PVCC Fine Arts and Performance to Host Day of Free Documentary Filmmaking Events
Charlottesville, Va. – October 10, 2023 – The Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) Fine Arts and Performance division will host a full day of free events focused on documentary filmmaking, Friday, October 20. Award-winning producer, writer and director Ty Cooper will lead a hands-on workshop during the day, followed by an evening screening and talk back featuring Academy Award and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Paul Wagner and his film “Good Works: Masters of the Building Arts.” Events will take place in the Main Stage Theatre in the V. Earl Dickinson Building, located on the PVCC main campus.
Special guest Ty Cooper will open the day with another of his documentary filmmaking workshops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The workshop is open to all levels of experience. Himself a novice filmmaker turned industry professional, Cooper will share his knowledge and skills and offer chances to practice with filmmaking equipment throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch.
The “Good Works: Masters of the Building Arts” film screening will begin at 7:30 p.m. and culminate with an audience-led question and answer session with Wagner, a respected independent filmmaker who received awards for his work alongside co-director Marjorie Hunt. The hour-long film captures the story of ten highly accomplished workers who use their artistry and craft to create enduring beauty in our built environment including stone carvers, stained glass artisans, metalsmiths, plasterers, stone masons, decorative painters and adobe workers.
The movie and talkback are part of the PVCC Art Department’s new “Films Talk Back” series. Screenings are held on the third Friday of the month and feature a curated selection of documentaries, shown on the big screen and paired with a talk by a passionate expert–often the filmmakers themselves. For more information about “Films Talk Back,” contact Chairperson of Visual and Performing Arts Fenella Belle at 434.961.5362 or fbelle@pvcc.edu.
About the Filmmakers
Local filmmaker Ty Cooper’s short narrative films have won awards in film festivals nationwide, in categories such as “Best Short Drama,” and “Best Cast Ensemble in a Short.” He has been developing this free workshop at PVCC for several years with the goal of helping others find their voice through the medium of film. Cooper is also an entertainment promoter and the Creative Director of Lifeview Marketing and Visuals. He hosts PVCC’s “One Mic Stand” spoken word open mic night, which holds first Thursday events every other month.
Paul Wagner is a Charlottesville-based film writer, director and producer whose work has been recognized with many honors including screenings at major film festivals and numerous other wins and nominations of major awards, including an Oscar, over his decades-long career. Known for collaborating with others to make his films, Wagner works with notable artists, scholars, teachers, activists and cultural entities like the Smithsonian Institution to make films that capture the essence of people and cultures. Over his career, Paul has taught documentary and narrative film at George Washington University, the University of Maryland at Baltimore County and the University of Virginia.
The V. Earl Dickinson Building is at the south end of 501 College Drive on the main campus in Charlottesville.
For more information about all upcoming Fine Arts and Performance season events, visit www.pvcc.edu/performingarts, email boxoffice@pvcc.edu or call 434.961.5376.
About Piedmont Virginia Community College
Established in 1972, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally, residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. PVCC is committed to providing access to a college education for all who can benefit, an opportunity for each student to reach her/his potential, and excellence in all programs and services. Visit www.pvcc.edu.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Susian Brooks
Executive Director, Marketing and Communications
434.961.6574 | sbrooks@pvcc.edu