VSA arts launches inaugural apprenticeship with AFI/SILVERDOCS

June 17, 2009

Film makers with disabilities to participate in acclaimed documentary film festival and conference

WASHINGTON, D.C. - VSA arts is pleased to announce a collaboration with AFI-Discovery Channel SILVERDOCS Documentary Festival, June 15-22, by launching an apprenticeship program for emerging filmmakers with disabilities.

The three apprentices, Don Edler (of Florida), Matthew Clark (of Pennsylvania) and Elizabeth Sorkin (of Washington, DC) distinguished themselves from a national pool of applicants. While at SILVERDOCS the three will participate in workshops that will refine their filmmaker skills, expose them to new technologies and professionals in the field.

“The VSA arts apprenticeship in collaboration with AFI-Discovery Channel and SILVERDOCS is a golden opportunity. This partnership will provide Don, Matthew and Elizabeth an opportunity to grow professionally, receive first class training and network with other emerging filmmakers as well as interact with professionals in the field. Similar to our other apprenticeship program –VSA arts Apprenticeship at the Williamstown Theatre Festival– we will launch careers,” stated Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts..

Edler’s interest in documentary film began during coursework at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. Edler, who has cerebral palsy, is incorporating video installation within the context of sculpture.

Clark, a recent graduate of Temple University, focuses on animation. His pursuits include puppetry, acting, documenting wheelchair ballroom and Latin dancing, and a trip to Afghanistan with the Mobility Project. Clark, who was born with lumbar sacral agenesis, distributed refurbished wheelchairs including training recipients on their use and care.

Sorkin sees “…documentary as a powerful way of breaking down ignorance and fighting against evil in the world.” In her current position as a specialist in digital video services at Gallaudet University she is able to incorporate video within multi platforms. Sorkin, who is Deaf, has extensive international experience and has done field work in 10 countries.

In addition to being able to see one of the 122 films representing 58 countries the three VSA arts apprentices will be able to participate in the concurrent International Documentary Conference and receive one on one mentoring by AFI Silver's Education Coordinator Matt Boratenski.

About VSA arts
VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded 35 years ago by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year 7 million people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in 54 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information about VSA arts, visit www.vsarts.org

About SILVERDOCS
AFI-Discovery Channel SILVERDOCS Documentary Festival is an eight-day internationally recognized event that honors excellence in filmmaking, supports the diverse voices and free expression of independent storytellers and celebrates the power of documentary to improve our understanding of the world. Now in its seventh year, the festival runs June 15-22 at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in the Washington, DC area. The 2008 Festival featured 108 films from 63 countries presented to over 25,000 attendees, including the influential audiences of the nation’s capital and media professionals from around the world. The concurrent five-day SILVERDOCS International Documentary Conference presents thought-provoking presentations and engages a diverse group of over 1,000 filmmakers and industry leaders concerned with the future of non-fiction storytelling, production and distribution. For more information, go to SILVERDOCS.com.

About the American Film Institute
AFI is a national institute providing leadership in screen education and the recognition and celebration of excellence in the art of film, television and digital media. Additional information about AFI is available at AFI.com.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications is the world’s number-one non-fiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including www.HowStuffWorks.com. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

Contact:

Rachel Maleh/VSA arts
(202) 628-2800 ext. 3851
RMaleh@vsarts.org