SILVER SPRING STORIES FESTIVAL

An event celebrating the achievements of Docs In Progress Adult Contemporary Production and Summer Youth Documentary Film Making Camp students took place yesterday at Montgomery College’s Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Arts Center.

This free event which was a collaboration between Docs In Progress, headed by Erica Ginsberg
which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering independent documentary filmmakers and educating the public about documentary as an art form through programs and services, including work-in-progress screenings, training classes, professional development workshops and webinars, private consultations, online resources and a blog and Montgomery College was a not to be missed event.

The event highlighted Silver Spring, Maryland, which is also the home of Docs In Progress. It showcased the vibrant community with many stories to tell, which have been captured in film by Docs In Progress students as part of their programs.

FILMS SCREENED
Eight short documentaries about people and places in Silver Spring were screened and the organizers, filmmakers and subjects shared their path to the production of the films with the audience.

The organizers sharing with guests.

Meet Me in the Garden
by Peter Johnsen, Melissa Grance and Henrik Gronhaug
Kathy Jentz, Editor and Publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine showcases how to cultivate a colorful garden in an urban suburb like Silver Spring.

Silva Shoe Repair

by Alison Michel, Lillie Paquette, and Ty Robbins
Jorge Escobar originally from Guatemala brought with him his skills as a cobbler. The film shows the immigrant experience firsthand and the importance of small local businesses in the current challlenging economy.

A Civic Center Comes to Silver Spring

by Mario Starks and Susan Harris
A riveting look at the vision behind Silver Spring's new civic center as recounted by Reemberto Rodriguez, Director of Silver Spring's Regional Center, before the civic center's opening this summer.

A Dreamland for Dogs
by Sage Eriacho, Lily Montgomery, and Paloma Zegarra Schmidt.
Living Ruff, a pet store in Silver Spring has become more than just that. It is now a community center for Silver Spring's dogs and cats, and the people who love them.
This heart warming movie was produced as part of the 2010 Summer Documentary Filmmaking Camp.

Velatis: Behind the Sweetness
by Sky Eriacho, Michelle Smilansky, and Zack Werb.
Velatis, a caramel factory and shop has been producing treats since the 1860s, but it is a relative newcomer to downtown Silver Spring. With more than 20 varieties of caramels, Velatis recreates the days of the local candy store. Produced as part of the 2010 Summer Documentary Filmmaking Camp, this sweet movie is a must see for candy lovers.

Somewhere to Skate in Silver Spring
by Dana Cook, Conor James, Simon Kienitz Kincade, and Paul Munger. Skateboarding is a popular activity which provides recreation and develops sportsmanship. Though the sport is more popular among pre-teens and teens, it is steadily gaining momentum. However, it is still largely misunderstood and there are few places locally for skateboarders to practice their sport legally. This attention grabbing film which enlightens and addresses misconceptions about the sport was produced as part of the 2010 Summer Documentary Filmmaking Camp.

Art in Action: Tom Block
by Violeta Balan, Lisa Wilson, David Wade, and Joan Susie
Silver Spring-based Amnesty International Human Rights Arts Festival organizer, Tom Block who is an artist himself, uses his art to bring to light worldwide human rights issues. This film is a profile of Block, who he is, his passion and artistic vision.

Dance is the Answer: Knock on Wood
by Marchon Jackson, Rachel Rozycki, and Noelle Galos
The Knock on Wood Tap Studio, is a dance studio that redefines conventional tap dance. With a diverse student body of all levels and age groups who come together with a shared passion for dance, this illuminating movie teaches life lessons such as the only thing that’s constant is change and you’re never too old or young to do anything.

Some of the movies can be viewed at www.youtube.com/docsinprogress

Below are some guests at the event.










The Docs In Progress community cultivates community partnerships, which enhancse the work of emerging documentary filmmakers, and also connects them to Silver Spring Maryland’s civic life. They were very proud to partner with Montgomery College for the event.

The Silver Spring Stories film festival which was an inaugural event, spotlighted film makers on the rise that Hollywood should watch out for. You can view the documentaries at http://www.youtube.com/user/DocsinProgress

Here’s looking forward to next year’s event!