First off, let me say that this blogging thing is kooky. All the URL links I couldn't make active are now (thankfully) active. That's great. BUT 1/2 the text from my blog about Jackson is now missing. Weird.
Saturday I was feeling pretty tired I must admit. I'd been showing "Learning to Swallow" for 6 days in a row and had spoken to 100's of people. Sick of the sound of my own voice, I'd hit the wall emotionally. As I drove north to Orangeburg SC from Beaufort, I needed inspiration. Luckily I had a Ted Leo CD to pep things up. Soon I was bopping in my seat as I sped past manicured lawns and ramshackle barns. Ted generously provided a song for the end credits of my film, so he has saved the day more than once.
http://www.tedleo.com
Sunday night's screening was at South Carolina State University at Orangeburg. A local branch of the national women's service organization The Links, Inc. hosted a lovely reception. Imagine 20 impeccibly dressed women with corsages, and then me in a jean jacket. I hope they didn't think I was a ruffian!
http://www.linksinc.org/
I got the royal treatment in Orangeburg. Museum Director Ellen Zisholtz hosted a fantastic dinner on Saturday at her home. Faculty, neighbors and one super smart student gabbed with me well into the night. There was lots of laughing, and discussion about everything from Mohawk ironworkers to illegal drag racing.
Tonight is Asheville NC, the last stop on the tour. I hope I am able to do one final blog. Let's hope I have internet access there. If not, its been fun. Wish I had an idea of just who -- if anyone -- is reading this.
Danielle Beverly
www.learningtoswallow.com
Showing posts with label Learning to Swallow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Learning to Swallow. Show all posts
Monday, September 25, 2006
Saturday, September 23, 2006
100% Humidity
100% Humidity. That's today's weather report here in Beaufort, SC. I'm feeling wilted and parched and it's only 9am. Which is why I am in the local air-conditioned library to revive before getting a look at the outer islands.
http://www.penncenter.com
[The Penn Center - the site of one of the country's first schools for freed slaves and one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today.]
Last night's screening at Technical College of the Low Country had okay attendance, although the large auditorium was not as full as expected, given all the advance press. Of all the host organizations on the tour, The Arts Council of Beaufort County has done the most aggressive job of getting word out to local publications. The film was featured in several local papers (with my picture no less), and a followup story will appear later. There's even a display here at the library with The Southern Circuit films prominently featured. But it was a Friday night, and "Learning to Swallow" is not exactly the first choice for a date flick.
That said, the audience questions were terrific. One man, who I believe is married to a board member and got dragged along to the screening, mentioned he was pleasantly surprised at how much he was engaged by the film. "I didn't fall asleep" he said with a sly grin. Thank you for that sir!
Earlier in the day, 100 students from Bluffton High School grilled me about what it is like to be a filmmaker -- how much it costs, what was it like documenting a friend's descent, and what kind of camera did I use? I love talking with high school students because they're always so bold in their question-asking. An astonishing three of them were already thinking about attending my alma mater Columbia College in Chicago. One kid had already raised $8600 for a narrative feature! I nearly asked him to produce my next film.
Yesterday's drive from Columbia to Beaufort was a bit disturbing unfortunately. I passed through Branchville SC where they were setting up some sort of train festival. But it appeared to be more of a Confederate flag celebration. They were freakin' everywhere. One vendor even had baby "one-sies" emblazoned with Confederate flags. Ick. I was further distressed when I tried to save a lost beagle running down a desolate stretch of Highway 21. I turned around and went back to get him, but he bolted into the thick woods. I called and waited, but he never came back. Later today I will drive the same highway back to Orangeburg. I'm going to be keeping an eye out for him.
http://www.penncenter.com
[The Penn Center - the site of one of the country's first schools for freed slaves and one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today.]
Last night's screening at Technical College of the Low Country had okay attendance, although the large auditorium was not as full as expected, given all the advance press. Of all the host organizations on the tour, The Arts Council of Beaufort County has done the most aggressive job of getting word out to local publications. The film was featured in several local papers (with my picture no less), and a followup story will appear later. There's even a display here at the library with The Southern Circuit films prominently featured. But it was a Friday night, and "Learning to Swallow" is not exactly the first choice for a date flick.
That said, the audience questions were terrific. One man, who I believe is married to a board member and got dragged along to the screening, mentioned he was pleasantly surprised at how much he was engaged by the film. "I didn't fall asleep" he said with a sly grin. Thank you for that sir!
Earlier in the day, 100 students from Bluffton High School grilled me about what it is like to be a filmmaker -- how much it costs, what was it like documenting a friend's descent, and what kind of camera did I use? I love talking with high school students because they're always so bold in their question-asking. An astonishing three of them were already thinking about attending my alma mater Columbia College in Chicago. One kid had already raised $8600 for a narrative feature! I nearly asked him to produce my next film.
Yesterday's drive from Columbia to Beaufort was a bit disturbing unfortunately. I passed through Branchville SC where they were setting up some sort of train festival. But it appeared to be more of a Confederate flag celebration. They were freakin' everywhere. One vendor even had baby "one-sies" emblazoned with Confederate flags. Ick. I was further distressed when I tried to save a lost beagle running down a desolate stretch of Highway 21. I turned around and went back to get him, but he bolted into the thick woods. I called and waited, but he never came back. Later today I will drive the same highway back to Orangeburg. I'm going to be keeping an eye out for him.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Columbia SC I love you!
It's Thursday night at 8:35pm and I'm in the basement office of The Nickelodeon Theatre in Columbia SC. My film is playing upstairs right now. I can hear people laughing just above me. And then laughing again. And then again! This is amazing and incredible! "Learning to Swallow" is obviously a dark story in so many ways. But when we introduce the documentary I always encourage people to laugh if they feel the urge. And they are clearly feeling it.
Tonight's show is a sellout! The first in the last 5 years of The Southern Circuit's 30 year history. There are so many different types of people in the audience - 20 students who bussed in from 60 miles away, a bipolar man and his elderly mother, many regular Nickelodeon members, a representative from a statewide disabilities support organization, and some local hipsters. Its a racially and age diverse crowd. I can't wait for the Q&A afterwards.
Huge cyber kisses to Larry Hembree and Development Director Bruce, who are so damn charming. Larry spoke to each and every person at the reception before the film, putting them at ease immediately with his witty Southern charm. Turns out 50% of the audience has never been to The Nickelodeon before, and no doubt they'll be back. Larry and his team have just secured a future venue 6 blocks away; a historic art theatre that will be fully restored to open in 2 years with 2 screens.
Danielle
Tonight's show is a sellout! The first in the last 5 years of The Southern Circuit's 30 year history. There are so many different types of people in the audience - 20 students who bussed in from 60 miles away, a bipolar man and his elderly mother, many regular Nickelodeon members, a representative from a statewide disabilities support organization, and some local hipsters. Its a racially and age diverse crowd. I can't wait for the Q&A afterwards.
Huge cyber kisses to Larry Hembree and Development Director Bruce, who are so damn charming. Larry spoke to each and every person at the reception before the film, putting them at ease immediately with his witty Southern charm. Turns out 50% of the audience has never been to The Nickelodeon before, and no doubt they'll be back. Larry and his team have just secured a future venue 6 blocks away; a historic art theatre that will be fully restored to open in 2 years with 2 screens.
Danielle
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Sweet Briar
Sweet Briar College is just that -- extremely sweet in every way. It is a women's liberal arts college in VA, that even has an equestrian studies component. It has one of the most lovely campuses I have ever seen. And one of the tiniest too! As I walked up the hill to the library before my screening, a mama deer and two fawns romped just 30 feet from me.
Prior to the screening, professor Eleanor Salotto arranged a dinner with 10 very earnest and intelligent students. It was easy to break the ice because one young lady was dressed as Johnny Depp from "Pirates of the Carribean" - a very strange sight to be certain! I said "I hope you don't think I directed that movie, since I only make documentaries". Turns out it was homecoming week at the school and Tuesday was "Dress as a Celebrity Day". The young ladies had very thoughtful and probing questions. It was an incredible joy to connect with them and hopefully inspire some future documentary makers.
My favorite moment by far was when Louis Sandridge, the 60ish man who drove me from the airport came to my screening! He and I had really hit it off so I invited him to attend. It was a cool (and I bet rare) thing to have a man sit in the lecture hall with 35 twentysomething-aged young ladies. Several students from nearby Randolph-Macon Women's College also made a trek out for the film.
Sweet Briar's motto is "Think is for Girls". I nabbed one of their posters for my 11 year old niece.
Prior to the screening, professor Eleanor Salotto arranged a dinner with 10 very earnest and intelligent students. It was easy to break the ice because one young lady was dressed as Johnny Depp from "Pirates of the Carribean" - a very strange sight to be certain! I said "I hope you don't think I directed that movie, since I only make documentaries". Turns out it was homecoming week at the school and Tuesday was "Dress as a Celebrity Day". The young ladies had very thoughtful and probing questions. It was an incredible joy to connect with them and hopefully inspire some future documentary makers.
My favorite moment by far was when Louis Sandridge, the 60ish man who drove me from the airport came to my screening! He and I had really hit it off so I invited him to attend. It was a cool (and I bet rare) thing to have a man sit in the lecture hall with 35 twentysomething-aged young ladies. Several students from nearby Randolph-Macon Women's College also made a trek out for the film.
Sweet Briar's motto is "Think is for Girls". I nabbed one of their posters for my 11 year old niece.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Jackson: Hotter than a Peppersprout
Monday took me from Montgomery AL to Jackson MS, which required a peaceful 5 hour drive past cotton fields, several dead armadillos, and sadly scores of Title Pawn businesses in every small town. As I listened to cd's of Johnny Cash, Bobbie Gentry and Nina Simone, I drove the historic road that hosted the Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights March. Many famous photos were taken then, and much still looks the same.
I found myself compelled to make a stop in Philadelphia MS, the town where civil rights workers James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman were murdered in 1964. Ten miles out of town, on Highway 19, I nearly missed seeing a nondescript sign that read "Chaney, Schwerner, Goodman Memorial Highway". This was the very blacktop where the three young men had been pulled over and kidnapped. It was chilling to say the least. The town, however, doesn't seem to want to remember this horrifying chapter in their history. When I asked a couple of locals if there was a memorial to visit, they didn't know of one.
http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=3199_0_9_0_C
I got to Jackson by 2:30 to speak to a Digital Arts class at host organization Milsaps College. Five students and professor Michelle Acuff greeted me in their computer lab where they were working on some video animation pieces. I was amazed at the range of work, and the sophistication of some of the pieces - much better than when I was in school! Milsaps has only 1200 students and a very small Art Department. But there are dedicated faculty and a supportive environment for budding filmmakers. I only wish they'd asked more questions! (All the students seemed kinda shy).
Dinner was wonderful -- Crawfish Etouffe and Deep Fried Pickles (!!). Several faculty members took me out and made me feel right at home. Later Holly Sypniewski from the Classical Studies Department introduced the film. To a packed house! There were over 130 in the audience! Folks, this was the biggest turnout "Learning to Swallow" has ever seen in its yearlong touring history. I was stunned and grateful. I gotta say - I am loving The Southern Circuit thus far.
Tonight Sweet Briar College. More after the screening....
Danielle Beverly
http://www.learningtoswallow.com
I found myself compelled to make a stop in Philadelphia MS, the town where civil rights workers James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman were murdered in 1964. Ten miles out of town, on Highway 19, I nearly missed seeing a nondescript sign that read "Chaney, Schwerner, Goodman Memorial Highway". This was the very blacktop where the three young men had been pulled over and kidnapped. It was chilling to say the least. The town, however, doesn't seem to want to remember this horrifying chapter in their history. When I asked a couple of locals if there was a memorial to visit, they didn't know of one.
http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/comments.php?id=3199_0_9_0_C
I got to Jackson by 2:30 to speak to a Digital Arts class at host organization Milsaps College. Five students and professor Michelle Acuff greeted me in their computer lab where they were working on some video animation pieces. I was amazed at the range of work, and the sophistication of some of the pieces - much better than when I was in school! Milsaps has only 1200 students and a very small Art Department. But there are dedicated faculty and a supportive environment for budding filmmakers. I only wish they'd asked more questions! (All the students seemed kinda shy).
Dinner was wonderful -- Crawfish Etouffe and Deep Fried Pickles (!!). Several faculty members took me out and made me feel right at home. Later Holly Sypniewski from the Classical Studies Department introduced the film. To a packed house! There were over 130 in the audience! Folks, this was the biggest turnout "Learning to Swallow" has ever seen in its yearlong touring history. I was stunned and grateful. I gotta say - I am loving The Southern Circuit thus far.
Tonight Sweet Briar College. More after the screening....
Danielle Beverly
http://www.learningtoswallow.com
Monday, September 18, 2006
Montgomery, AL
Greetings all!
Well, here I am in Montgomery AL where I nearly missed my own 1st Southern Circuit screening last night due to a 2 hour delay at the Atlanta airport. Yipes!
But Montgomery audiences are kind, and they waited patiently until I arrived 10 minutes late(thank you, thank you - I hope it was worth it). The Capri Theatre, run by passionate and stalwart friend to film Martin McCaffery, has amazing projection and sound -- a godsend for a travelling filmmaker. The Capri is a rarity. It's an old historic theatre, that shows art house and independent films in a town where there is not much of a market for either. Please support their work, if you are ever in town. There's a groovy pizza place/coffee shop across the street to grab a bite before or after, and everyone is friendly.
The audience was wonderful. Great questions, huge smiles during the Q&A, and several folks who came out because of the bipolar disorder subject matter. This is why I am so grateful to be on this Southern Circuit tour - to get the film out to small towns, to people who would not get the chance to see it otherwise. Several people thanked me (and warmly hugged me) for helping to lessen the stigma of mental illness by sharing this portrait of Patsy, who is a fierce, independent and intelligent young woman struggling with bipolar. And others, who were there to see an independent documentary, added to the discussion with intriquing questions about the filmmaking process. This is what it makes it all worthwhile, people!
The evening ended on a true Southern note -- Capri Theatre owner Martin took me to Hank William's grave, where we drank a beer, looked at the stars, and talked about film. Ahhhh......
More to come,
Danielle Beverly
http://www.learningtoswallow.com
Well, here I am in Montgomery AL where I nearly missed my own 1st Southern Circuit screening last night due to a 2 hour delay at the Atlanta airport. Yipes!
But Montgomery audiences are kind, and they waited patiently until I arrived 10 minutes late(thank you, thank you - I hope it was worth it). The Capri Theatre, run by passionate and stalwart friend to film Martin McCaffery, has amazing projection and sound -- a godsend for a travelling filmmaker. The Capri is a rarity. It's an old historic theatre, that shows art house and independent films in a town where there is not much of a market for either. Please support their work, if you are ever in town. There's a groovy pizza place/coffee shop across the street to grab a bite before or after, and everyone is friendly.
The audience was wonderful. Great questions, huge smiles during the Q&A, and several folks who came out because of the bipolar disorder subject matter. This is why I am so grateful to be on this Southern Circuit tour - to get the film out to small towns, to people who would not get the chance to see it otherwise. Several people thanked me (and warmly hugged me) for helping to lessen the stigma of mental illness by sharing this portrait of Patsy, who is a fierce, independent and intelligent young woman struggling with bipolar. And others, who were there to see an independent documentary, added to the discussion with intriquing questions about the filmmaking process. This is what it makes it all worthwhile, people!
The evening ended on a true Southern note -- Capri Theatre owner Martin took me to Hank William's grave, where we drank a beer, looked at the stars, and talked about film. Ahhhh......
More to come,
Danielle Beverly
http://www.learningtoswallow.com
Saturday, September 16, 2006
SouthArts Podcast Premieres With Danielle Beverly Interview
Southern Arts Federation is excited to launch a pilot series of podcasts featuring interviews with three filmmakers who will be touring with Southern Circuit this fall. The first podcast in this series is an interview with Danielle Beverly, who will be touring with her documentary Learning to Swallow from September 17 - 25.
To access this podcast, you must be registered with iTunes:
- If you already have an account with iTunes, download the SouthArts Podcast featuring filmmaker Danielle Beverly.
- If you do not have an account with iTunes, register for your free account. Once you have registered, you will be able to download the interview. There is no cost for accessing our podcasts.
We hope you enjoy this opportunity to find out more about this artist and her riveting work!
Friday, September 15, 2006
Danielle Beverly kicks off the 2006-2007 Southern Circuit from September 17 - 25
Southern Arts Federation is pleased to kick off the 2006-2007 Southern Circuit - Tour of Independent Filmmakers with Danielle Beverly and her riveting documentary Learning to Swallow from September 17 - 25. Click here for Danielle's touring schedule.
Learning to Swallow tells the story of Patsy Desmond, an artistic whirlwind chronicling her life through self-portraits, stormed through the early 90’s Chicago art and music scene. Full of drama, outrageous style, and charisma, no one guessed that behind it all she was hurtling toward her ruin. In an uncontrolled, manic-depressive episode, Desmond attempted suicide by drinking drain cleaner. Although she survived, the incident destroyed her digestive system. Learning to Swallow follows Desmond over four years of recovery: through reconstructive surgeries, oxy-contin and alcohol addictions, and the ultimate struggle to keep hope.
Learning to Swallow contains footage of Desmond’s recovery, old photos, and animation created from her artwork. Danielle's 96 hours of film culminates with the opening of Patsy Desmond’s exhibition Coming Clean. According to Mary Kerr, programming director of SILVERDOCS, “It is rare that a film can so meticulously capture the essence of a complicated person like Desmond.” Danielle finds that audiences are responding to the film “in an intensely visceral way. Although Patsy’s experience is singular, it also has universality in its portrayal of one person’s resilience, redemption, and self-acceptance.”
While earning her M.F.A in Film/Video from Chicago’s Columbia College, Danielle lived in the fashionable Wicker Park community and befriended wild-child photographer Desmond. “I am attracted to dramatic, unfolding stories; watching the process and transformation of a subject,” says the filmmaker, “I’m not afraid of human pain. Rather, I am drawn to it as a documentary subject – the incredible pain of living.” As a director, Beverly wants the subject to tell their own story-- full of choices, decisions, and survival, “I just try to bear witness to the situation.”Join Danielle for a screening and discussion of Learning to Swallow
Stay tuned for Danielle's upcoming entries from the Circuit!
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