Documentary Filmmaking and Controversial Issues Explored at SSU

Oct. 28, 2011

Two filmmakers will be on the campus at Shawnee State University to not only discuss documentary filmmaking but also to discuss education, cultural and social issues in Appalachia and the Hispanic culture.

Jen Gilomen and Sally Rubin will be on campus for several programs in the afternoon on Friday, Nov. 4 beginning in Clark Memorial Library, Room 207 with the last program a screening of the film "Deep Down" which chronicles an Eastern Kentucky community's debate over mountaintop removal mining.

The program begins at 1 p.m. and will focus on Gilomen's and Rubin's insights into the social and educational issues explored in their film, "Country Boys" and in the film they are currently shooting.

"Country Boys" examines the lives and circumstances of two impoverished teenagers enrolled in an alternative high school in Eastern Kentucky over a three-year period. Their current film (not yet titled) delves into issues of cultural diversity and bilingualism faced by Mexican-American children at a charter school on the Arizona-Mexico border. The second session begins at 2 p.m. focusing on the art and craft of documentary filmmaking.

The filmmakers will discuss the Emmy-Award nominated Second Life game developed to accompany their documentary film, "Deep Down," at the third session beginning at 4 p.m. in Kricker Room 252.

The documentary "Deep Down" will be shown Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Library, Room 204. "Country Boys" can be viewed online at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/countryboys/view.