The Paley Center for Media Presents 11th Urban Visionaries Youth Film Festival
Monday, March 17, 2008
New York, NY- The Paley Center for Media (formerly The Museum of Television & Radio) today announced the dates of the 2008 Urban Visionaries Youth Film Festival: April 10 and 11. The festival-which marks its 11th anniversary this year-showcases fiction, documentary, and experimental videos created by young filmmakers that explore issues effecting young people today. All the work screened in the festival is created by teens; entries are reviewed and selected by a volunteer committee of young people who critique and celebrate the work of their peers.
"We're pleased to welcome so many talented filmmakers to the Paley Center again this year for the 11th annual Urban Visionaries Youth Film Festival," said Pat Mitchell, president and CEO of The Paley Center for Media. "It's inspiring to see so many young people turning to media as a means of expression, and we're delighted to provide them with the opportunity to showcase their work."
"Urban Visionaries began as a series of screenings at small neighborhood organizations. Eleven years later it's a full-fledged youth media festival," said Hillary Kolos, Festival Coordinator. "This year we expect to reach some 1,500 young people in New York City and beyond."
Highlights of this year's festival include screenings of fiction, documentary and experimental videos by young producers; a popular "video slam," (an open mic for young filmmakers); youth performances of poetry, music, and dance; panel discussions; and a youth-led Media EXPO at Manhattan Neighborhood Network where young people from around the city attend workshops on media-making and analysis.
Urban Visionaries is a collaboration between youth media makers and educators from New York City's premier media literacy organizations, including Downtown Community TV (DCTV), The Educational Video Center, Ghetto Film School, Global Action Project, Listen Up!, Manhattan Neighborhood Network's Youth Channel, Reel Works, T.R.U.C.E., and The Paley Center for Media.
The 2008 Urban Visionaries Youth Film Festival is made possible by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Time Warner, and Manhattan Neighborhood Network. For more information on the Festival, visit www.urbanvisionaries.org or contact Festival Coordinator Hillary Kolos, at uvffcoordinator@yahoo.com.
URBAN VISIONARIES YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
All programs are free and open to the public, but tickets for groups must be reserved in advance by calling Bekah Fisk at (212) 621-6663. Admission to the Video Slam is on a first-come, first-served basis. All events, with the exception of the Media Expo, will be held at The Paley Center for Media, located at 25 West 52 Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
Media Expo
Manhattan Neighborhood Network
537 West 57Street, New York City
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
Screening Program 1: Hard Knock Life
10:00 a.m.
It's a hard-knock life for youth these days. They deal with unique problems, fight and lose, try and fail, but never quit. These films show youth's persistence and determination to overcome their problems and make it through life.
Screening Program 3: Politically Incorrect
1:00 p.m.
People often disagree with other people's points of view about politics, the environment, and the media-driven world. It is frequently the case that when something is commercially right because of the profits it's bringing in, it is wrong morally or what's environmentally or politically better for the world. The films in this section discuss issues that are deemed right due to their financial benefits, but really are politically incorrect.
Video Slam!
4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
An open forum for Youth Media Makers (aged 13 to 21) to screen work at the Paley Center. This is a competitive screening with prizes awarded.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
Screening Program 3: Politically Incorrect
10:00 a.m.
People often disagree with other people's points of view about politics, the environment, and the media-driven world. It is frequently the case that when something is commercially right because of the profits it's bringing in, it is wrong morally or what's environmentally or politically better for the world. The films in this section discuss issues that are deemed right due to their financial benefits, but really are politically incorrect.
Screening Program 2: Eye of the Beholder
1:00 p.m.
People are judged by the way they look, act, and dress. Through these films, youth address prejudice and discrimination in our communities and present the powerful message: Be Yourself!
Screening Program 1: Hard Knock Life
4:00 p.m.
It's a hard-knock life for youth these days. They deal with unique problems, fight and lose, try and fail, but never quit. These films show youth's persistence and determination to overcome their problems and make it through life.
The Paley Center for Media, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1976 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit www.paleycenter.org.