex, and spend hours in the darkroom with my film. It's amazing. Also, I'm able to work on ICTV shows such as Panorama and go out and shoot profiles of interesting events and people.
Things like FLEFF are adding to my love of Ithaca. Through these events I have had the opportunity to see and talk to numerous people I never would have seen otherwise. Just a couple weeks ago I saw Albert Maysles and his documentary Gimme Shelter at a sold out screening at Cinemapolis as the opening event of FLEFF and it was amazing.
As a film and photography major seeing all these films and people has been just a great opportunity to learn. Which I believe ties greatly into the idea of FLEFF.
FLEFF is an environmental film festival, "a different environment" from other types of festivals. It is here to teach as we are here to learn. And there is always something that we can learn from others.
We aim to bring together as many people from as many different backgrounds to do as many different activities as possible. I was surprised to hear that there were so many new media artists, musicians, and others along with the filmmakers coming to the event as well. Even that one of our partners is a venue for music, Delilah's on Cayuga.
This is one huge experience everyone should learn from because the environment isn't just the trees outside. It includes society, the people, the arts, and all the other happenings of the world. But perhaps most importantly with this festival, we are to have fun.
I'm having a lot of fun so far, so why don't you come join us? FLEFF isn't just a week in April, it has already begun.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Blog posting written by Evan Johnson, Journalism, FLEFF intern, Marlboro, Vermont
My name is Evan Johnson and I am a blogger and intern at the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival here in beautiful Ithaca, New York.
I currently attend college on the south hill where I am a sophomore journalism major and environmental studies minor at Ithaca College. Home for me is a five-hour drive away in bucolic Marlboro, Vermont. I love it there more than I can say however I've found Ithaca to be a suitable "home-away-from-home."
I have an affinity for wool sweaters, the German language and any dairy product. Saltine crackers are my favorite snack. I have a funk show every Friday evening on Ithaca's radio station, WICB, I enjoy rock climbing and my better days are spent walking in the woods with my dog. In the future, I hope to combine my interests in environmentalism and journalism in a career in scientific or environmental writing.
Given my course of study and my interests, participating intimately in this festival was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I'm thrilled to be a part of FLEFF and I'm looking forward to all of this spring's events.
FLEFF is an impressive rally point for anyone interested in areas of art, social justice, environmentalism and independent and new media. The festival is an opportunity to address some of the most pressing issues of today from a variety of perspectives.
I'm excited to be participating in and helping facilitate this dialogue. I'm looking forward to being in the middle of the action and reporting back to you about all the exciting films, performances, speakers and instillations. I expect my time at FLEFF will be engaging, lively and powerful, maybe a little hectic, but nonetheless rewarding.
It's going to be busy down on The Commons. I look forward to seeing you there.