OREGON LENS Puts NW Filmmakers in the Spotlight, Airs Aug 15-19
Posted August 8, 2011
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Grab the popcorn and get ready for a theatrical treat as OPB brings indie-theater directly into your home over five nights this month. The 13th season of OREGON LENS shines the spotlight on the work of some of the Pacific Northwest's most talented independent producers with a run of films seldom seen outside art house theaters and film festival runs. Steve Amen, the executive producer and driving force behind the series, will host the broadcasts, August 15-19 at 10pm.
This year’s OREGON LENS includes works by award-winning producers such as John Q. Waller and Ian McCluskey. The series offers everything from "bizarre" short films to serious documentaries, to adventure essays. Each film steers from the typical pacing and content of your average television broadcast.
"We have an exceptional lineup of films this season, including one night (Wednesday) devoted entirely to animated films," said Amen. "I am constantly amazed by the talent we have in this area and look forward to sharing this surprising and innovative collection of films with our viewers."
The Films:
Monday, August 15
"Into Darkness" is a short adventure essay by John Q. Waller about the experience of exploring spectacular and remote wilderness caves.
"Ascending the Giants," also by Waller, follows two Portland tree climbers as they embark on a project to climb the world's largest trees.
"My Mother Was a Coast Guard Spar" is about Coast Guard women reservists (SPARs -- Semper Paratus Always Ready) recruited during WWII and gives historical insights into the discriminatory policies of the time.
"King and Queen of the Cone," produced by Peter Monahan, captures the excitement of the inaugural uphill-downhill race at Mt. Bachelor.
"Goal Ball" looks at a fast-paced sport that involves individuals who are typically left out of traditional sports due to vision impairment.
Tuesday, August 16
"The Earthwalkers" is a short documentary that offers a very personal look at a family who travel around world educating children about the environment. Produced by Amoris Walker
"Luminescence: A Journey in Light" explores the life and work of sculptor Stephen White and is a visual exploration of the fascinating process of creation and illumination. Produced by Bruce Kubert.
Wednesday, August 17
"The Thomas Beale Cipher" is based on the legend of the uncrackable legendary cipher, a century-old riddle hiding the location of a fortune in gold, and uses pioneering animation techniques to create a look never before seen on film.
In "Timber," animator Adam Fisher made a video of himself cutting his hair to bring awareness to our use of natural resources. (Have we peaked your curiosity?)
Doomed to sit at a dinner table until his plate is clean, little Trevor reaches the depths of his imagination to overcome the dreaded potato monster and his evil minions in "Mashed," directed by Adam Fisher.
"Sbear Some Love" is a charming look at the world of the homeless through the eyes of a discarded teddy bar. Produced by Dylan Stirewalt.
"Anita’s Journey" is a hand-painted, stop-motion animation depicting the point of view of a 6-year-old Jewish girl and her family surviving underground in and around Berlin in Nazi Germany. Produced by Portland artist/filmmaker Shelley Jordon.
"Frog TV - Frogrotten Genders" is two-minute animation that tells the Story of a frog, his mutation and your health. Produced by Zak Margolis.
"Patrons of Wanderer’s Way" uses stop-motion, computer animation and live action video to feature the work of one of Salem's more unusual bands, Massive Moth. Produced by Chop Motion Films.
"Dear Peter" is a quick and beguiling tête-à-tête offered as a musical biography of Peter MacArthur. Produced by Orland Nutt of Portland.
"Mumbles" uses hand-drawn animation that is a heartfelt illustration of great music. Produced by Rick Raxlen.
"Lovely Numb Family – Nascar" is described as a bizarre short film produced by Chris Molesworth
Thursday, August 18
"Outside the Wire," by Josh Clark, tells the story of two local photojournalists, Dan Morrison and Cali Bagby, who were embedded with Marines on the front lines of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Producer/Director/Editor Chris Nguyen gives us a behind the scenes look at the world of electronic gamers in "Arena of Gamers."
In "Call of the Bells," a young woman learns the ancient Indian art of Bharatanatyam. This story of dedication and passion was produced by Jeremy Cabalona and Lea Artz.
“A Life Against Death: The Work of Sister Helen Prejean” comes to us from the University of Oregon. Casey Marks Fife, Executive Producer; Michelle Bagoyo, Producer/Editor; Joey Jackson, Writer/Director
"The Buskers and Lou (and Micah)" is a mini-doc Micah Cruver made for his documentary class that takes us behind the scenes of the movie being filmed in Portland.
Friday, August 19
As part of the Origin Series, "Earth" is filmmaker Leif Peterson’s take on the story of Cain and Abel as set in the American West of the 1800’s.
"Shut Up and Ride" is a story of a difficult break up – between two friends and their tandem bike by Mikey Kampmann and Michael Ward.
"The Date" looks at an awkward first date gone wrong ... or right by Genevieve Sage and Steve Brian
"Summer Snapshot" is a romantic look at the bygone days of summer. Shot in eight-millimeter, this film, by Ian McCluskey, uses nostalgic imagery and contemporary interview to blend the present with the past.
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