The Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon has been a catalyst to encourage students to explore their interests, satisfy their curiosities and create resulting documentaries that have spanned a gamut of topics from homelessness, women of color in the military, foster parenting, activism, surviving Hurricane Katrina, heterosexism, and more.
In its 10-year history, the program has trained more than 100 young women from a wide range of majors who have produced more than 35 documentary films as well as interactive productions. The students’ work has been viewed by standing room only audiences at its yearly showcase, screened at film festivals and exhibited in communities internationally.
“Working with modest resources, time restrictions and a to-do list that rivals professionals, each year DMIS student producers create original, compelling and meaningful work,” said Ayoka Chenzira, Ph.D., founding director of DMIS and the College’s first William and Camille Cosby Endowed Professor.
In recognition of its 10th anniversary, DMIS will host several events that include its annual student documentary film showcase, an awards ceremony honoring the accomplishments of innovators in the film industry and supporters of DMIS, and conversations with filmmakers and producers in digital spaces.
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“In some ways the Digital Moving Image Salon is like the little engine that could ― we pull our ideas to the finish line despite obstacles,” said Dr. Chenzira. “DMIS represents a significant force on Spelman’s campus. Our 10th anniversary is an important milestone in that it represents the tenacious spirit of Spelman women committed to working with the moving image to explore social issues that impact the lives of women and girls. Their work remains timely and relevant.”
Over the years, DMIS alums have made notable accomplishments in their respective fields. Producer Juliana Montgomery, C’2006, went on to win an Emmy and Mychael Bond, C’2010, went on to study international media production at New York University Tisch School of the Arts Asia in Singapore, while other DMIS alums have used their production talents in other careers including journalism, grassroots community work and producing industrial films for corporations.
“DMIS students’ exposure to nationally and internationally acclaimed professionals and a supporting team of Spelman faculty, particularly in the Women’s Research & Resource Center where DMIS is housed, have contributed to student success stories,” noted Chenzira.
As part of the 10th anniversary celebration, DMIS launched an Instagram campaign titled “Digital Movers and Shakers” (@digitalmovershaker). Conceived and designed by DMIS research assistants Janiene Thiong and Maura Washington, the campaign will curate 15-second video clips created by Atlanta University Center students who will describe how they are “Digital Movers and Shakers” by highlighting their social justice passion.
Digital Moving Image Salon 10th Anniversary Schedule of Events
April 22, 2014, 6 p.m., Spelman College, Science Center Auditorium
• Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony honoring Juliana Montgomery, film producer; Yvonne Welbon, film producer and film historian; Tomika DePriest, C’89, television/film producer and executive director of the Spelman College Office of Communications; and Dan Bascelli, coordinator for instructional technology, Spelman College
• The awards ceremony will be followed by a “Conversation with Shola Lynch.” Lynch is an award-winning filmmaker and producer of “Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed,” a film about Shirley Chisholm, the first female candidate for the office of the president of the United States of America, and “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners,” which documents the life of icon Angela Davis. Lynch is also curator for the Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division of the Schomburg Center for Research on Black Culture
April 24, 2014, 7 p.m., Midtown Cinema (931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta)
• 10th Annual Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon Student Documentary Film Showcase
*“Stolen”
Producers: Alexis Wideman, Erica Lamberson and Mizer Edwards
Documentary topic: Sex trafficking
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*“Love Bytes”
Producers: Cydney Fisher, Kiara Arnette, Lauren Brown
Documentary topic: Online dating
*“Fertile Oasis”
Producers: Olivia LaFlamme, Britny Horton, Jemoi Higgins
Documentary topic: Rethinking Atlanta’s West End neighborhood through the eyes of women-owned businesses
DMIS events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit DMIS or call 404-270-5625. Spelman College is located at 350 Spelman Lane SW, Atlanta 30314 (GPS address: 440 Westview Drive, Atlanta 30310).