#short documentaries

We went to Inner Mongolia!

In this week’s video, we explain a bit further about why we went to Inner Mongolia as well as what we did while we were there (complete with photos and videos from the trip)!

From Jam to Journey (Short Music Documentary)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp0kVmFs0qs&t=2s

Question: Who do you think of when you think of skateboarding? 

Shaw Boy: “They always mention Tony Hawk, it's not only Tony Hawk. It's the people right behind me, it’s the man over there… It’s multicultural it's not just for one person. It's for everybody.”

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Shaw Boyz is a short documentary following a group of young teens as they navigate a rapidly gentrifying environment in the historical Shaw neighborhood. Exploring culture, gentrification, community, and how it all ties to the creation of DC’s first public skate park, Shaw Boyz is a delve into the organic ways marginalized communities heal one another through third places. 

Producing, Cinematography & Editing by Paul A. Notice II

Executive Producer Joshua Lopez DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment

Shaw Boyz |  DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment 

June 2017 - December 2019 | Washington, DC and New York, NY | Short Documentary | Producer, Director, Voiceover Talent, Director of Photography, Editor

A short documentary that follows a group of young teens as they navigate a rapidly gentrifying environment in the historical Shaw neighborhood. It's about culture, gentrification, friendship, and music with moments of Black Boy Joy and wonders. (Runtime: 20:25)

Full Doc: Shaw Boyz 

Trailer: Shaw Boyz | The Rebirth of DC's Black Skaters

Teaser Part 1: Shaw Boyz | The Story Behind DC's 1st Skate Park 

Teaser Part 2: Shaw Boyz | “Way Back." 

Bonus 1: Shaw Boyz | "Talk With Your Feet Not Your Mouth" 

Bonus 2: Shaw Boyz | Clutch | Beginnings

2019 Official Selection of  Independent Shorts Awards for Best Documentary

2019 ISA Bronze Award for Best New Web & Media 

Official Selection of 2021 Flickfair

The Disciple | ft. Rev. Andy D. Williams Synopsis An exploration of redemption, community, and the deconstruction of American law enforcement’s obsession with gangs, “The Disciple” follows former Gangster Disciple, Rev. Andy D. Williams’ fight against gang database policing in Aurora, IL, and beyond. Produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Paul A. Notice II, this documentary unearths meaningful, community-led alternatives to over-policing and the criminalization of Black and Brown residents, while unearthing the historic and socio-political roots of gangs and gang policing in America.

Starring Andy Williams Josmar Trujillo Alex Vitale

Directed & Edited by Paul A. Notice II

Always Question. Always Explore.

Paul A. Notice II Executive Producer | The Notice Foundation, Inc. www.thenoticeblog.com

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               “The Media” - When discussed on social media or from the Presidential podium the term sounds like a swear word. It is like hearing the word “bitch” in the context of the Westminster Dog Show vs hearing it shouted from a car after a near accident. The Presidential use definitely has more of the “shouted from a moving car” feel than the academic usage, but the primary issue with the way “the Media” is thrown around in political rhetoric is that it has no specific target, and the people who are most using it don’t seem to have an interest in defining it.

               It is easy to see why people using “the Media” as a pejorative would be resistant to defining who they mean, because by defining specific organizations, or (God forbid) actual people, you humanize the enemy. The issue shifts from being about broad and nebulous charges of media “bias” and ideological persecution and must focus more on specific ideas and people. It is easier to say that “CNN lies” than naming a specific report and anchor as a liar. Instead, the charge feels more generally “true” or “right, than specifically true.

               The sentiment being vocalized is not a critique, and it is not an invitation for discussion or communication, it is a stubborn and emotional declaration of “rightness”. The argumentation reflects this. One key example is the assertion of voter fraud in the election. Words like “systemic” and universal pleas of “everyone in New Hampshire knows” have been thrown around without any specific proof offered for one of the most serious scandals propagated by a sitting President in U.S. history. No details are needed, there is a feeling of persecution, so to validate that feeling conspiracies are created and issues purported whose intention is to justify feelings. Look at the “paid” protestors argument now being leveled against groups of citizens…based on what evidence?

               Instead, it is easier to demonize an entire industry, to categorize individuals as a collective that can be labeled, dismissed and attacked based primarily on subjective perception and emotion.

               The Oscars are this weekend, and I think this is a great time to engage our assumptions, and I would like to pull out one area of the Oscar Nominations as a great place to safely and constructively challenge ourselves; and that is in the list of Oscar Nominated Short Documentaries. Each of these will be available to stream this week.

               Although many would like to dismiss the hypocrisy of “Hollywood” I think that even in the midst of that suspicion we can afford an element of grace to a collection of short films that were largely made far from the siren song of celebrity. Furthermore, each of these films feature a specific and distinct voice. These films do not allow for the general dismissive claims of ideological persecution, they are grounded in the experiences and voices of their protagonists.

You may not agree with what is said, but you cannot deny the voice that is saying them and I think that is invaluable as we seek to move to constructive conversation and thought regarding issues that matter and have value. I think it is always good to humanize our thoughts and arguments.

Short Film: Trans Lives Matter! Justice for Islan Nettles

More: Short Films

Islan Nettles, a transgender woman from New York, was murdered in August 2013. She was beaten into a coma and died one week later at Harlem Hospital. Shortly after, Harlem Pride organized a vigil for Nettles, but many were disappointed in the proceedings, feeling as if the transgender community did not have enough of a voice. Seyi Adebanjo captured this tearful event and anger, sadness, and disappointment that surrounded it, in the experimental short film Trans Lives Matter! Justice for Islan Nettles.

The video takes a very interesting formal approach, primarily consisting of still photographs and audio, with video entering during the event’s most emotionally charged moments. This seven-minute version of the film will be available to view online for the next week.

TAKETIME (2013) by waxing film.