AETN Silent Storyteller’s Showcase to debut March 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 24, 2010

‘Silent Storytellers’ to premiere on AETN March 11
Documentary explores history, culture, importance
of preserving Arkansas’s cemeteries

CONWAY, Ark. (AETN) — “Silent Storytellers,” an original documentary
produced by the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN), will
premiere on AETN Thursday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m.

“Like many others, I used to drive by cemeteries and not give them a
second thought, but by becoming aware of some the people who are
passionate about preserving cemeteries and listening to their stories, I
have had a true awakening,” Hop Litzwire, who co-produced, directed,
edited and filmed the documentary, said. “I now realize that without an
appreciation of our cemeteries, we disconnect ourselves, historically and
culturally, from our communities and ultimately from our society as a
whole.”

Filmed over two years and co-produced by AETN’s Casey Sanders, “Silent
Storytellers” explores the cultural, artistic and personal stories
cemeteries provide to the surrounding communities. Guided by author and
cemetery researcher Abby Burnett, “Silent Storytellers” visits cemeteries
in Boone, Crawford, Franklin, Hempstead, Johnson, Lawrence, Newton,
Pulaski, Searcy and Sevier counties and features tombstones with tales of
murder, family heirlooms and folk-art inspired carvings.

“The number one thing that interests me in cemeteries is the sense that
you’re walking into an area filled with stories if you can just extract
them,” Burnett said.
“Silent Storytellers” also features information about the best techniques
for preserving, repairing and maintaining tombstones, presented by
Elizabeth Norton of Norton Fine Arts Conservation.

“I think people would be surprised at what can be done,” Norton said.
“We’ve had stones that may be in a dozen pieces.
“You have to do a lot of pinning and a lot of fill, but when you put it
back together it’s a really beautiful thing to see the monument that was
made for this person become whole again.”

Also featured in the documentary are interviews with: Mica Balcom, Stone
Preservation Specialist, Norton Fine Arts Conservation; Dr. Juliet Morrow,
Arkansas State University Jonesboro, and Dr. Jamie C. Brandon, Southern
Arkansas University, Station Archeologists, Arkansas Archeological Survey;
Dr. Jami Lockhart, University of Arkansas, Archeogeophysical Research,
Arkansas Archeological Survey; Fayth Hill Washington, Scott Cemetery
Preservationist; Norman Johnson and Phyllis Rogers, Paraloma Cemetery
Association Volunteer; Randy Smith, liaison for Fairview Cemetery; and
Tamela Tenpenny-Lewis and Carla Coleman, Preservation of African American
Cemeteries.

“In my 20 years as executive producer at AETN, I have no hesitation in
saying that ‘Silent Storytellers’ is one of the most unique, creative and
beautiful films we’ve ever produced,” AETN Director of Production Carole
Adornetto said.

Visit www.aetn.org/silentstorytellers for behind-the-scenes clips,
additional interviews and downloadable information about tombstone
cleaning.

“Silent Storytellers” will repeat on AETN Saturday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m.
and Sunday, March 14, at noon, and on AETN-2 Sunday, March 21, at 6:30 a.m.

Funding for “Silent Storytellers” is provided by the Arkansas Historic
Preservation Program, a division of the Arkansas Department of Heritage.

The Arkansas Educational Television Network (www.aetn.org) provides
lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans’ lives
and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming and
services. AETN’s transmitters and numerous cable system connections give
it statewide reach.

Feb 24, 2010 | Categories: news | Leave A Comment »

Withoutabox Spotlight on Little Rock Film Festival

LITTLE ROCKFILM FESTIVAL Little Rock, Arkansas – USA June 2 to 6, 2010 Dear Filmmaker, In the Spotlight this week is the 4th Annual LITTLE ROCK FILM FESTIVAL (LRFF), a favorite among filmmakers and audiences alike, serving up a dynamic lineup of independent films in Arkansas’ capital city. Declared the “biggest little film festival in the South” by Paste Magazine, LRFF has unveiled more than 250 films from around the globe, held panels with industry leaders, and hosted notable industry players. Alumni make up an impressive list, including Academy Award-winner Ray McKinnon (THAT EVENING SUN), David Modigliani (CRAWFORD), Judi Krant (MADE IN CHINA), and Phil Donahue (BODY OF WAR). LRFF selections and festival favorites include ANVIL! THE STORY OF ANVIL and (500) DAYS OF SUMMER. In the spirit of Southern hospitality, LRFF strives to create the most enjoyable environment a festival can offer. Filmmakers receive travel stipends, complimentary accommodations in one of the finest hotels on the banks of the Arkansas River, environmentally friendly transportation around Little Rock, swag bags complete with local flavor (like last year’s talking Bill Clinton doll), all-access VIP festival badges, and are taken on Southern-themed excursions. Panels, galas, workshops, and after-parties take place at the city’s hottest venues, including the Clinton Presidential Library. Patrick Floyd (THE EYES OF ME) gushes that he “had an unforgettable time. Saw good films. Met good people. Stayed out too late. Slept too little. Can’t wait for next year.” UPCOMING DEADLINE February 15, 2010 – Late Deadline Upgraded projects save $5 off this deadline MISSION AND OBJECTIVE The mission of the Little Rock Film Festival is to inject film culture and education into Little Rock, the State of Arkansas, and the South by showcasing independent films from around the world and highlighting the achievements of filmmakers. MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL LRFF 2009 drew more than 20,000 attendees, and organizers have their sights set on an ambitious expansion in 2010, offering more cash prizes and a larger film program. LRFF’s Golden Rock Awards and cash prizes will be presented to the top films in each category, along with special prizes and programs for Southern and Arkansas films and music videos. The Festival’s industry attendance and participation is noteworthy and has grown significantly each year. Filmmakers will find producers, performers, distributors, and entertainment lawyers in attendance, as well as reps from the many theatrical and DVD distribution companies based in Arkansas (and also home to Wal-Mart’s headquarters). Two-time alum Walton Goggins (THAT EVENING SUN) declares, “Our Little Rock experience was one of open arms by both the festival and the community. It’s becoming a litmus test for those art films looking to establish themselves in the South.” To showcase your film in Arkansas and to enjoy serious Southern hospitality, submit to the Little Rock Film Festival today!

Feb 02, 2010 | Categories: news | Leave A Comment »