Watch WCHS-TV story on the Lascaux Micro-Theater, WV’s only microcinema
Bryson VonNostrand sends this notice about the film at his Lascaux Micro-Theater - this month - “Mr. Foe.” (more…)
Kevin Carpenter, president of the West Virginia Filmmakers Film Festival, held annually in Sutton, WV since 2001 - there were two events that year, marking this event as the 9th edition. The films will be shown at both the Elk Theater and the Landmark Studio for the Arts. Single events tickets are $5 - $15 for all events. All of the films are well-produced, and worthy of a day trip to Sutton.
The festival runs the first weekend of October - Oct. 3,4,5 - Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Awards will be given out at the festival.
Shawn Bennett from Parkersburg, director of The Battle of Local 5668
Here is the WV Filmmakers Film Festival official press announcement -
Shawn Bennett, native of Parkersburg,Selected as 2008 WV Filmmaker of the Year
(Charleston, September 16, 20 
Shawn Bennett, a native of Parkersburg and director of “The Battle of Local 5668” (2007) was selected by a group of his peers as the 2008 WV Filmmaker of the Year. He will receive the award on Saturday, October 4th in Sutton. The WV Film Office is the sponsor for the original sculpture he will be given created by local artist Bill Hopen. “The Battle of Local 5668” was shown at the 2007 WV Filmmakers Film Festival and received the award for “best feature documentary”. (more…)
Kilowatt Ours had its WV premiere several years ago at The La Belle Theater, sponsored by the WV Sierra Club. The filmmaker, Jeff Barrie, came in person to introduce it and then Mayor Ritchie Robb gave Jeff the keys to the city. The film, better than any film before or since, shows the reality of the energy crisis we are facing. It also shows that Americans can conserve energy and avoid using cheap coal from WV mountaintop removal mines - and nuclear energy. One of the presidential candidates recently said that America must use super-conservation as its first weapon in the war against energy waste. This film shows exactly how to do it. Every since I saw it, I have switched to compact bulbs. You can watch the film TONIGHT on WVPBS-2at 8 PM
Bill Douglas is one of the best filmmakers ever from Scotland. During my years as director of WVLC Film Services, we purchased 16 mm copies of two of his films, “My Ain Folk” and “My Childhood.” In one of the films his young hero is shown going to the movies, one of the few places where he found joy. I have never forgotten the films - and now they are available on DVD. I immediately ordered a set for my own collection. You might want to also….All WV filmmakers should watch these films and learn how to use the visual to tell a powerful story.
Maria Gunnoe, OVEC activist, stars in award-winning documentary
David Novack, director of “Burning the Future - Coal in America,” has received the 2008 IVCA (International Visual Communications Association) Clarion Award for feature films. Two other feature films were also honored “Fuel” and “Of Time and the City.” Congrats to Mr. Novack and his crew for making a great film about a timely subject. The film will be shown in Sutton on Sunday, October 5th, as part of the 2008 WV Filmmakers Film Festival.
Bob Wilkinson and Robert Tinnell, two of West Virginia’s most creative filmmakers have combined forces to make “Shades of Gray,” a masterpiece film about one of the state’s most interesting personalities since WWII, Gray Barker (1925-84).
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote a recent book about the environment called “Crimes Against Nature.” He visited WV a year ago last summer along with a film crew. The film version of the book is now available, being shown at the Aspen Film Fest. (more…)
Ken holding the large poster that was used at Swarthmore. He was impressed with its quality and size
Note - visit Ken Hechler’s website to see newly posted photos of his military career, first campaign in WV, and more.
Ken Hechler returned to his alma mater, Swarthmore College, near Philadelphia on Tuesday, September 23rd, to talk about “The Human Cost of Coal.” His good friend Larry Gibson was the co-presenter with Ken. One of the organizers, Mark Schmerling wrote this report -
The program was fabulous! Much thanks to you and Carr for all you did to bring this together. Those who attended (at least 40) were glued to Ken’s and Larry’s presentations, asked meaningful questions, and were deeply moved. They will continue to be involved in this issue, and help solve some of our most vexing problems, with their collective energy, intelligence and social conscience
Carr videotaped the program so that Swarthmore will have a copy. Before the program, Ken went around the room, engaging many individual students in conversation. I’m sure they will come to treasure the experience of meeting such an extraordinary individual. The school newspaper, the Swarthmore Phoenix, published/posted this story about the event.
Here is a story written about the event. Below is a story about Ken’s famous version of the Swarthmore song that he sang when he received an honorary doctorate in 2001.
Front and back of momento produced in honor of 25th anniversary of the WV Filmmakers Guild - for founding members
Terry Lively, president of the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild, finally brought me a souvenir from last June’s 25th anniversary celebration of the Guild, held in Sutton. She has been a fine officer, serving for two years as president. She is very busy working full-time, teaching at WVSU, and working on several film projects, most recently “Coondog Heaven.” Thanks Terry - sorry I couldn’t make it because of health problems last June.
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