News Article by Times Standard

A News Article, by The Times-Standard

  Young filmmakers converged at the College of the Redwoods last Saturday to present their work at the fifth annual Young Media Makers Big Screen Showcase. Shot and produced by Humboldt area students, 23 short films were shown at CR's Forum Theater to a small but attentive audience. The event not only gave young media artists a chance to show off their wares, but a diversity of film styles and methodologies where clearly in evidence.

  In her introduction, Showcase director Barbara Domanchuk explained that the program began in 2001 and was aided in part by grants from the Northcoast Cultural Trust and other organizations. Domanchuk has spearheaded a movement to bring media awareness into area schools, and has worked with others to develop programs at Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna High Schools. Also, speaking about a related media program at Bridgeville School, instructor Virginia Howard-Mullan explained how she uses technology to support the standard school curriculum.

  Brent Rasmussen of Cox, Rasmussen and Cross kicked off the Showcase with a lively discussion of the role of film in media advertising, and described the world of a commercial media producer. His agency-produced “Start Here” was shown to demonstrate how some of the tools of his trade are utilized in the business of promotion. In a phone interview, Rasmussen said he has to stay open minded because the technology changes so fast.

  ”Video software becomes more intuitive as it advances and improves,” said Rasmussen in a phone interview, “and I always like to see young people using this sophisticated software because they're going to be the ones to do something new with it.

  ”People who are in their 20s are the ones cranking this stuff out because they have the energy.”

  A high point of the media showcase was a documentary on civil rights activist Shirley Chisholm featuring an interview with her campaign manager of 1972, when she ran for president. Other memorable moments include a glimpse into a large Portuguese family, animation shorts lasting only a few seconds, and a comedy featuring local actor Rick St. James. All short subject media projects were presented in filmless digital format and put on the big screen by means of a DVD projector.

  Student participants included Anita Law, Genny St. Charles-Monet, Pat Flannery, Eli Purpura-Pontoniere, Mark Bradford, Alicia Butler, Cris Weiderman, Lars Rasmussen, Alex Church, Clark Parvis, Nic Flenghi, Mathew Salano, Markis Shirley, Alan Norton, Zack Loheed, Dara Katzdorn and Desi Adams. Special honors were passed out for “best music video” to Genny St. Charles-Monet; “best documentary” to Dara Katzdorn; and “best in experimental film” to Pat Flannery. With Chris Weiderman, Flannery won best in animation.