The 2005 Graduate Film Festival
Religion, rehab, prison, labor, politics, development, bikers & children. This year's films look at how people strive to improve their lives and communities; in and out of prison, across religions, across stereotypes, and within themselves.
[ Here's the original flyer and schedule ]
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STRIKE
Producer: Caitlin Shamberg (18:00 min)
In a corner of Southern Russia, 29 workers lead a long hunger strike. These former miners struggle for local attention and unpaid wages from a company that no longer exists.
PEN PAL WIVES
Producer: Sara Pellegrini (30:00 min)
Adrianna and Donna met their husbands by writing to them in prison. Their relationships are now based on letters and two visits each month, but both feel it’s worth it.
KERRY’S CUYAHOGA
Producer: Ciara Dockery (20:00 min)
For three young John Kerry campaigners in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, the election had lasting effects on their lives. In a generation traditionally apathetic about politics, Judd Spray, Chris Collins and Sarah Ratner experience both the rewards and disappointments of a high-stakes political campaign. Most importantly they undergo a compelling learning process not only about politics, but about themselves.
NICK
Producer: Selena Hsu (29:00 min)
After serving 13 years, Jason Nicholas was released from prison in July 2003 to a free world, full of new opportunities, temptations and rules. He discovers just how free ‘the free world’ is when it’s governed by the harshest and most basic law of all: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
MOTEL PATELS
Producer: Natasha Israni (28:00 min)
Within the motel industry in the U.S., the term ‘Patel’ is a popular inside joke. One immigrant community—the Patels—own 65% of budget motels. Originally from the Indian state of Gujarat, their surname means “land owner.” The Patels’ migrant journey is as much about their strong community spirit as their business acumen.
THEIR VOICE
Producer: Carrie Wharton (25:00 min)
The child sexual abuse epidemic in the Catholic Church was profoundly felt in northern New Jersey. Throught the stories of those who have survived this ravaging infestation of faith, mind and self—we meet the survivors who, decades after their abuse, dug their way out of silence to uncover their voices and finally resurrect themselves.
THE ROAD TO SULHA
Producer: Laura Beatty (60:00 min)
Where the political dialog between Israelis and Palestinians has failed, a small tribe of passionate and religious visionaries hopes to succeed, not on space at the negotiating table, but by bringing together ordinary people from both sides of the border. This is the story of their journey on the long road to peace.
ADICCIÓN
Producer: Paige Kollock (15:00 min)
What is the prefect recipe for kicking addiction to alcohol and drugs? One modest, family-style rehabilitation center in Queens seems to be doing something right.
CAPOEIRA
Producer: Julie Delgado (29:00 min)
This Brazillian martial art thrives in Brazil, the US and all over the world. Underlying the form and music is the philosophy of tranforming oneself to preserve one’s essence.
RADBURN
Producer: Jack Levy (25:00 min)
Residents of an historic community are divided over the sale of their recreational field to a developer. Did the community’s governing board betray residents’ trust, or is this development truly in their best interest? Witness the residents’ fight to preserve an architectural gem of urban planning.
BACA: BREAKING THE CHAINS
Producer: Katrina Markel (23:00 min)
A group of bikers use the tough-guy image of motorcycle clubs to empower and support children who have been abused.
