Austin PBS’ Post

🎥 Arts Equity Group collaboration with "Finding the Words: The Story of Voices from Inside." 🌟 Finding the Words: The Story of Voices from Inside is a powerful documentary that highlights the creativity, resilience, and joy of women in Western Massachusetts who have triumphed over adversity through writing. 📝 It sheds light on the challenges leading to incarceration and addiction while showcasing the transformative power of storytelling. 🎬The filmmakers delved into the lives of currently and formerly incarcerated women, as well as those with experiences in addiction and recovery. Their stories and insights, woven together with the voices of scholars, create a compelling narrative of hope and healing. Arts Equity Group supported research, interpretation, programming, communications, and partnerships for the duration of the filmmaking process, the world premiere, and beyond. Want to learn more? Read more below! Arts Equity Group supported the film team on several key aspects of the project. Throughout production, we provided editorial and interpretative support to the team, who were already devoted to participatory and ethical documentary practices. AEG also supported research to ensure the data used in the film was approached with nuance. (The numbers don’t always tell the full story!) Once the final draft of the film was completed, AEG convened filmmakers and all of the women featured in the film for a screening and preliminary discussion. This program was designed to garner additional feedback from the women in the film, ensure their comfort with the final product, and start the collaborative process of planning a film premiere. AEG also teamed up with the women featured in the film to create an interpretive guide to accompany the documentary so that the women’s voices would continue to shape viewers beyond the run-time of the film. This interpretive guide can be to facilitate learning and discussion before and after screenings in educational and community environments. Finally, Arts Equity Group, in partnership with the women featured in Finding the Words, led all communications and programming initiatives for the world premiere. AEG hired Jackie Velez Vasquez, one of the women featured in the film, as a community liaison. 🎥 You can watch the q a and learn more about "Finding the Words" on YouTube: [https://lnkd.in/ezdh-wEd]. 📺 (courtesy of Northampton Media) #FindingTheWords #DocumentaryFilm #ArtsForChange #Empowerment #SocialImpact

Two co-directors, one vision! 🎬✨ The experienced producer and director Carl-A. Fechner (*53) and the award-winning director Johanna Jaurich (*94) bring together not only a male and female perspective but also the perspectives of two different generations! 🤝 In their collaborative project THE STORY OF A NEW WORLD, they unleash their passion for emotional and constructive stories about inspiring sustainability pioneers. 🌿💬 👉 What do you want to know about Carl and Johanna? Drop us your questions in the comments! #storytelling #filmmaking #sustainability #newworld #terranova #filmmaker #codirecting #dreamteam #diversityinfilm

Embracing technology for positive change! Check out this inspiring ad about misogyny in sports. From promoting social causes to fostering inclusivity, technology is paving the way for a brighter future where we can all become better versions of ourselves. #TechForGood #PositiveImpact

Breaking Barriers with Unyielding Determination! Renowned filmmaker Ava DuVernay has not only made a mark in the cinematic world but has also become a symbol of breaking barriers and championing equality. Known for her powerful storytelling and commitment to social justice, DuVernay has reshaped the narrative in Hollywood. 🎬 A Legacy of Impactful Filmmaking: Ava DuVernay's journey in film includes groundbreaking works such as ""Selma,"" ""13th,"" and ""A Wrinkle in Time."" Through her lens, she tackles critical issues, advocates for justice, and celebrates the richness of diverse voices. 💪 Ignoring the Glass Ceiling: In her own words, DuVernay advises, ""Ignore the glass ceiling and do your work. If you’re focusing on the glass ceiling, on what you don’t have, on your limitations, then you will be limited."" This statement encapsulates her approach to overcoming obstacles. Instead of being hindered by societal constraints, she encourages individuals to concentrate on their craft, passion, and capabilities. 🌐 Pioneering Diversity and Inclusion: DuVernay's advocacy extends beyond her films. She has been a prominent voice for diversity and inclusion in the industry, founding ARRAY, a distribution collective dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices in storytelling. Ava DuVernay's quote resonates as a powerful call to action. By directing our energy towards our work and passions, we can transcend limitations and redefine our potential. She exemplifies that true empowerment comes from focusing on what we can achieve rather than fixating on perceived barriers. As we navigate our own paths, let's draw inspiration from her journey. Let's break through glass ceilings, challenge preconceptions, and create impactful work that transcends boundaries. #AvaDuVernay #Trailblazer #Empowerment

I watched the video below as part of the before-meeting activities for the Equity Circle meeting. The take points from the video: Many aren't #happy because they always want what they don't have! #Appreciating and #accepting what we have will help us discover happiness and contentment. Be #confident in yourself and #trust that what is meant for you will come to you; no one can take it away 💪 Don't change yourself to please anyone. You can only please some. 😉 I appreciate the Oregon Employment Department's initiative to provide additional educational resources for staff, especially those that promote workplace #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion. These resources help us learn, see the other side of the picture, empathize with others, and understand their perspectives and emotions. https://lnkd.in/gp67hJsw

This isn't usually the sort of piece I share on LinkedIn, but I think there's a very important message here about social change and how to inspire people to think or act differently. Simply put, we can't just research and rationalize our way to #sustainability and #equality. Data points and hard evidence are important, yes, but a research paper isn't the right vehicle for showcasing real-world impacts on the people and communities around us. We also need powerful and compelling stories — both non-fiction ones that bring a historical perspective on an important issue as well as fictional ones that challenge us to use our imaginations. I hope more creatives and artists recognize the importance of making more purpose-oriented films and TV shows, from award-winning films like Spotlight and Green Book to eye-opening shows like Extrapolations and Yellowstone. I aim to do my part as well through a soon-to-be-released writing project, so stay tuned! "We must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever; to expand the room for debate, to open our hearts to experiences vastly different from our own, to immerse us in the beauty of humanity’s complexities. And in the face of unprecedented change and uncertainty, we need deep partnerships between great storytellers, advocates and movements for change now more than ever, to remind us of our agency in shaping the future and the power of our actions. The future and health of our culture and democracy requires more of us to participate, spread hope, and humanity. Democracy is a living, breathing being that we, as participants, give life." https://lnkd.in/gCVkDJ6k

Ever heard of DARVO in #DEI conversations? It stands for Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender - a pattern of behaviour where accountability dodgers deny their actions, attack the caller-out, and flip roles to portray themselves as the victim. DARVO is a manipulative tactic that undermines diversity efforts and perpetuates power imbalances. By recognising this pattern, we can better navigate workplace challenges and foster a more inclusive environment. Whether or not you're a fan of Southpark, they have certainly hit the nail on the head (Warning: EXPLICIT!). 👇 https://lnkd.in/erzjyJfc Let's stay vigilant and uphold accountability for a truly inclusive workplace! #DiversityandInclusion #Accountability #InclusiveCulture #LeadingByExample #DARVO

Telling a good story through film isn't just about recording; it's about discovering! Storyfinding goes beyond the lens to dig deep into the roots of the narrative space. Before the cameras roll, we engage in robust research and countless conversations. And believe me, your audience may not have the words to describe this when watching, but they can feel it when this is done! Why? Because the strength of a story is measured by the depth of its characters and the authenticity of its context. It's about listening with intent, exploring various perspectives, and uncovering the heart of the story that needs to be told. In this film we created alongside Friends of Westchase, we applied these story-finding principles to create a compelling narrative that resonated deeply with our audience. Dive into the process where every character's voice adds a unique layer to the narrative, paving the way for films that are not just watched but felt.