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Present Tense Productions
Selected Films from Present Tense
NetPl@net “Real Stories” For The Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose, CA 750 million people use the Internet. These twelve mini-documentaries, exhibited continually in a globe-style theater, show some of the extraordinary ways that ordinary people use the Internet. Stories include a horse farmer in Iowa whose life was saved by the Internet, a disabled young woman who finds community online, a teenage blogger, and a woman doing genealogical research on her unknown grandfather. (2004) For more information about NetPl@net and The Tech Museum: http://www.thetech.org
Genetics: Technology with a Twist For the Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose, CA This exhibit explores advances in the field of genetics and the role of genes in human health. Video segments include an introduction to what a genetics counselor does (dramatic and documentary); a documentary about the first person to receive gene therapy; and a humorous, dramatic short in which identical twins explore the role of the environment and genes in a person’s development. Prominent in the exhibit is a five-monitor talking portrait wall, in which five characters interact as they discuss how their lives have been affected by their genetic makeup. (2004) For more information about Genetics: Technology with a Twist and The Tech Museum: http://www.thetech.org
Roots of Discovery Produced by Present Tense Productions and Dr. Sarah M. Assmann Roots of Discovery follows twelve scientists of the NASA/NSF Network for Research on Plant Sensory Systems on a collaborative journey to uncover the secrets of root cells instrumental in sensing and responding to environmental signals – especially gravity. Discussions with scientists, footage of experiments (including a space shuttle experiment), and animation provide a window into the creative and intriguing world of basic research. Online Study Guide available. (©1999 The Ohio State University Research Foundation and The Pennsylvania State University. 30 min.) For more information: http://mediasales.psu.edu
Giving People Wings For Body Wisdom, Inc. A music teacher, an ex-convict, a woman with Multiple Sclerosis, and a political refugee: just a few of the people whose lives have been transformed by the practice of InterPlay. Created as a key element of a fundraising and capital campaign, Giving People Wings let viewers experience the power of this highly embodied practice, which combines dance, poetry, storytelling, music, art and a willingness to embrace life in its fullest measure, no matter what the circumstances. (9 min., 2003) For information: 510-465-2797 or http://www.bodywisdom.org
InterPlay Is … For Body Wisdom, Inc. Twenty InterPlayers from around the world pool their talents to improvise a humorous and thoughtful definition of this combination of art, spirit, and movement. (6 min., 2003) For information: 510-465-2797 or http://www.bodywisdom.org
A Day in the Life of a GGRO Bander For the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory Every fall, a “river of raptors” flows over the headlands of Marin County, at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, just across from San Francisco. For the past twenty years, volunteers for the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory have counted, banded, and tracked thousands of migrating raptors – Red Tailed Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, American Kestrels, Coopers Hawks, Sharp Shinned Hawks, and many more. This training video was designed to introduce potential volunteers to these extraordinary birds and the activities of “citizen scientists,” who dedicate themselves to their study and preservation. (20 min., 2003) For information about the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory: http://www.ggro.org
The Milo Foundation Produced by Present Tense Productions The Milo Foundation is a no-kill animal sanctuary on 283 acres in rural Willits, CA. Milo has an on-going need for funding and volunteers, and donations of food, veterinary services, and the like. Present Tense produced a fundraising video that captures the spirit of the sanctuary with warmth and humor. (5 min., 2001) For information: 707-459-4900 or http://www.milofoundation.org
Complying with ADA Requirements Produced by Present Tense Productions and Playback Media Complying with ADA Requirements is an interactive online training video for managers providing practical guidance on how to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Legal requirements are enumerated by an attorney specialist. Disability activists, themselves disabled, discuss the nuances of application of the law in the workplace. Documentary footage shows the kinds of accommodations that allow disabled people to be productive and dispels the idea that disabled people can't work. (21 min., 2001) Originally produced for Playback Media, this video is now owned by MindLeaders, www.mindleaders.com, 800-223-3732.
Films by Present Tense Producers In the Mind of the Beholder Produced by Karen Brown Davison “In the Mind of the Beholder shatters the notion that the blind are helpless or to be pitied.” — Samantha J. Gust, MC Journal: The Journal of Academic Media Librarianship By sharing the experience of losing their eyesight and relearning skills they once took for granted, the newly blind people in this film demystify blindness and the nonvisual clues they use to navigate the world. Without denying the difficulties they face, they challenge society’s notion of blindness as the end of possibility. (21 min., 1997) Dore Schary Award for Films and Videos on Human Relations Themes, 1997 Distributed by Aquarius Health Care Videos, www.aquariusproductions.com, 888-440-2963.
The Bicycle Zone Produced by Jeanne LePage For California Office of Traffic Safety; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; and The University of California, Santa Cruz, Transportation and Parking Services Popular among teachers, health educators, and bicycling advocates, each of these videos encourages safe bicycling. The Bicycle Zone teaches the fundamental skills of bicycling. The story follows a family into the “bicycle zone,” where it becomes apparent that the children know more than the parents about bike riding. Pedal Smarts is a flashy, humorous video aimed at a teen audience. It uses teen actors in a news-style format to teach bicycling skills. Getting There by Bike interviews a firefighter, a Latina newscaster, a bicycling activist, and a senior citizen to see how they discovered the joys of bicycle commuting and how to commute safely. Broadcast on PBS affiliate KTEH. Study Guide included for The Bicycle Zone. (12 min., 18 min., 20 min., 1994. ) Silver Apple, National Educational Media Network Festival, 1995 Distributed by Transit Media Communications, P.O. Box 1084, Harriman, NY 10926. 800-343-5540 or info@transitmedia.net.
The Water Cycle Produced by Nancy Brink and Rick Jaffe "Spectacular scenery is matched by an intriguing story of water wars and environmental action. Engaging . . . documentary filmmaking that combines art and purpose." — Prof. John Walton, Author of Water Wars, Department of Anthropology, University of California, Davis "The Water Cycle will be a valuable addition to any educational film library. It can be used in any course that considers resource conflicts or political involvement. The science is effectively presented and well-documented." — Katharine Widmer, Science Teacher and National Tandy Scholar Access to water has defined the history of much of our country, especially the arid Western states. The Water Cycle is a portrait of the continuing battle over water, raising larger questions about proper use of our limited natural resources. The video focuses on Mono Lake, a place of unworldly beauty in the desert of Eastern California. Mono Lake is believed to be the oldest continually existing lake in North America, possibly over one million years old. Since 1941, much of the lake's water has been diverted to Los Angeles, over 300 miles to the south, threatening the lake's continued existence. As part of a successful two-decade-long campaign to save Mono Lake, committed bicyclists made a six-day pilgrimage every summer from L.A. to the lake. The Water Cycle uses this ride as a vehicle to vividly portray the history of water wars and to examine underlying issues of resource use, development, and individual action. Narrated by Ronnie Gilbert. Study Guide included. (28 min., 1993. Ages 13 to Adult) Gold Apple, National Educational Film & Video Festival For more information: 800-475-2638 or video@videoproject.net.
A Place Apart … Big Sur, California Produced by Jeanne LePage “Moving . . . serenely beautiful — San Francisco Examiner “LePage is sensitive enough to hear the land, skillful enough to deliver its message.” This inspiring portrait of the rugged Big Sur coastal wilderness invites a closer look at its changing environment. Big Sur was once an isolated community of rugged pioneers in an unspoiled landscape, but recent years have brought an influx of residents, tourists, and commercial developments. Weaving the past and present, A Place Apart not only shows the diverse natural wonders of the area, but also examines the political and economic realities that threaten Big Sur’s future. Distributed nationally. Shown at theaters throughout northern California. Aired on PBS affiliates KQED, KEET, and KTEH. Narrated by Betty White. Music by Paul McCandless. Study Guide included. (46 min., 1989) Shown at California Academy of Sciences, Earth Day, 1990 Distributed by Ridgeline Productions, 831-459-7531.
No Hunger in My Home Produced by Nancy Brink "Three women from diverse backgrounds describe a suburban community's caring response to hunger. A sensitive, impressively forceful production." — Booklist Millions of people are hungry in America, and local communities have been forced to care for people in need. This film profiles the experience of hunger in a California suburb, through three women's stories: Nevida Butler, director of the Ecumenical Hunger Program; Donna Laureano, her client, a former community worker; and Dr. Maxine Hayes, of the Physician Task Force on Hunger. It is Donna who sums up the dilemma of the newly poor. "We hate like the devil to ask for help. We've worked hard, we've always been honest and tried to live the American Dream." The film challenges us to examine our responsibilities as individuals and community members to alleviate and eradicate hunger in our country. (25 min., 1989) American Film & Video Festival, 1990 For more information: http://filmakers.com/indivs/NoHungerinMyHome.htm.
Rethinking Rape Produced by Jeanne LePage “This rapidly paced production urges communication and cooperation among the sexes. An eye-opening reflection for community group and classroom viewing.” — Booklist “Sound, visual, and editing qualities are excellent. Highly recommended for all mature audiences.” — Choice Rethinking Rape is an in-depth look at acquaintance rape and its societal causes. In order to understand the high frequency of rape in our society, we must examine our cultural attitudes towards women, female/male relationships, and rape itself. This film questions our attitudes and the influences that shape them. Six people of varying backgrounds share their perspectives. They include: a survivor of an acquaintance rape; a male college student who nearly raped a good friend; a former model who reevaluates her career; a social psychologist who recounts recent research on how sexual violence in films affects men and women. Exhibited at International Festival Giovanni in Italy, the Festival des Filles des Vues in Canada and Film de Femmes in France. Distributed worldwide. Portions of film shown on Oprah on WLS-TV in Chicago; KGO-TV in San Francisco; KMIT-TV in Palm Desert, CA; and WAAY-TV in Huntsville, AL. Shown in entirety on KCET-TV, Los Angeles, CA. (25 min., 1985) 1987 LACAAW Humanitarian Award Domestic distribution by Ridgeline Productions, 831-459-7531.
The Unbelievable Beauty of Being Human Produced by Nancy Sue Brink Fun triumphs. Cynicism takes a break. In this exciting 1997 concert, fifty people of all sizes, ages, and walks of life boldly dance and tell their stories: nuns, ex-convicts, people in recovery, political refugees, ministers, therapists, artists, chemists, and office managers. And it’s completely improvised. This video provides a view of humanity that is spontaneous, tender, comic, artful, and provocative. (90 min., 1998) For information: 510-465-2797 or http://www.bodywisdom.org
InterPlay Produced by Nancy Sue Brink A succinct introduction to the InterPlay philosophy and technique, including interviews with InterPlay founders Cynthia Winton-Henry and Phil Porter, and with other InterPlay aficionados. Includes excerpts from WING IT! company rehearsals and InterPlay classes. (15 min., 1997) For information: 510-465-2797 or http://www.bodywisdom.org
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