The Video Consortium's team in Pittsburgh is pleased to present the 2023 Spring Gathering! This special election-day documentary film screening will showcase three new films by local filmmakers. Two of which are EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEKS of work-in-progress feature documentaries! Each film will have a Q&A session with the filmmakers and characters. Come early or stay late if you want to network with our region's talented non-fiction media creatives.
FILM PROGRAM:
1. CLEMENTE (work-in-progress) 15 minute scene
Directed by: David Altrogge
Studio: Vinegar Hill
Clemente is a feature-length documentary that explores the life, career, and legacy of Roberto Clemente. From his childhood in Puerto Rico, to his early years of struggle with the Pittsburgh Pirates, to becoming one of baseball’s most beloved and iconic players, to his untimely death in 1972, Clemente is a celebration of a man who gave his all — both on and off the field.
2. Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders (28 minute full-length)
Produced & Edited by: Annette Banks
Supervising Producer: Minette Seate
Studio: WQED
In 1967, Pittsburgh's inner city produced America’s first EMT service. Comprised solely of Black men and women recruited from the city’s Hill District neighborhood, the paramedics of Freedom House Ambulance became trailblazers in providing pre-hospital and CPR care. Freedom House was initially conceived to respond to the needs of Pittsburgh’s African American community who often times, couldn’t rely on police and fire departments during an emergency. Their ground breaking work became the basis for all paramedics training in the country. However, despite its success - racism and power dynamics in Pittsburgh shut down Freedom House in 1975, leaving its legacy almost lost to history. This 30-minute documentary explores the rise and fall of Freedom House Ambulance. With rare archival images, the program features the story of inception from an original founder, compelling reflections of surviving paramedics, stories of the world-renowned doctors who trained them, and memories of lifelong Hill District residents.
3. Black Pittsburgh (work-in-progress) 15 minute scene
Directed by: Rueben Brock
Studio: Independent
Black Pittsburgh is a full-length documentary that explores the history, culture, and politics of the Black community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Through one man’s journey to reconnect with his roots, the film brings viewers along for a tour of southwestern Pennsylvania’s Black community and the many stories that live within it. Follow along as Dr. Rueben Brock documents a turning point and pivotal moment in Pittsburgh’s history. This is an exclusive sneak peek at a work-in-progress.
The screening is in a bar venue so please bring ID and must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Parking is provided onsite and in an adjacent parking lot. Come early to get a good seat! Please contact pittsburgh@videoconsortium.org in advance with any disability needs. The space is ADA accessible. *There is a parking lot on Industry Street around the corner from the venue.*
ABOUT BOTTLEROCKET:
Bottlerocket Social Hall is a 70's time capsule bar and indie arts venue, showcasing the best Comedy, Music, Movies and More in Pittsburgh and beyond!
https://www.bottlerocketpgh.com/
ABOUT THE VIDEO CONSORTIUM:
The Video Consortium is a global nonprofit media organization that connects and supports today's nonfiction filmmakers and video journalists to tell bold stories that change the world.
https://videoconsortium.org/
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