Focus on Carina Johnson and ICDOCS

School of Media Arts Alumna Carina Johnson (BA 07) is teaching a class on and directing the 2010 Iowa City International Documentary Film Festival (ICDOCS) at the University of Iowa.

They are now accepting submissions for their 2010 Festival, to be held April 15-17.

The ICDOCS showcases a diverse program with a broad range of forms, modes and styles, from conventional documentary to experimental non-fiction. The work must be less than 30 minutes in length.

The regular deadline is February 5, 2010 and the late deadline is March 6, 2010. These are post-mark deadlines.

Please visit:

http://icdocs.blogspot.com

or email icdocs@gmail.com

Dan Brock’s Work Shines in 'Avatar'*

Dan Brock, School of Media Arts production lab coordinator, developed CueTime software, used for sound editing, on the major motion picture, ‘Avatar’*.

He is also the star of a University of Arizona news feature:

http://uanews.org/click/29152/1

Experimental and Non-Fiction Films

Tuesday - 7:00 p.m. - December 15, 2009

The Screening Room 127 E. Congress Street

Dogs (and boyfriends) getting "fixed," the nature of intrusion, being far from home (Bogota, China, Iowa), living in community, being gay with God and Mom, the stages of life... these films and more, made by graduate students in M AR 510, Critical Video Production.

All shows FREE!

School of Media Arts Freshmen Win Film Festival Award

School of Media Arts students Shon Gale and Ethan Moore have won the “Best Comedy” award at the recent Campus MovieFest and were also nominated for Best Picture.

“The festival was held in the Gallagher Theater and there was a lot of competition in the comedy department,” said Gale. “All of the award winners were from the School of Media Arts.”

Their short, "In Production," can be viewed in its entirety here:

http://www.campusmoviefest.com/events/universityofarizona.php

“In Production” illustrates the antics of an inept film director and his desire to get into film school. Although he takes his craft seriously, he actually does not know what he is doing.

Both Gale and Moore are from Scottsdale, however, they did not meet until they arrived on campus this semester. They entered the competition of the Campus MovieFest because they wanted to start making shorts right away. They made the whole movie in 2 1/2 days.

“We pulled an all-nighter the day before the deadline,” said Moore.

Gale and Moore won an iPod Shuffle and also a copy of Final Cut Pro. “We are still trying to figure out how to cut the iPod in half,” quipped Moore.

Both Gale and Moore have plans to apply to the BFA program in fall of 2010.

Congratulations to Gale and Moore on the screening of their award-winning short!

Students Secure Prestigious NATPE Internships

An unprecedented four University of Arizona School of Media Arts students have secured internships to the NATPE Conference and Exhibition, January 25th – 27th 2010, at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Conference Center in Las Vegas. Bobby Fricke, Shawn Florchak, Sean Sullivan, and Jonathan Weber applied to the nationally competitive program and were able to secure spots.

The National Association of Television Program Executives is the largest organization of multiplatform video content professionals in the world. Each January, the NATPE Conference and Exhibition brings together more than 7,000 media industry leaders for workshops and seminars and to take part in the world’s largest marketplace for buying and selling television programming and video content.

The conference is not open to the public thus the student interns receive a unique, behind-the-scenes view of the television industry. NATPE provides hotel accommodation, meals, conference registration materials, and access to the conference.

Congratulations to Fricke, Florchak, Sullivan, and Weber!

Two Nights of Short Films!

From Nicki Santini's short "Explain This"

Vices, Virtues, Dreams, Discoveries and... Decisions

Thursday - 7:00 p.m. - December 10, 2009

Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Auditorium 202

The University of Arizona

Come watch a wide-ranging selection of short (one minute!) films from students in M AR 210, Introduction to Production, along with (slightly!) longer films from M AR 310, Idea Development.

Experimental and Non-Fiction Films

Tuesday - 7:00 p.m. - December 15, 2009

The Screening Room

127 E. Congress Street

Dogs (and boyfriends) getting "fixed," the nature of intrusion, being far from home (Bogota, China, Iowa), living in community, being gay with God and Mom, the stages of life... these films and more, made by graduate students in M AR 510, Critical Video Production.

All shows FREE!

“Outer Space Astronauts” Producer Presents

Outer Space Astronauts

School of Media Arts Alumnus Scott Puckett (BFA 99) will be making a special presentation on the University of Arizona campus.

Ackerley’s        M AR 303   3:00 to 4:00pm

Westover’s        M AR 303     4:00 to 5:00pm             

Monday, December 7th in the Marshall Building 211

Dan Brock featured in the Tucson Weekly

Dan Brock, the UA School of Media Arts Production Lab Coordinator, developed the software being used on James Cameron’s highly anticipated AVATAR, a major motion picture.

An upcoming epic action 3-D adventure, “Avatar” is being created by “Titanic” Director James Cameron. In development since the 1990s, Cameron has had to wait for the technology and special effects to catch up to his ideas.

One of the technological innovations of the “Avatar” film was created by Brock, who founded CueTime Software, an emerging technology company based in Tucson, AZ. Brock has been working with film professionals for years to create a new generation of major motion picture post-production management tools.

The first application “CueTime Professional” is currently being used to manage the entire film scoring process on “Avatar,” distributed by 20th Century Fox (in theaters December 18, 2009). Composer Horner, together with Supervising Music Editor Jim Henrikson, has employed CueTime Professional from the very beginning of music production on “Avatar.”

“The opportunity to have our first software prototype employed on the ground-breaking, major motion picture “Avatar” is a real honor,” said CueTime Software’s Product Manager Brock. “I can say with confidence that our software has performed without a hitch. ”

Brock is also featured in an interview in the Tucson Weekly.

http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/t-qanda/Content?oid=1600010

Executive Producer Scott Puckett to Present on Campus

School of Media Arts Alumnus Scott Puckett (BFA 99) will be making a special presentation on Monday, December 7. Puckett will be speaking in Vicky Westover’s M AR 303 class.

Scott Puckett, Executive Producer
Monday, December 7th from 4-5pm
Marshall Building 211

Puckett executive produced a hybrid live-action/animation series that will begin airing on the Syfy network on Tuesday, December 8. The series is called, “Outer Space Astronauts” and the pilot episode is being streamed on the Syfy network’s website:

http://www.syfy.com/outerspaceastronauts/

The Syfy channel has expressed an interest in commissioning a second season and Puckett would need to start production immediately. Should additional programs be commissioned, Puckett will need to hire entry level digital artists for green screen/composition and animation work.

Puckett will share tips for finding a job in Hollywood, his own Hollywood story, and how he sold his “Outer Space Astronauts” series to the Syfy channel. He will also be on the lookout for University of Arizona students with digital talents who have plans to move to Los Angeles after they graduate.

Puckett was also the visual effects producer on the 2004 existential comedy “I Heart Huckabees.”

Davies and Post Win "Best Drama" Award

From Left to Right, Trevor Davies, Jeffrey Post, and their cast winning an award.

School of Media Arts students Trevor Davies and Jeffrey Post have won the “Best Drama” Award for their film “The Infinite” at a festival competition held at the Gallagher Theater. “The Infinite” was written and directed by Davies and produced and shot by Post.

Their short has its focus on a boy who believes himself to be immortal. “The lead actors were kids from the neighborhood and they did a terrific job,” said Davies.

The original concept was based in a forest landscape, however the filmmakers opted to make use of the desert. The two-day shoot took place in an Oro Valley desert clearing. “We had a great crew and that made all the difference,” said Davies.

The film was created for the nationwide Campus MovieFest, which was held recently in San Francisco, California.

Davies, a School of Media Arts sophomore, is already an accomplished filmmaker, having completed nine films. He is currently developing a short having its focus on a horrible betrayal inspiring the expression of anger and wrath.

Congratulations to Davies and Post on the success of their award winning film, “The Infinite.”

For additional information: http://uanews.org/node/28096

Matt Luber: Producer and Manager

Matt Luber meets with students


University of Arizona students enjoyed the professional and hands on advice of School of Media Arts Alumnus Matt Luber (BA 93) who returned to campus on Monday, November 23. Luber presented the perspective of working as an agent/manager and producer in Los Angeles.

These presentations were made possible by The Hanson Film Institute and The School of Media Arts.

Eric Goldfarb Screens First Feature

Filmmaker Eric Goldfarb returned to his alma mater to screen his first feature film “STU PLUS WHO?” and discussed an insider’s view to living and making it in Hollywood. Goldfarb graduated summa cum laude in 1997 from the University of Arizona with a degree in Media Arts.

Students, faculty, and community members thoroughly enjoyed the ‘sneak preview’ screening of Goldfarb’s film “STU PLUS WHO?”

Here are a handful of responses, posted on the film’s FACEBOOK fan page.

Aaron C Jensen said:
Already been talking to friends about the movie. They seem to like just hearing about it, so I bet they would like to watch the film as well.

Brendan Takash:
You guys should start a Twitter account, it's all the rage now! Heartfelt movie, very good! Best of luck to you all!

Andy Lee:
Awesome job guys; I was extremely entertained and inspired.

Michael Hughes:
Just saw it U of A. Great movie. Really fun and very sweet. Would make an awesome date movie. One that the guy can enjoy too, for a change.

Carly Rae Olsson:
I just saw it at U of Arizona also.... Amazing journey of a documentary! Loved it ya'll good job!

Damon Mosier:
I just saw a screening at the University of Arizona and I can't say enough how much I loved this film. The premise almost seemed like a joke to the subjects themselves at the beginning but by the end it really grabs hold of you. This film has a lot of heart and my hat is off to Stu for putting himself out there the way he did. You guys did great and I wish you a lot of luck.

Matt Luber Returns to Campus

Matt Luber, a Hollywood based talent manager and producer will be giving a presentation on campus.

Monday - November 23, 2009
3:00 PM - Marshall Building, Room 211
11:00 AM - Harvill 102
12:30 PM - Harvill 102

A successful talent manager/movie producer, Matt Luber has gained a reputation for cultivating and representing some of the hottest emerging actors, writers, and directors while at the same time maintaining a focus on producing intriguing projects. Matt's clients include Jaime Pressly (My Name is Earl), Adam Goldberg (The Unusuals), Steven Moyer (True Blood), Eric Balfour (24), Shane West (ER), and Billy Zane (Samantha Who?).

After graduating in 1993 from The University of Arizona with a degree in Media Arts, Matt moved to LA and learned the inside workings of production as an assistant on feature films, including Beverly Hills Cop 3. After being a producer's assistant, he rose quickly to respected manager.

Matt is currently president of Luber Roklin Entertainment. As a producer, Matt executive produced Bride Wars for New Regency, Evan Almighty for Universal, Running Scared for New Line, and Into the Blue for MGM. Matt is currently producing the indie film Janie Jones starring Abigail Breslin.

A special presentation in conjunction with M AR 303: Professional Practices and M AR 373: Producing I: From Pitch Through Financing

This event has been made possible by The Hanson Film Institute and The School of Media Arts.

Stu Plus Who Screening

School of Media Arts Alumnus Eric Goldfarb (BA 97) will be returning to The University of Arizona’s Gallagher Theater to screen his first feature film, “STU PLUS WHO?”

FREE SCREENING OF “STU PLUS WHO?”
Gallagher Theater
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 4pm

Check out their hilarious trailer:

http://stupluswho.com/trailer.php

Goldfarb created “STU PLUS WHO” together with his producing partner Stuart Acher, who will also be present for the screening and Q & A. The Hollywood filmmakers will be posing for the press with their fans and also their 4-year-old Emmy Award.

LaDonna Harris Sneak Preview

Filmmaker Julianna Brannum (second from right)

Acclaimed independent filmmaker Julianna Brannum (Comanche) presented a 10-minute work-in-progress of her most recent documentary project, LaDonna Harris: Indian 101, to University of Arizona students and faculty and community members.

Brannum's presentation was a part of the Native Eyes Film Showcase and was sponsored by the Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

Barking Water

Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m.

Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tickets $5.00

This program takes place at Grand Cinemas Crossroads.

BARKING WATER

USA, 2009, 85 min, Dir. Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Creek)

With steady and graceful performances, this story takes viewers for a ride in the backseat of Frankie and Irene’s Indian car, listening to their past and the rhythmic soundtrack that sets the beat for a redemptive road journey. In this sparingly sentimental and achingly poignant film, Harjo claims his place as one of the most truthful and honest voices working in American cinema today.

Excerpt from Sundance Film Festival 2009

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Necessities of Life

Saturday, November 14, 7 p.m.

Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tickets $5.00

This program takes place at Grand Cinemas Crossroads.

NECESSITIES OF LIFE (CE QU’IL FAUT POUR VIVRE)

Canada, 2009,102 min, Dir. Benoit Pilon; In French and Inuktitut with English subtitles

Multi-award-winning Canadian entry to the Academy Awards starring Natar Ungalaaq (The Fast Runner) is an emotionally resonant 1950s period drama that shines a light on a people and culture not often seen on screen. After falling victim to tuberculosis, Tivii, an Inuit hunter and family man, is forced to leave his home to receive treatment in Quebec City where he finds hope again when he forges an unlikely friendship with a young boy. A model of delicate emotional restraint, the handsome pic earns its many lump-in-throat moments.

Dennis Harvey, VARIETY

Discussants: Tsianina Lomawaima (Mvskoke Creek) American Indian Studies Program, and Jennie Joe (Navajo), Family & Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Native Eyes Film Showcase

Friday, November 13, 7pm
Native Eyes Film Showcase, Tickets $5.00
This program takes place at Grand Cinemas Crossroads.

MESKANAHK (MY PATH)
Canada, 2005, 9 min

Dir. Kevin Lee Burton (Swampy Cree)
A young man explores the passage from his childhood on a Cree reserve to his life in the city. In Cree with English subtitles.

CLUB NATIVE
Canada, 2008, 78 min

This multi-award-winning film is a candid and deeply moving look at the pain, confusion, and frustration suffered by many First Nations people as they struggle for the right to belong. Through portraits of Mohawk women, Tracey Deer delineates the human cost of rules about blood quantum that determine the lives and loves of the Kahnawake Mohawk.

Discussant: Dr. Sheilah Nicholas (Hopi), Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural
Studies, University of Arizona

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Filmmaker Julianna Brannum

Filmmaker Julianna Brannum

Meet filmmaker Julianna Brannum (Comanche) and preview her new documentary LaDonna Harris: Indian 101. Discuss the film with her and with Heather Whiteman Runs Him-Oleyte (Crow), joint legal counsel, executive branch, Apsáalooke Nation/Crow.

Thursday, November 12, 2009
Native Eyes Film Showcase Media Literacy Colloquium, 4–6 p.m.
Room 164 at UA's James E. Rogers College of Law
Free

Brannum’s documentary film is being made about Comanche activist LaDonna Harris, who led an extensive life of Native political and social activism, and is now passing on her traditional cultural and leadership values to a new generation of emerging Indigenous leaders. Director Julianna Brannum is a Rockefeller Foundation award winning filmmaker.

This program takes place in room 164 at UA's James E. Rogers College of Law, 1145 N. Mountain Ave (between Speedway & Helen).

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Julie Janata Presents

Julie Janata, far left, with an Alliance of Women Directors

Julie Janata, an award winning editor/producer, will be making a special presentation in conjunction with M AR 309, History of the Documentary.

JULIE JANATA PRESENTATION
Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 2pm
Marshall Building, Room 212

Janata sculpts acclaimed dramas, comedies and music films from hundreds of hours of footage. She imbibes them with all the richness of story and character development she learned while working on Oscar and Emmy winning projects including Bad Boys, Heat, French Kill, The Ghost and The Darkness, The Jackal, and Disclosure. She started her career as a camera operator and Cinematography Fellow at the American Film Institute, which informs her work to this day.

Janata will present recent documentary work and discuss her career as an editor. She is a member of The Producers Guild and The Editors Guild, and Co-Chair of the Alliance of Women Directors. The Alliance of Women Directors is a coalition of women directors which both provides a community of peers for mutual support, and furthers the art, craft and visibility of women directors in the film and television industry.

This special presentation has been made possible by the Hanson Film Institute and The School of Media Arts.

Lesbian Looks

Laura Harring
is the star of DROOL

Drool (Nancy Kissam, 2009, 86 min)
Loft Cinema
Thursday Nov 5th
7:30pm

Lesbian Looks concludes its 17th season with an exclusive Tucson engagement of Nancy Kissam's offbeat comedy/social satire DROOL.

THELMA AND LOUISE meets THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF TWO GIRLS IN LOVE in Nancy Kissam's quirky dark comedy about domestic violence, sexual harassment, racism, murder, and the transformative power of cosmetics.

Anora (Laura Harring of MULHOLLAND DRIVE fame) spends her days taking care of abusive husband Cheb and disrespectful teenage kids Tabby and Little Pete. All the while she daydreams about an imaginary romance which embodies everything her marriage is not.

Trouble brews when Anora's new next-door neighbor, the vivacious Imogene Cochran (Jill Marie Jones of GIRLFRIENDS), pops in for coffee. The two women quickly bond to the dismay of her family, and Anora soon realizes that Imogene is the fantasy she has been dreaming of.

http://lgbcom.web.arizona.edu/lesbianlooks/lobbydoor.html

See the trailer at the Loft Cinema site:
http://www.loftcinema.com/node/1189

Presented by the UA Institute for LGBT Studies, with generous co-sponsorship from UA School of Media Arts, Hanson Film Institute, McClelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families, Gender & Women's Studies, Anthropology, English, Center for Student Involvement in Leadership, Men Against Violence.

Native Eyes Film Showcase 2009

November 12–15, 2009

The 6th annual showcase features an array of contemporary Native American films and discussions with filmmakers. Native Eyes brings the best of new cinema made by the most talented indigenous filmmakers today. This year’s films tell stories of love, memory, activism and culture, and offer provocative ideas about social responsibility, attachment to place and what determines identity. Screenings occur at Grand Cinemas Crossroads, 4811 E Grant Road, $5.00 tickets available at box office beginning Nov 11th. Other, related programs occur at Arizona State Museum and are free.

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

For filmmaker bios and more information: www.statemuseum.arizona.edu, 520-626-2973

Focus on Shawn Florchak

Shawn Florchak, right, with KGUN film critic Jim Ferguson.

The Arizona Daily Star’s Phil Villarreal recently featured Shawn Florchak, a School of Media Arts student, in a profile detailing Florchak’s recent accomplishments.

Florchak was awarded the Jim Ferguson Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarship and recently completed a short documentary called “The Final Round.” His documentary has its focus on “Centro del Sur,” a boxing gym in South Tucson that was almost shut down. The completed documentary was an integral part of a community effort to keep the boxing gym open, illustrating the power of social issue documentary filmmaking. Florchak enjoys working in the community and recently served as a volunteer for the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival.

Here is a link to the feature article in the “Caliente” section of the Arizona Daily Star:

http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/315054.php

Congratulations to Sean for securing the Jim Ferguson Broadcast Film Critics Association Scholarship and on the completion of his documentary!

Focus on Eric Goldfarb

School of Media Arts Alumnus Eric Goldfarb (BA 97) will be returning to The University of Arizona’s Gallagher Theater to screen his first feature film, “STU PLUS WHO?”

Check out the hilarious trailer:

http://stupluswho.com/trailer.php

Goldfarb created “STU PLUS WHO” together with his producing partner Stuart Acher, who will also be present for the screening and Q & A.

The film was inspired by the real life experiences of Acher, who won the prize of a trip for two to Jamaica on a game show. A romantic journey of self-discovery features Acher’s subsequent search for the perfectly charming female travel companion. “STU PLUS WHO” features guerrilla style paparazzi footage of Acher’s interactions with Paula Abdul, Courtney Love, Penelope Cruz, and Rosario Dawson.

Goldfarb has won 3 Primetime Emmys for editing “The Amazing Race,” and has had 10 overall nominations for video and sound editing. Goldfarb and Acher will discuss the creation of their feature film and also their experience of working in Hollywood.

FREE SCREENING OF “STU PLUS WHO?”

Gallagher Theater
Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 4pm

“STU PLUS WHO?” was produced by Stuart Acher and Eric Goldfarb and runs 78 minutes.

School of Media Arts Alumni Take Home 2009 Emmy Awards

School of Media Arts Alumni Will Holst (BFA 04) and Sooyeon L. Johnston (BMA 96) have emerged victorious at the recent Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences 2009 Emmy awards.

Holst earned Emmy awards for "Schools for Sudan" and "Anatomy of Sorrow,” while Johnston received Emmys in three different categories including a feature segment program on photographer Mark Klett, and the programs "Arte 201: Art & Inspirations" and “Retablo: Uncovering the Secrets."

Additionally, former School of Media Arts instructor, Luis Carrión, won an Emmy for the program "Tucson Islamic Community."

For additional information about the prestigious 2009 Emmy Awards of the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences go to:

http://uanews.org/node/28223

To see shorts of:

Retablo: Uncovering the Secrets

http://tv.azpm.org/kuat/segments/2009/10/16/kuat-retablo-uncovering-the-secrets/

Tucson Islamic Community

http://ondemand.azpm.org/videoshorts/watch/2008/10/1/kuat-islamic-center-of-tucson/

Congratulations to Will Holst, Sooyeon L. Johnston, and Luis Carrión on their creation of award winning programming.

KUAT broadcasts “Laramie Inside Out”

Professor Beverly Seckinger's documentary, “Laramie Inside Out,” will be broadcast on:

Arizona Public Media (PBS)/KUAT
Friday, October 30 at 11pm.

The film follows the aftermath of Matthew Shepard's 1998 gay-bashing murder in Seckinger's Wyoming hometown.

One reviewer wrote:

“A very personal look at the town and its people. Seckinger's film is an important addition to the narratives that help us understand what happened to Matthew Shepard, why it happened and how that community was affected by the crime.”
—Moises Kaufman
Screenwriter/Director
HBO's The Laramie Project

Professor Seckinger’s documentary is screened in conjunction with "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later — An Epilogue" which was recently performed simultaneously on about 150 stages in all fifty states, Canada, Great Britain, Spain, Hong Kong and Australia. The play was performed on Oct. 12, the 11th anniversary of Shepard's death, including the UA’s Centennial Hall.

Please check your local listings and tune into “Laramie Inside Out.”

http://tv.azpm.org/kuat/
http://laramieinsideout.com
http://www.arizonaalumni.com/Alumnus/f09/bev.html

Learn to Write a Script!

Screen Writing Workshop with Marcus De Leon

Fee: $40

* UA Students FREE

(Event Dates: October 24-25)

Noted screenwriter-director Marcus De Leon (HBO’s Walkout) will lead a fun, interactive, intensive two-day screenwriting workshop for participants at all levels. This workshop is open to the general public. In collaboration with the School of Media Arts and the College of Fine Arts.

Native Eyes Film Showcase

Native Eyes Film Showcase

October 24, 2009, 4:00–10:00 p.m. FREE

Native Eyes on the Reservation!


Join us in Topawa, Arizona at the Tohono O'odham Nation Museum and Cultural Center for a fun-filled evening of museum tours, film screening and discussion with the filmmaker, live waila dance concert and food!

4:00 and 5:00 Staff-lead tours of the Tohono O’odham Nation Museum

6:00 outdoor screening: Waila! Making the People Happy

7:15 discussion with filmmaker Daniel Golding (Quechan) and Angelo Joaquin (Tohono O’odham) of the Arizona State Museum

8:00 Waila dance concert with Sound of the Desert, led by Alex Gomez

Food by Ha:san Preparatory and Leadership School available for purchase

What’s Waila? (pronounced y-la)
Waila is an O’odham form of music that embodies polka and Mexican tejano, cumbias and Norteño. It blends European instruments infused with modern-day electric keyboards and guitars with O’odham language and culture. “Waila” is derived from the Spanish word for dance, baila, and sometimes is called chicken scratch.

Waila! Making the People Happy - Director Dan Golding (Quechan) 2009, (58 min)
The film brings viewers on a journey of musical evolution, introducing the famous Joaquin Brothers, who performed waila across the reservation and took it all the way to Carnegie Hall, as well as some of the younger waila musicians, and explores where the traditions are headed next.

Sound of the Desert
This waila band, led by Alex Gomez, performs in the older style of waila music featuring a dual saxophone combination, in the style of the Joaquin Brothers.

Dan Golding
Dan Golding (Quechan) graduated Cum Laude from San Francisco State University receiving a BA in Film Production and a minor in American Indian Studies. He started Hokan Media Productions in 1997 as a means to produce social issue documentary and narrative films. His films have screened both nationally and internationally. He also teaches hands-on digital filmmaking workshops to at-risk tribal youth, through Hokan Media Digital Filmmaking Academy. Mr. Golding is a traditional singer and is involved in a master apprentice language program with his uncle. His latest film Waila! Making the People Happy, a 30 minute documentary on Chicken Scratch, the contemporary dance music of the southern Arizona Indian tribes, has aired on PBS. He will lead a discussion about the documentary on Sunday at Native Eyes, and will be a presenter for the youth media Saturday program.

Angelo Joaquin Jr.
Angelo Joaquin Jr. (Tohono O'odham) is a program coordinator at the Arizona
State Museum specializing in Native American culture programs. He is a co-founder and director of the annual Waila Festival celebrating this traditional O'odham musical expression. He has organized five Young Waila Musicians Workshops which brought youngsters and elder O'odham together for a day-long immersion session in the music and the culture. He will help plan the music-themed presentations of Native Eyes. He will serve as a discussant for the films and waila dance concert that demonstrates the tradition presented in the film. He will discuss the evolution of this tradition and the role of waila music in the lives of O'odham today.

Native Eyes Film Showcase is presented by Arizona State Museum and the UA's Hanson Film Institute in collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Native Eyes was made possible in part by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council and with additional support from the Law College Association and the Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy Program at the James E. Rogers College of Law.

Information about Native Eyes Film Showcase programs in Tucson from November 12–14, 2009, coming.....

Focus on Lindsay Utz

School of Media Arts Alumna Lindsay Utz (BA 2003) associate produced the season premiere of PBS' FRONTLINE –“Obama’s War” a one-hour long documentary about the war in Afghanistan.

It's a firsthand look at what US and NATO soldiers are up against every day and should be mandatory viewing for anyone interested in the policy debate unfolding in Washington.

Check your local PBS listings for airdates and times.

Additionally, she edited a short documentary for the Frontline website called FRONTLINE DIARY: "Obama's War" which is a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making a FRONTLINE episode, and includes some great moments that didn't make it into the film. You can find it here after the broadcast:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/obamaswar/

Congratulations to Lindsay and tune into “Obama’s War” and its companion website.

"Good Boy" Screens at Beowulf Alley Theatre

Patrick Roddy's "Good Boy" Screens at Beowulf Alley Theatre

Beowulf Alley Theatre, 11 South 6th Ave, between Broadway and Congress in Downtown Tucson, known for its high quality theatrical productions, has added screening equipment to its beautiful 95-seat air-conditioned theatre and, in partnership with the Independent Filmmakers Association of Southern Arizona (IFASA), presents local film artist, Patrick Roddy's, "Good Boy".

Showings will take place on Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets for this weekend event are $5.00 general admission. IFASA members and Beowulf Alley Theatre volunteers and paid subscribers (Season and Flex Pass) will receive a cold drink or snack item from concessions for free.

For more information, see:

http://www.beowulfalley.org

or call (520) 882-0555.

Appropriate for 16 years and older. For information about IFASA, see www.ifasa.net. IndeFliks@the Alley is sponsored by Cox Communications and Pastiche Modern Eatery.

The plot follows a young man who attempts to escape his trapped existence by stealing money from his work and heading to California, hopefully to find a better life. But, he stumbles into an unimaginable world along the way, ruled by a depraved man who controls everything and everyone around him.

Patrick Roddy's (www.patrickroddy.com) third film has won an Accolade Award of Excellence-Feature Film, in addition to two Accolade Awards of Merit (Direction and Lead Actor) and has received very favorable reviews (see below). “Good Boy” is a psychological thriller written by Nicholl Fellowship semifinalist Ken Henderson. Horror star Tiffany Shepis (/Nightmare Man/) plays a key role in the film.


“Good Boy is a stunning film ... couldn't take my eyes off the screen!” FatallyYours.com

“Good Boy is a riveting thriller” 10KBullets.com

“4 out of 4 cigars, it's well written, the acting is great” RogueCinema.com

The IFASA mission is to encourage, build and support a strong local independent film community by promoting the production, exhibition and public awareness of film, digital video and media arts. To achieve this mission, IFASA provides technical assistance, pools resources and talent, and offers educational and networking opportunities for the professional and novice alike.


Beowulf Alley Theatre Company, a 501 (c)(3) organization, is committed to enriching the community and enhancing appreciation of the arts through the production of innovative, invigorating theatre and theatrical education with the highest standards for acting and production.

Lesbian Looks

LESBIAN LOOKS LAUNCHES 17TH ANNUAL FILM SERIES THIS FRI OCT 9

Straightlaced: How Gender’s got us all Tied Up (Debra Chasnoff, 2009)
Pariah (Dee Rees and Nekisa Cooper, 2007)
Gallagher Theater, UA Student Union
7:30pm
FREE

Lesbian Looks opens its 17th season this Friday night with the Arizona premiere of the documentary STRAIGHTLACED: HOW GENDER’S GOT US ALL TIED UP, by Academy Award-winning director Debra Chasnoff.

From girls confronting popular messages about culture and body image to boys who are sexually active just to prove they aren't gay, the students in STRAIGHTLACED illustrate the toll that deeply held stereotypes and rigid gender policing have on all of our lives.

" A rare gem that provides a forum for young people to speak eloquently about the courage it takes to break out of the box, live authentic lives, and stand up for justice."
—Bruce Cohen, Oscar-winning Producer of MILK

"As in Chasnoff's previous recent works, the film is remarkable for the candor with which its subjects speak - in this case, teens discussing their frustrations with gender roles and stereotypes."
—The San Francisco Chronicle

“ It lifts kids up to make them realize that it's okay to be who you want to be."
—Carlos Garcia, Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School District

" ...a work of huge importance, that is both challenging and accessible."
—London Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

Also screening: PARIAH, a beautifully shot, award-winning coming-of-age drama about a lesbian teenager unsuccessfully juggling multiple identities to avoid rejection from her friends and family.

"Rees' jaw-droppingly good PARIAH continues to reel in awards. Rees shows stellar talent in both writing and directing with her story of a Bronx high school girl uncertainly trying to explore multiple identities."
—Charlie Olsky, Indiewire

Friday's screening will be followed by a panel discussion.

Lesbian Looks is presented by the UA Institute for LGBT Studies, and co-sponsored by the School of Media Arts, the Hanson Film Institute, the McLelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families, the University Library and Center for Creative Photography, the School of Anthropology, the Department of Gender & Women’s Studies, the Department of English, the Center for Student Involvement in Leadership, and Men Against Violence

http://lgbcom.web.arizona.edu/lesbianlooks/lobbydoor.html

Focus on Alum Dirk Van Fleet

Dirk Van Fleet is a School of Media Arts Alumnus (BFA 1997) and also the Producer and Editor of the documentary “Dig Comics!”

Van Fleet will be presenting his film at the Tucson Film & Music Festival on Saturday, October 10th at 11:30am at the Crossroads Cinema on Grant and Swan.

The documentary “Dig Comics!” asks the question, “Is the American art form of comics dying?”

Comic creators, retailers, and historians weigh in on what why the popularity of comics has waned over the past five decades and whether it's too late to reverse the trend. The battle is on to get America to Dig Comics!

This is a rare opportunity to see this documentary and to query one of its makers. The School of Media Arts is proud to be a supporter of The Tucson Film & Music Festival and we wish Dirk Van Fleet a very warm welcome back to Tucson.

www.digcomics.com

http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

Lost Dream at the Rialto

School of Media Arts Alum Mae Nekoba (BA 2000) will be presenting her film “Lost Dream” on Sunday, October 11th at 9:00pm at the historic Rialto Theatre.

“Lost Dream” has its focus on two college students, Perry and Giovanni, who develop a delicate friendship based on their mutually destructive behavior. Perry, the son of a corrupt Congressman, is tormented by his position in society. Giovanni, distraught by a troubled childhood, has lost his desire to live. Together, they challenge each other's existence in search of salvation.

“Perry and Giovanni could be any two kids in the world,” said filmmaker Nekoba. “Many college students will be able to identify with their struggle.”

“Lost Dream” stars “Twilight’s” Michael Welch and “Melrose Place's” Shaun Sipos. Michael Welch will be present for the screening and participate with Nekoba during the Q & A. “Twilight” fans . . . this is your chance to ask a rising star and filmmaker questions about the process of making a film.

“Who is this kid!?” Nekoba asked during the casting session. “There is something about him that I like!”

To purchase your tickets for “Lost Dream” please visit:

http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

And for more information about the film:

www.lostdreamfilm.com

The School of Media Arts is a proud supporter of the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival.

Focus on Alum Allison Vanore

School of Media Arts alumna Allison Vanore (BFA MAR 2004) will be returning to Tucson to present the short film “Junkyard” which she produced. “Junkyard” has its focus on a young boy standing up to a tyrannical and abusive junkyard owner.

The ‘no dialogue’ short was directed by another alum, Michael Skvarla.

Allison said, “It was a reunion shoot, where nine School of Media Arts alumni worked together.”

“Junkyard” will be screening as a part of the shorts section at the Crossroads Cinema on Swan and Grant, on Saturday, October 10th at 1:30pm.

Purchase tickets online at:

http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

The School of Media Arts is proud to support the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival and we would like to applaud the successful completion and screening of “Junkyard.” Congratulations Allison.

The World Premiere of “Nightingale”

University of Arizona alumnus Stephanie Lucas will present her short film “Nightingale” during the 5th Annual Tucson Film & Music Festival. Stephanie graduated in 1996 with a BA in English and served as the Director of Photography on the short.

“Nightingale,” an impressionistic portrait, explores the distant relationship between a man and his wife as things come to a surreal boiling point.

“Nightingale” has its world premiere on Saturday, October 10th, at 1:30pm, at the Crossroads Cinema on Grant and Swan.

You can purchase tickets online at:

http://www.tucsonfilmandmusicfestival.com/

The School of Media Arts is a proud sponsor of the Tucson Film & Music Festival.