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2005 News Updates

December 2005

Broadcast premier of POWDER RIVER COUNTRY, the new High Plains film about coal bed methane development in Montana and Wyoming, set for Montana Public Television. Home video and public performance rights DVDs now available.

The broadcast premier of POWDER RIVER COUNTRY, the new High Plains film about coal bed methane development in Montana and Wyoming, set for Thursday, December 15, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. statewide on Montana Public Television.

From the peaks of Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains stretching northeast over eleven million acres, the Powder River Basin is a landscape of rolling hills, big skies, and subtle beauty, rich in the history of our American roots. Native Americans lived here for centuries. Custer made his last stand here. For nearly 200 years, generations of homesteaders have ranched and farmed these high plains. POWDER RIVER COUNTRY documents the rush for a new source of natural gas and the transformation of this remote region through energy development.

The Cinema Guild (New York, NY) has acquired non-theatrical distribution rights to POWDER RIVER COUNTRY. Educational institutions, please contact Rachel Gordon at The Cinema Guild - www.cinemaguild.com,(800) 723-5522, info@cinemaguild.com - for availability.

Home video DVDs are available exclusively from the High Plains Films web site at www.highplainsfilms.org/fp_powder.html. The first 50 home video orders of POWDER RIVER COUNTRY will receive either a complimentary copy of the CD Soundtrack for the film "This is Nowhere."

Reviews of POWDER RIVER COUNTRY:
"Zugel (Director) is working here on the model pioneered by High Plains Films' founder Doug Hawes-Davis with an eccentric soundtrack juxtaposed to action shots of drilling rigs and heavy equipment and aerial footage of wastewater ponds and gas development scattershot into what used to be empty rangeland. The power of the High Plains model, and the power here, is the human voice." NewWest.net

"Heartbreaking and poignant." Steve Fesenmaier, West Virginia Library Commission

View a list of up-coming screenings/broadcasts, a short trailer from the movie, and more at www.highplainsfilms.org/fp_powder.html

More Information:
High Plains Films
131 South Higgins Avenue, Suite 201
Missoula, Montana 59802
(406) 728-0753
yak@highplainsfilms.org
www.highplainsfilms.org

September 29, 2005

We are pleased to announce that The Women's Film Preservation Fund (WFPF) of New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) is again seeking proposals for the funding of restoration and/or preservation of American films in which women have had significant creative positions. Individuals and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

The Women's Film Preservation Fund aims to contribute to an understanding of the importance of women in film history, and to increase awareness of the necessity for film preservation. The Fund is committed to working with organizations and individuals with similar goals, and to sharing resources and information with them.

The next deadline for applications is November 30, 2005. A panel of professional filmmakers, film historians, preservationists, curators and educators will review all applications and award the grants, which will be announced in March 2006.

Applications guidelines can be downloaded at HERE

Additional information may be obtained from New York Women in Film & Television, 6 East 39th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10016

July 30, 2005

Montana Film Office attends film incentive seminar

In the wake of a dramatic increase in non-domestic filming, the Producer's Guild of America has formed the FilmUSA Committee. In July 2005, the guild and committee organized the seminar: "Courting America: Winning Back Domestic Production Utilizing Incentives." Sten Iversen, manager of the Montana Film Office, traveled to Los Angeles, California to partake in the activities and to present Montana's new film incentives to the panel and attendees.

Sten participated in a panel discussion with members from different facets of the film industry, including studio executives and experts on federal and state tax legislation. During the first half of the seminar, issues ranged from utilizing production incentives to the involvement of film offices in production. Industry insiders conversed openly about current affairs that dramatically affect their business. During the last half of the seminar, the Montana Film Office, alongside the twelve other film offices in attendance, were able to engage in discussion with the panel as well as take questions from the audience of Producer's Guild members.

In a more intimate setting at a lunch reception, Sten presented Montana's new tax incentive rebates and distributed the summary of the bill: "Big Sky on the Big Screen Act." He advocated filming in the state, offering information and services provided by the Montana Film Office.

July 25, 2005

Montana Film and Television Advisory Council meets in Bozeman

The inaugural meeting of the Montana Film and Television Advisory Council created by Governor Schweitzer will be on Thursday, July 28 from 9am to 3:30pm. The meeting will be held at Council member David Goodwin's home in Bozeman at 5600 Bostwick Rd. Montana Film and Television Adivsory Council meetings are open to the general public.

The most direct route to the meeting: From Bozeman take North 7th or North 19th to Springhill Rd. Travel a couple of miles past the Country Club and past Sypes Canyon. Turn right onto E. Baseline Rd. Drive all the way to the end of the paved road, and turn right onto the gravel road, which is Bostwick. On the left hand side of the road is a big house on a hill. Parking is available in the pasture on the north side of the house. Go up the steps and follow the signs with directions to the side entrance.

July 22

Film Office attends screening of award winning short film

On Friday, July 22, film office staffer John Ansotegui was privileged to attend the screening of an award winning short film and to offer services and support from the Montana Film Office. Director of the award-winning short film American Made, Sharat Raju, and Valarie Kaur, a third-generation Sikh American, were welcomed by Penny Ronning to the House of Fine Arts in Livingston, MT in July. Penny, director of the House of Fine Arts, organized a screening of American Made and the trailer for Divided We Fall, to generate awareness and support of the project.

The pair labors to complete the feature documentary Divided We Fall: American's in the Aftermath, using compelling footage shot on High-8 video immediately after 9/11. Traveling through fourteen states, then college student Valarie interviewed hundreds of Americans - Sikhs, Muslims, Arabs, Afghans, and Christians - about their encounters with fear, violence, loss, and hope. Now in 2005 Valarie and Sharat retrace her first trek to shoot additional footage and reconnect with victims and survivors.

The film's support has been mostly grassroots, through individual contributions. Valarie and Sharat traveled to Livingston in July to continue this grassroots endeavor. For more information about this project, please click HERE

July 11, 2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO "MAPS"!

MAPS: "Media Arts In The Public Schools", the media arts and filmmaking curriculum for middle and high school students ages 12 - 18, is throwing a party to celebrate its first birthday. Recently honored with the "Community Volunteer of the Year" award from the Corvallis High School, MAPS is inviting everyone to come celebrate the completion of its first year.

"To commemorate the occasion, we're having a party on Sunday, July 17th (5 - 8 p.m.) at the Bitter Root Brewery in Hamilton." Peter Rosten, President of MAPS, announced. "We'll have free door prizes, gifts from Governor Schweitzer, Senators Baucus & Burns and Congressman Rehberg, MAPS T-shirts and live music by "WANG DANG DOODLE". But please don't forget this is also a fund-raiser so bring your checkbooks; your kids and our students deserve your tax-deductible support."

MAPS also announced it has received some early birthday presents, the first from Montana's Governor, Brian Schweitzer: "As you know, I'm a big supporter of attracting the film industry back to Montana," said the Governor. "I very much support your efforts to teach film making to students in Montana schools through your Media Arts in the Public Schools (MAPS) program. Your project at Corvallis High School is heading down the same road I want the whole state to go. Good luck with MAPS and keep up the good work."

The second gift has come from the Montana Arts Council. For the second year in a row, MAPS has been honored with a $5,000 "artist-in-residence" grant. Says Beck McLaughlin, Montana Arts Council Education and Web Services Director: "MAPS exemplifies the Montana Arts Council's goal of ensuring the arts are basic to the education of children and young adults. We're proud to have been one of the first funders to support the MAPS program and looks forward to a long and mutually rewarding collaboration in the future."

Designated a "School to Work" program by the State of Montana, MAPS' reputation has grown rapidly and has reached all the way to Washington, D.C. "I am pleased to see MAPS get this recognition," said U.S. Senator Conrad Burns (R-Mont). "In order to truly educate our children, they must have exposure beyond the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic. Media Arts education opens up a new world of creativity and expression to our youth, and that is an important addition to balance a child's educational experience. I encourage more school districts to embrace programs like MAPS and ensure their students have access to the arts."

Adds Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg: "As MAPS enters into its second year, I'm proud that the Florence Prever Rosten Foundation has taken the initiative to found this organization (MAPS) and work for Montana's middle and high school students".

For more information about MAPS, please visit our website, www.mediarts.org or call Peter Rosten, (406) 370-3745.

June 16, 2005

MONTANA CONGRESSMAN DENNY REHBERG AND CORVALLIS HIGH SCHOOL VOTE FOR "MAPS"

MAPS: "Media Arts In The Public Schools" has been honored with the "Community Volunteer of the Year" award from the Corvallis High School. Designated a "School to Work" program by the State of Montana, MAPS' reputation is growing rapidly and has reached all the way to Washington, D.C.

Says Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg: "As MAPS enters into its second year, I'm proud that the Florence Prever Rosten Foundation has taken the initiative to found this organization (MAPS) and work for Montana's middle and high school students".

MAPS President, Peter Rosten adds: "We're very grateful that Congressman Rehberg has taken an interest in our program. And since we're funded through donations and not by Montana taxpayers, his support will undoubtedly lend credence to all of our efforts."

MAPS is a media arts and filmmaking curriculum for middle and high school students ages 12 - 18. In anticipation of expansion to other rural school districts in 2006, the Florence Prever Rosten Foundation welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors: Wes Spiker, Susan Williams and Joe McLean.

Wes Spiker is President and Partner of Spiker Communications. Established in 1983, the Missoula, Montana based ad agency has provided innovative marketing to a broad range of clients in over four countries and 17 states. With previous experience working as an account supervisor for advertising giant, Young & Rubicam, and as a member of The Greater Ravalli Foundation and PlayBall board of directors, Spiker will extend his valuable experience and international network of contacts to increase awareness for the foundation.

Susan Williams is the senior vice president, board member, and financial advisor for Missoula-Montana based SG Long Investment Management Group. For over 11 years, Williams has provided SGL with executive experience working extensively in international markets, trading and investments for clients throughout the world. As past president of the Missoula Downtown Association, and as a board member of both Rotary International and the Missoula Ski Education Foundation, Williams will undoubtedly provide sound financial guidance and management experience to the MAPS board of directors.

Joe McLean is owner and operator of the Pharaohplex Multiplex Theatres located in Hamilton, Montana. He generously hosted the premiere of the first MAPS student-directed film at the Pharaohplex and will add cinematic and community relations expertise to the program.

Contact: Peter Rosten
MAPS/Florence Prever Rosten Foundation
(406) 370-3745
www.mediarts.org

 

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