Critic's Grade: A+

CHEERLEADER
2004 Student Academy Award Winner
Directed by: Kimberlee Bassford
24min

Taking a first hand glimpse at an All-American pastime and putting a spotlight on their world. We are taking into the realm of cheerleading where we visualize this world from the child's point of view. The perky, and polished cheerleading squad the Los Gatos Tigers wants to be national cheerleading champions. They're only eight to eleven years old they learn not just how to win, but suffer losses as well. Cheerleader explores the complexity of the sport today and historically as we learn that cheerleading didn't begin with women. It remains a robust image in popular society. It demonstrates how we see women and how they visualize themselves.

Other Film Credits:

American Journey (Student Television Emmy winner)
The Meaning of Food (PBS Documentary)

AUTISM IS A WORLD
Directed by: Gerardine Wurzburg
40min

Sue Rubin was diagnosed with Autism when she was very young. Everyone one around her thought that her mental state will remain at the level of 2 years old for the rest of her life. She began communicating with the rest of the world when she was around 13 years old with her keyboard. Written by Sue Rubin and Narrated by Julianna Margulies is a very rare look into her hard living world where everyday is a challenge. Sue sadly says that she herself is her own worst nightmare. Far from it, even with Autism she is a junior in college with a top IQ. "Autism Is A World" reveals the inner pain of Sue and her daily compelling story of life in her world that she will never escape.

Other Film Credits:

We Dig Coal: A Portrait of Three Women (1981)
You Children, Our Children (TV Series, 1985)
Educating Peter (Academy Award winner, 1993)
Graduating Peter (2003)
President Kennedy Has Been Shot (for HBO, and for CNN, 2003)
Cable ACE for Documentary Directing

SISTER ROSE'S PASSION
Directed by: Oren Jacoby
39min

Sister Rose is a passionate, well-spoken, and strong woman even though many physical elements slowed her down she continues her mission. This very mission has been the highlight for the past sixty years. Thering's religion books taught that Jews killed Jesus since then it's been passion to prove that they were incorrect. When she joined the Sisterhood, Sister Rose began her journey to examine why, in her religion there has been so few who responded to the Jewish plight during the Holocaust. This one-of-a-kind timely portrait follows the challenge that she wakes up to everyday. She challenged the doctrine blaming Jews for the death of Jesus and took the leadership role in the Vatican II. She has redefined there thinking of Jews and might one day win this war.

Other Film Credits:

Ghosts of the Bayou (1994)
The Irish in America: Long Journey Home (1998)
Master Thief: Art of Heist (1998)
The Beatles Revolution (2000)

HARDWOOD
Directed by: Hubert Davis
29min

Hubert Davis is the son of former Harlem Globetrotter Mel Davis, A colorful, friendly character whose personal decisions have greatly affected those around him. Mel recollects falling in love with Herbert's mother at a time where there union was near impossible. A white women, at a time where racism was at it's highest peek making any relationship difficult. The Mother of the two sons speaks about betrayal and love and how they ever were able to forgive but never truly forget. Using personal interviews, archival footage, and home movies, Hurbert's personal venture-which reveals his fathers decisions in the hope in finding a new direction.

All Reviews by Dan Berman
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