Appropriate for: High School College/University
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**WINNER of BEST DOCUMENTARY and the AUDIENCE AWARD in the HBO New York International Latino Film Festival**
STAGES is a moving and surprisingly funny vérité exploration of the unexpected power of the simple act of storytelling. In New York City's oldest community center, a group of older Puerto Rican women and inner-city youth come together to create an original play out of the stories of their lives. Weaving together themes of immigration, identity, aging and coming of age, STAGES offers an intimate portrait of an unlikely ensemble, transformed by the liberating power of their own stories-- first as they are spoken across generations, and later when they are performed for a sold-out show.
A rare feat in non-fiction filmmaking, STAGES was collaboratively directed by twelve members of the award winning Meerkat Media Collective.
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Recommended by educators as an excellent teaching tool for courses in:
Arts Management
Art Therapy
Ethnic Studies
Filmmaking
Gerontology
Hispanic Studies
Immigration Studies
Media Studies
Psychology
Sociology
Social Work
Theater
Urban Studies
"Stages” is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in initiating dialogue about the way we think about older adults and growing older -- which is relevant to us all! It is also a beautiful and truly moving film.
Dr. Mark Bilkey. Adler School of Professional Psychology
"This film will be a wonderful addition to the social work curriculum. An intergenerational project brings youth and elders together to develop a theater presentation. Community centers provide the venue. Excellent group work is used to facilitate personal and group development. Ethnic diversity among both the elders and the youth adds richness to the film. The final performance is moving and inspiring. This film models the empowerment process."
[Stages] is great for many teaching different purposes, community organization, group work, using theater for development, development among elders, intergenerational interaction. The diversity in the film adds to its value as an educational tool. I think this film would be useful for many social work courses and no doubt for many other academic programs. Because gerontology is now an especially important focus in the social work curriculum, this film meets a current need. Congratulations on an excellent film!"
Susan A. Murty, Ph.D. School of Social Work, University of Iowa
"A powerful, evocative, story of cross-generational connection and
meaning-making in life. A must-see and a perfect choice for classes in the
social sciences and the humanities."
Carl Barenboim, Ph.D. Sarah Lawrence College
At times humorous and at others heartbreaking, Stages' greatest strength lies in its eclectic and fascinating characters as they struggle with self expression and the emancipating power of art. What ensues is a careful look at the silent division between young and old which can only be illuminated through the perspective of other and makes for mesmerizing film.
http://www.indiepixfilms.com/
full review
"A beautifully filmed, intricately edited story of the power of friendship, creativity, and courage at every age."
Anne Basting. Director, Center on Age and Community. University of Wisconsin, Milwuakee
AWARDS & SCREENINGS:
BEST DOCUMENTARY - HBO New York International Latino Film Festival
AUDIENCE AWARD - HBO New York International Latino Film Festival
BEST FEATURE - Rincon Film Festival, Puerto Rico
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Nashville Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Toronto ReelWorld Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Portland Oregon Women's Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - New York United Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Orlando Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - CineFestival San Antonio
OFFICIAL SELECTION - San Diego Latino Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Boston Latino International Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Cine Las Americas Film Festival, Austin
Visit the official website for Stages
