Making Movies About Real Life
Presented by D.C. Labor FilmFest and the Center for Social Media

On Sept. 13, the Center hosted a screening and filmmaker discussion about the hundreds, perhaps thousands of filmmakers and videographers around the world who go out with their cameras and record the lives of ordinary people and their struggles. While these stories rarely make it to the big screens dominated by Hollywood blockbusters, the cameras keep rolling because the stories must be told.

The panel discussed the obstacles to getting these stories on film and tape and, more importantly, the opportunities to get these films and videos out to audiences around the world. The event featured filmmakers, producers and other film industry experts whose personal works explore the lives and stories of working people.

Panelists
• Tia Lessin, "Behind the Labels"
• Kristi Jacobson, "American Standoff"
• Heather Courtney, "Los Trajabadores"
• Pacho Velez, "Occupation"
• Vivian Price, "Hammering It Out"
• Moderated by Center Director Pat Aufderheide.

The audience enjoyed an inside look at how to make movies about real life and storytelling in an age of globalization. The panel was held in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Labor FilmFest organized by the Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO with screenings at AFI Kennedy Center from September 12-17.

Sponsored by: Metro Washington Council, AFL-CIO and the Center for Social Media.
The Center's public events are supported by the Haas Family Trust.

Click here for an interview with Kristi Jacobson, filmmaker of "American Standoff".