Monday, September 12, 2011

Time Magazine Remembers 9/11

Ten years after 9/11, I’m still at a loss for words for how to describe the events of that horrible day, when horror and heroism collided on the streets of New York.  The shocking images of perhaps America’s darkest, most unfathomable hour continues to reverberate.

But as the 10th anniversary of 9/11 passes, I find myself drawn more to stories of survival than images of destruction.

If you feel the same then don’t miss Time Magazine’s special report, “Beyond 9/11: Portraits of Resilience”, a graceful, masterful collection of testimonies and tributes that say everything you need to know about character and fortitude.

Bravo, Time.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

PSST! Digital Stories... Pass it on!

 It’s hard to believe that there are those among us who, 121 days out, are talking about the holidays—then again, my local Target is schlepping seasonal décor while it's still 100 degrees outside, so what do I know? So for all you early birds, a gift:

Let me introduce you to the digital narrative—a personal documentary featuring anecdotes and photos that, woven together, serve as a sort of timeline of one’s life. Consider it the next evolution of “slides,” only those you actually want to see.

Intrigued? Then check out Reel Tributes, a DC-based company that produces “Documentaries of a Lifetime” for everyday folks with the assistance of legit filmmakers, an oral historian and a genealogy expert who are far more skilled at digital storytelling than your iPhone.  Their aesthetically slick tribute films reveal compelling backstories, unearth little known stories and reveal commemorative insight about someone you suspected may have been on the lam, but could never confirm. (I’m pinching myself too.)

Or, you could make it a real production out of things and try your own hand at filmmaking. On the West Coast, the Center for Digital Storytelling, a Berkeley non-profit, holds workshops for those who want to manage their own digital story project or wider community initiative.  Here, experienced facilitators offer creative direction and technical assistance to novice digital filmmakers.

Learn more about how the art of personal history here: http://www.reeltributes.com/view/.