I have been passionate about independant film ever since I sat at the receptionist’s desk of the Women’s Interart Center (a now defunct non-profit that showcased women’s interdisciplinary work) back in the 80’s and overheard the soundtrack of just-produced experimental film extraordinaire, Savage/Love, by Shirley Clarke. It played every day, sometimes two or three times. I would strain to hear the soundtrack but kept dutifully to my work.
After the 50th time, I left my desk and stood in the doorway of the screening room and while I watched the short film I knew that this was a once in a lifetime experience, standing in a doorway and seeing something so perfectly made. It was beautiful beyond categorization.
Let me leave this vignette as the moment that in some way steered my path forward. If I haven’t followed in her footsteps, who can? Clarke was always my beacon.
What followed:
MFA in television and radio from Brooklyn College
Thesis project: On the Road to Choice, a women’s theater piece comprised of the actors’ stories about abortion
Making a living:
I have enjoyed teaching, enormously, at all levels, from 3rd grade Magnet programs in the public schools to graduate students at New School University in New York City When it comes to teaching now, it’s through sharing my love of Qigong and t’aiji, which I use to keep me calm through crazy times — if you ever would like to learn some de-stressing, balancing exercises, please join us!
I live in Brooklyn, NY with my husband and catahoula cur. Weekends and summers we’re up in Kerhonkson
Feature Length Documentaries
Stood for the Storm, 2015 about Susan LaGrange, aka “Mama Sue,” who explores over a period of four years what it took for her to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.
Official Selection
Ethnograf Film Festival, Paris
Montgomery College, Gallery Exhibit, Surviving the Storm Ten Years Later
Awards
Gold Award at the Festival for Women and Social Issues
Without Apology, 2004, aß personal documentary about the filmmaker’s search for the truth about her brother, whose developmental disabilities forced him at a young age into an institution
Official Selection
Brooklyn Arts Film Festival
Hearts and Minds Film Festival
Rhode Island Film Festival
Assim Vivemos Film Festival, Brasilia, Brazil
Awards
Best documentary, Brooklyn Arts Film Festival
First place Audience Award, Hearts and Minds Film Festival
Toured nationally for over a year to varied audiences, discussing the themes and issues of the film
I sporadically post to a blog — with observations about my brother
Aegean
Lettie Lee Asks a Question, co-produced with Lettie Lee
winner of Pelican D’Or Award in St. Bernard
