'She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry' and the Mountain Tour!

Monday started off the third day of Southern Circuit, driving from Athens, Georgia to Johnson City, Tennessee, an epic adventure – thrilled by the mountains, lakes, and gorgeous scenery on I-26 W.  I wanted to stop and take it all in; however, it was hard to keep driving.  But there were students to meet!   

I arrived at Eastern Tennessee State University early that afternoon and met with two terrific classes on women’s issues and gender studies taught by Hilary Malatino. The students had great questions, and it was such a pleasure to get to talk with them.    

  

I enjoyed a delicious Thai dinner with some of the ETSU staff and students before screening 'She’s Beautiful' to a packed audience that night.

An additional treat, our youngest viewer ever, nine-month-old Charlie, was all eyes for the film!

The ETSU team did a fantastic job of publicizing the event.  Many thanks to Heidi Ehle and Phyllis Thompson, and Anita DeAngelis, the Director of Mary B. Martin School of the Arts, for sponsoring this whole event.  There was a lovely reception afterwards in a gallery with a brilliant installation on violence against women, the body and blood, by Native American contemporary artist Luzene Hill. What a powerhouse team! Many thanks to Lisa Gail Cutshaw for the great photographs.

As I was driving back down the mountain roads the next day, I became a fan of country music radio, especially the song, “Crash and Burn,” which I sang along with in the car because it’s on all the stations and no one could hear me!  My next stop would be Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. I drove through so many fascinating places, including Maggie Valley, and realized that the South can be habit-forming. Yes, I love the Smoky Mountains!

At Western Carolina University, I met with the next dynamic duo Francis Ann Ortiz from Campus Programs and Maven Mayfield, her student associate – what an amazing team! 

They made the screening fun and interactive with a wall poster for students to write about their views on feminism as well as a special frame for photos, not to mention popcorn!! There was a great Q & A after the screening and then more discussions about the film and feminism in the hallways.

By then it dawned on me - every site on Southern Circuit is full of more than great audiences, but also deeply dedicated staffers who are making sure that it’s a wonderful experience for everyone. Lucky me! 

Two more stops on the road to go,  TO BE CONTINUED……..

All best,   

Mary Dore

'She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry' and Mary Dore hit the Southern Circuit !

As a Northeasterner through many generations, it’s been such a pleasure to meet and talk to people as part of the Southern Circuit. While I’ve filmed in the South before, on shoot schedules one barely sees anything besides the event/person you’re covering. Not so on the Southern Circuit! In just my first few days, I’ve visited wonderful towns big and small, met lovely people and had great conversations around the film showings.  Driving has its pleasures, and I’ve been awed by the beauty of the landscape.  Also appreciate the kindness of total strangers (already quite a few) who’ve helped me out when I miss the exit or get lost!

On Friday, drove from Atlanta to Auburn University in Alabama, and since my home town is Auburn, Maine that felt like kismet. We had a terrific audience at the showing at the Julie Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art; despite a major thunderstorm the room was packed. Afterwards we had a long Q&A, and then hung out at the lovely café at the museum. They serve the best crab cakes, I was in heaven at the first bite! And it was lovely to finally meet and chat with Debbie Frojo, who managed the event for the Museum.

The next morning I spoke to a media class led by Ric Smith at Auburn University, on the issues of funding and how to distribute films. Lots of questions on how to make money (shocker, not the easiest or most likely result with indie films) and the ups and downs of filmmaking with a great group of smart students.  

 

I had some time off before the next screening, so had a chance to hang out in Athens, Georgia before my screening in Winder. The highlight for me, besides some great meals, was visiting the Georgia Museum of Art, on the University of Georgia campus. There was a spectacular show on graphic artists from Mexico, 'El Taller de Grafica Popular,' and other excellent exhibits. Many thanks to Chris Childs from the Wilder Cultural Arts Center for his recommendations in Athens. 

 

On Sunday I met Chris in at the Wilder Cultural Arts Center, where I learned that he is a one-man team running the local TV station and the Southern Circuit screenings, as well. We showed She’s Beautiful at their in-house theater, and Chris did a very thoughtful interview with me afterwards.There’s a loyal audience for the Southern Circuit Tour in Wilder, and it was a pleasure to talk to them after the screening. 

The next day I did an epic drive to Johnson City, Tennessee. To be continued!!

All best,  Mary  Dore