Award Winning Films: The 1968 Project

2009 Film Festival Highlights

Award Winning Films 2009

A .45 at 50th, by Joshua Bell & John Cromwell
Best Film

Actor/Activist James Cromwell relives his experience with Elbert “Big Man” Howard, a key member of the “Black Panther Party” during 1968.

Originally from Minneapolis, Joshua Bell, producer and co-director, lives in Los Angeles and works in both film and music. Under the production entity Digital Gypsy, he strives to create soulful and substantive content in various genres. John Cromwell, writer, co- director and lead actor, has relocated to Minneapolis, and works continuously on short and long form films. He prides himself on wearing many hats and strives to push the creative and collaborative spirit within his work. August Thurmer, director of photography, is a rising force within the International Cinematographer’s Guild. Based in Los Angeles, his keen eye and attuned sensitivity as a cinematographer, has allowed him to shoot numerous commercials, music videos, documentaries and features, both nationally and internationally. David Hopper, editor, was splicing film with scissors and tape in his childhood home, before the advent of Avid or Final Cut Pro. His editorial work on music videos, webisodes, TV pilots, documentaries, short and feature-length films have won numerous awards.

A Circle and Three Lines, by Jan Selby
Emerging Filmmaker Award

The peace symbol turned 50 years old in 2008. But where did it come from? What did it originally mean? And what does this universal symbol mean today? Ken Kolsbun, author of Peace, The Biography of a Symbol, explains its history and challenges us to think about its future. This is Jan's first film as director and editor. She is co-owner of Darn Good Documentaries, a video production company that brings the authenticity of documentary video to corporate and non-profit organizations. She spent 25 years as a marketing consultant, but has dreamed of making films since being in college when she made her first 16mm film.

LIE, by Vaughn Juares & Bridget McGrath
Revelation Award

In 1968 Dennis Wilson was the drummer for one of the biggest bands in the world, the Beach Boys. In the summer of 1968 he met a musician who inspired him and the two set off to change the world. The two made a recording which stands as Charles Manson's first professional recording: "LIE". Vaughn has produced films that have won top honors at the San Francisco International Film Festival. In 2008, Vaughn took on the role of Creative Director at North Woods Advertising. Bridget has partnered with Vaughn for the last 6 years. She is Founder and CEO of Fortaleza Filmworks. She is a mother of 5, which keeps her busy around the clock.

Taking Over the Ivory Tower, by Bill Bonde
Eyewitness Award

This film tells the story of the Morrill Hall takeover that led to the formation of the African American Studies department at the University of Minnesota. The politically pivotal events of 1968 spurred Rose Mary Freeman Massey to lead a march to the president's office and demand change. Five friends worked together as a team, encouraging each other, tapping into each other's strengths and surprising themselves with skills they didn't know they had. They found inspiration and consensus at every turn, even during the final, painful cutting process!

War, Peace and Protest: Then & Now, by IFP cadre of youth filmmakers
Generations Special Focus Award

Veterans talk with a group of youth filmmakers about their experiences in Vietnam and their perspectives on today's conflicts. This project was created as part of an IFP MN youth summer workshop. Gabe Aderhold, Tim Blodgett, Ruth Griffendorf, Cameron Mihock, Emma Quirk- Durben, Elizabeth Schmall and Katie Shaughnessy, along with Deacon Warner and co-instructor Anna Mikelson, collaborated on the film.

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Another Direction, by Aleshia Mueller
Honorable Mention

A year split between Kenya and Minnesota. A political view moving from conservative to progressive. A nation torn over the deaths of King and Kennedy. A world erupting in spontaneous acts of student resistance to authority. A family growing during all of the commotion. Dick Bancroft moved in Another Direction.  Aleshia is the owner of Reel Nomad Productions and has worked on long and short media projects that range from podcasts, music and travel videos, scientific, social, and historical documentaries, commercials, and narrative films.

Reluctant Dissent: Dr. James P. Shannon Story, by Rich Cornell & Steve Date
Honorable Mention

In 1968 Bishop James P. Shannon of St. Paul wrote to Pope Paul VI disagreeing with the pope's position on birth control. Shannon resigned his post and moved to New Mexico. He married and returned to Minnesota in 1974 to lead several philanthropic organizations. Richard has been making films for the last two years. His film Howie and Ruth was a part of the 2008 Greatest Generation Project.