Rachel Gordon Media

Welcome to lighter weather, but I probably should not speak too soon…

Last week I participated in roundtable discussions, on behalf of the Reframe Collection (www.reframecollection.org) surrounding the usage of media in university settings at the bi-annual conference for the Association of College and Research Librarians. It was a great informal setting where people really got to talk about what they are trying to do with media in educational environments, where they see things headed and the challenges they are facing.

Speaking of Reframe, two of my earlier films are now available online for streaming and in actual DVDs. I am working on a combo of 4 of my films altogether still. That should be happening at some point, but for now here is the link:

http://reframecollection.org/filmmakers/filmmaker?Id=1128

Continuing on the path of previous films, the lead actress from my last film, Loose Ends, is currently featured in a New York Times commercial! Congratulations to Dina!

NEW FILMS!!!

I am excited to be helping two more great films with outreach that I think many people will benefit from.

The first is Mr. Conservative – which is CC Goldwater’s exploration of her renowned grandfather Barry Goldwater’s personal and political history. If you have any interest in discussing political theory, history, elections, or anything related to American government, check out www.mrconservativemovie.com.

The second is Mardi Gras: Made in China which shows the connection between the infamous beads tossed at each other during parades and the factories in China who make them. You can check out more about this film by heading to http://www.carnivalesquefilms.com/Mardi_Gras.html

CURRENT EVENTS!!!

This month, on March 30, filmmaker Joanne Hershfeld and her daughter Gillian Fink are presenting at the Power of 3 Summit sponsored by the state of Louisiana. Check out their story by going to www.thegillianfilm.com

Next month, on April 18, Diana Braun and Kathy Conour will be presenting at the self-advocacy conference for the organization Advocating Change Together, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Check out their story by going to www.dianaandkathy.com

Freedom Machines (www.freedommachines.com) was featured in the newsletter for ANCOR – American Network for Community Options and Resources – www.ancor.org

Barbara Rick, the director of In Good Conscience, is screening her new film, Road to Ingwavuma, at Columbia University for its Forum on Global Health and Human Rights tomorrow, March 18. For more information on this film go to www.southafricamovie.com.

Many of you are aware that there is a lot of discussion/debate about the copyright laws surrounding Digital Rights Management. There are a pair of hearings – in Washington, D.C. and California – for which people can testify. Requests to testify must be submitted by April 3. Check out this link:

http://www.copyright.gov/1201/comment-forms/index.html

A Happy New Year to all! I missed January, I am unclear where that month went but alas it is gone and many things to report!

Last month I participated in the ACRL (Association of College and Research Librarians) Media Resources Discussion Group during the Mid-Winter American Library Association conference. It was a great talk, people asked fantastic questions about the production of media and how to deliver it, and how end users are using what they are using. Others in the discussion were Tracy Montri of the Toledo-Lucas Public Library and Tom Ipri (who actually asked us to do this) from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. Thanks to Tom being brilliant, here is a link if you would like to take a peak. I believe viewing the link is totally public, not needing a password:

http://wikis.ala.org/acrl/index.php/Media_Resources_Discussion_Group

A roundtable discussion I proposed has been accepted to the ACRL for their conference in March in Seattle. I (representing the Reframe Collection – www.reframecollection.org) along with 5 other agencies will be discussing the different paths of delivery that media can take for inclusion in college and university curriculum. The other agencies include Films Media Group, INTELECOM, SCCTv, and the awesome librarian from Indiana University – Monique Threatt.

Which brings me to a very important point of expansion for my wee list:

SEND ME YOUR LINKS

From going to various conferences I have learned how many of you present on really interesting and useful topics that should be shared by all, about the usage of media and new resources or events. If you have a moment, send me your links to these types of things and I will include them in future newsletters and on the website.

Film Updates

The Gillian Film will be part of a Self-Determination Summit entitled Power of 3, sponsored by the state of Louisiana in March. Filmmaker Joanne Hershfeld and her daughter Gillian will also be there to present about the transition to independent living for youth with disabilities. (www.TheGillianFilm.com)

From Alice Elliott/Welcome Change – The Academy Award-nominated The Collector of Bedford Street will be screening in March, in Vermont with the Green Mountain Film Festival. (www.WelcomeChange.org). Body & Soul will be airing on PBS this October – which coincidentally is National Disability Awareness Month and National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. I will send out more on this later.

Arthur Dong’s Flower Drum Song was added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. He’s also recently released a new film on DVD – Hollywood Chinese. Check out his info at www.deepfocusproductions.com

Absolutely Safe – a fascinating exploration of issues surrounding breast implants – is finally available on DVD. Along with the 83 minute film, the DVD features include deleted scenes and interviews with implant activists and experts. You can purchase the DVD by going to: www.absolutelysafe.com/buy_individuals.html

My older films off the shelf? It is taking a little while because I have to complete all the deliverables but I am finally practicing what I preach and putting my own older films into the Reframe Collection. You can view the page by going to:

http://reframecollection.org/filmmakers/filmmaker?Id=1128

I am putting together plans to attend the Fast Forward Media showcase in Vancouver in April. I was there 2 years ago and it helped several films I work with to get a little foothold in Canadian educational media.

As usual, feel free to pass this on, or tell me that you no longer wish to receive it.

Cheers for 2009!

Best,

Rachel