UNM TAOS Center for Documentary Film: Developmental Planning Spring 2006--REPORT ON DER WORKSHOP
TEACHING FILM TECHNIQUES AND VISUAL ANTHROPOLOGY: Story telling; beginning and advanced camera techniques; digital video, documentary filmmaking; broadcast documentary films; screenwriting; directing; sound & music; producing and directing films; careers in filmmaking.
“STORIES…THE MOST POWERFUL MEANS WE HAVE TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE…” The State of New Mexico has mandated filmmaking to be one of the most important industries for development. They are committing funding to university and private programs to pursue this goal under the guidance of Governor Bill Richardson. UNM Taos can play a unique role in this plan by developing a Center for Documentary Film which would advance the goal of the governor, the state and be of great benefit to the community of Taos. The Center for Documentary Film proposes to model a program of course offerings and workshops after the Rockport, Maine model and other institutions in the country but bring to it a unique trait of geographical location in Taos, New Mexico, a beautiful and unusual historical environment. The beginning of Visual Anthropology, a growing society of the American Anthropological Association, was originally aided by a publication by Taos resident John Collier Jr. and his son Malcolm. While other institutions and private industry are developing theatrical and cinematic film and broadcast programs, Taos could be a haven for documentary film makers. In 2005-2006, UNM Taos has held its first community and university workshop in film, has its first community video production in progress and offered courses in technical filmmaking and a well attended anthropology course in Indigenous Voice through Film. UNM Taos can continue to be a leading player in education through university coursework, workshops, experience for students and faculty working in the production of films, and can draw from retired and working professionals in the film industry who are starting to make their homes in Taos, New Mexico. Barnard Voorhees has led the development of the Center for Documentary Film for UNM Taos into its second year. The program is growing and my opportunity to individually meet with Cynthia Close of DER on UNM Taos’ behalf will enrich our efforts to work collectively to develop coursework and to help the community work together to regain an international film festival in Taos. I am working as a cocoordinator with B. Voorhees to further the development of UNM Taos Center for Documentary Film. Cynthia Close of DER has committed to help in an advisory role in the development of our program.