SUMMER DOCUMENTARY FILM PROGRAM

Summer Documentary Film Program 2010

The Summer Documentary Film Program at the Maysles Institute was first launched in 2006 with the intention of bringing children in the Harlem community access to the tools and confidence they need to become creative participants in digital media rather than passive consumers of it. Youth are taught filmmaking techniques using a simple approach that emphasizes direct observation and personal experience. Additionally, we hope to provide participants with a fresh perspective through the camera lens on the beauty and importance of their own lives. True to the philosophy of Maysles Films, our instructors are committed to filming with a faith in reality and commitment to truth.

The Summer Program is now underway. An August screening of the student's projects at the Maysles Cinema will be announced shortly!

Vee Bravo / Education Programs Director Vee Bravo is a New York-bred filmmaker and activist who has documented youth culture and politics over the past thirteen years. Most recently he completed his first feature length documentary, Estilo Hip Hop, for PBS. Bravo is also responsible for creating the Cell Block Project, a community media initiative that produced live hip hop events and film screenings at the Rikers Island Correctional Facility. Bravo's media and activist work has been recognized and supported by the Ford Foundation, the Open Society Institute, and the Union Square Awards. veebravo@mayslesinstitute.org 212-582-6050, ext 208

Jessica Ann Peavy / Educator - Summer 2010 & 2011 Jessica Ann Peavy was born in Columbus, Ohio and now currently lives and works in New York City. She received her BFA from Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and completed a MFA in Photography, Video, and Related Media at the School of Visual Arts. Peavy has exhibited in galleries, museums, and festivals across the country including Rush Arts Gallery, Brooklyn Arts Council, The Contemporary Art Museum Houston, as well as the International Black Media Festival in London. Peavy has spoken at the CUNY Graduate Center and Cinewomen NY on women and the moving image and Columbia University's Conversations Across Cultures public art Conference. Peavy was recently granted Residencies at Smack Mellon and Harvestworks and has received grants from the Jerome Foundation and the New York State Council of the Arts.

Delmira Valladares / Educator - Summer 2010 & 2011 Delmira Valladares is an artist and videomaker. Her work, which includes documentary, experimental video, multi-channel narrative, and performance, has included screenings and solo shows at the Center for Book Arts, Jersey City Museum, Vertexlist, Black Maria Film Festival, and Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. She worked as assistant editor on 8 BIT: A Documentary about Art and Videogames and the award-winning War Against the Weak. She is currently editing a film about her parent's bodega, and a portrait of a Buddhist temple in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Delmira has a BA from NJCU and an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania.

Ashley Farmer / Education Intern Ashley Farmer was born in Nashville, Tennessee and currently lives in New York City. She received her BA from Spelman College in Atlanta Georgia and a MA in History from Harvard University. She is currently process of completing a PhD in African American Studies at Harvard. Her research and work has appeared in several academic journals. Farmer’s current research focuses on Black women’s radical political activism in the late 20th century.

Samantha Ramos / Peer Facilitator Samantha Ramos is 16 years old and is from the Bronx, New York. This is her second summer as a member of the Maysles family and educational programming. In addition to being a peer facilitator, Samantha Ramos is also a young filmmaker. She believes that working with the Maysles Summer Documentary Film Program is an enjoyable learning experience. Hatuey Rodriguez / Peer Facilitator Hatuey Rodriguez is 15 years old and from Fort Lee, New Jersey. He has been a part of the Maysles family for three years as a student, intern, and peer facilitator, and has made four short films during his time at the institute. He enjoys interacting with young kids who show a passion for filmmaking. Alejandro Rosano / Peer Facilitator Alejandro Rosano is 17 years old and is from the Bronx, New York. This is his second summer attending the Maysles Film Institute and his first summer as a peer facilitator. He enjoys teaching new students and helping them create their films. Alejandro believes that being a peer facilitator gives him a chance to see what teachers face in their everyday life. Nataja Flood / Peer Facilitator Nataja Flood is 16 years old and is from the Bronx, New York. She has been a part of the Maysles Institute for two years. During her time at Maysles she has made short films about the issues teens face in her community. She enjoys working with the new students in the summer program and meeting new young filmmakers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
You will learn how to produce a short documentary film while working within a small production team. You will learn how to use a camera, how to frame interviews, how to work with microphones and the use of natural light. You will also learn how to interview people and engage them in sophisticated conversation. You will also learn how to edit on professional editing software, Final Cut Pro.
WHEN DOES THE PROGRAM START AND END?
The program begins on July 5th and ends of August 12th. Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10AM to 4PM.
WHAT IS THE AGE REQUIREMENT?
We are looking for students between the ages of 14 and 17. You must be enrolled in high school.
ARE THERE ANY GEOGRAPHICAL REQUIREMENTS?
Everyone is welcome to apply, however, we do give preference to students from the five boroughs.
WHAT TYPE OF STUDENT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for people who love film and have a genuine interest in learning how to produce a documentary film. We are looking for young people who are artistic, want to tell a good story and are motivated to work behind the camera in telling that story. In addition, we would like to work with young people who are mature, sophisticated and willing to work in groups.
HOW ARE PARTICIPANTS SELECTED?
Everyone must complete the application and respond to the questions on a separate paper. All answers MUST BE TYPED. Select applicants will be asked to interview with institute staff. Based on the quality of your written responses and interview, we will make a decision on who will be selected.
IF SELECTED, WHAT IS REQUIRED OF ME?
You do not need to own or have access to any camera or computer equipment. The institute will provide all the necessary tools, including transportation fare for trips, however, you will be responsible for providing your own lunch as well as providing transportation to and from the institute. You will also be responsible for bringing your best and most creative ideas to the group.
WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS DUE?
The Application period is over and the program is underway. Applications will be available next May for Summer 2012.
WHERE DO I SEND MY APPLICATION?
You can email your application to veebravo@mayslesinstitute.org or you can mail it or drop it off at the institute at 343 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10027, ATTN: VEE BRAVO.
WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED?
All applicants will be notified of their status by June 17, 2011. For any other related question please email veebravo@mayslesinstitute.org.

Supported, in part, by:
		And public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.