Tag Archive for: Film over 50

The script evolves

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Posted by:  Cathy

Remember in May where I showed you how the script was evolving on the wall of our spare bedroom?  Well, the evolution continues!

Is it a script?  Or could this be a quilt? 

As I work with Rita Meher on a rough cut of THREADS, one way that is helpful for me to visualize the different parts of the story and their relationships with each other is to take soundbites of the film footage transcript, color code them for which part of the story they represent, and see how they can best fit together.  This format allows me to move segments around relatively easily and to visualize better how the story flows.   In some ways, it reminds me of setting out the patterns and colors of a quilt.

Everyone has their own way of organizing the story they are telling.   What is your favorite method?

 

 

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More filming in Dhaka completed

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Posted by: Cathy

It’s exciting to report that we had another day of filming done in Dhaka on May 7.  We were able to capture additional interviews with several of the women who worked with Surayia at Skills Development for Underprivileged Women and later at Arshi.  Len and I worked closely with our editor, Rita Meher, as well as with the field producer in Bangladesh, Dina Hossain, and others, to refine the film story line and the questions to ask the women.

We’re excited about the prospect of additional footage of the women since they were there for many of the most important moments of Surayia’s life: when she started working with women and embroidery at Skills Development, when she was asked to leave the project, when she started Arshi, when her daughter Annie died.  They were also there when Arshi became a success and stayed close to Surayia as her health failed and she was no longer able to work.  Their stories are inspiring ones and important to show a complete picture of how Surayia and her art helped change women’s lives for the better.

We look forward to reviewing the footage soon.  Many thanks to Catherine Masud and her staff at AudioVision and to Dina Hossain for helping us to capture the footage we need to tell these wonderful stories.

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Thank you Puffin Foundation!

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Posted by:  Cathy

We were thrilled and encouraged today to open the mail and find a grant from the Puffin Foundation for our documentary-in-progress “Threads.”   Thank you!  We know that Foundation grants are very competitive and we are grateful to the Puffin Foundation for keeping the momentum going for the production of this film about a Bangladeshi artist – Surayia Rahman – and how she brought art into the lives of ordinary people, despite many odds.  The Puffin grant will go toward the making of our film trailer.  It is great to know that, even in difficult economic times, there are organizations like the Puffin Foundation willing to support independent films made by new film makers.

Surayia started a new career — moving from painting to nakshi kantha tapestry — after age 50.  A few years later she started her own organization, Arshi.  She was able to become a social entrepreneur before the term was widely used because of her strong commitment to art and the support of family and friends.  Len and I have been inspired by Surayia’s example to start film making after age 50.

We thank the Puffin Foundation for helping us to celebrate creativity – and we thank everyone who supports independent film making!

 

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