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Past Events
Pulling a 180: Stories about Change, Transformation, and New Beginnings
The Center for Digital Storytelling, SpeakeasyDC, and the Served Project present a celebration of May 16th the International Day for Sharing Life Stories
Special Film Screening: At the Death House Door
Join the Center for Social Media for a special screening of At the Death House Door, followed by a discussion with filmmakers Steve James and Peter Gilbert
Educating Diverse Communities: An ethnic media briefing with Education Leaders from DC, MD and VA
Please join American University School of Communication, New America Media and American University Center for Social Media for a special briefing on ethnic media with education leaders from the DC metro region.
Testimony: The Maria Guardado Story
The story of Maria Guardado, who received political asylum from the United States in 1983, after fleeing the U.S. backed civil war in her native El Salvador.
Does Red Lion Still Roar?
Public Interest Media Regulation Public Interest Media Regulation Forty Years After Forty Years After Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC
Film Movement Series - Ostrov - The Island
Film Movement is an ongoing series of films that have been selected by a panel of film festival curators to expose the work of important emerging international film.
Film Movement Series - Adam’s Apples
Film Movement is an ongoing series of films that have been selected by a panel of film festival curators to expose the work of important emerging international film.
Environmental Film Festival 2008: Visiting Filmmaker Liz Miller
Free lecture, part of the 2008 Environmental Film Festival
2008 Spring Visiting Photographer - Carl De Keyzer
The Center welcomes Spring 2008 Visiting Photographer Carl De Keyzer, of Magnum Photos, in a free lecture on his work.
Film Screening: Supreme Injustices and Discussion on the Changing Face of Social Justice
Join the Center and the Alliance for Justice for a screening of their latest film, Supreme Injustices, a film by Glen Pearcy, and a discussion of the changing face of social justice education and advocacy campaigns
Innovators Forum - Weekend Program Speaker Series Presents Pegie Stark, of The Poynter Institute
Dr. Pegie Stark, co-director of The Poynter Institute’s Eyetrack 2007, will discuss the Institute’s groundbreaking research and what it means for online and print news.
Telling the Hardest Stories: Lion in the House
A special event with visiting filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar
Best of INPUT 2008
INPUT, the International Public Television Screening Conference, is a unique public television event that focuses specifically on the innovative programs produced by public broadcasters.
Election Day - Symposium and Film Screening with Visiting Filmmaker Katy Chevigny
A Half-day Symposium featuring a panel discussion and the DC Premiere of Arts Engine’s Documentary Election Day at American University
MLK Day Celebration - Wit, Will and Walls: The Betty Kilby Fisher Story
Special Screening in honor of the 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
UFVA Fair Use & Free Speech Contest - $500 for best fair use!
UFVA is hosting a contest for the best short documentaries employing fair use, made by higher education students and faculty.
Fair use is the right, in some circumstances, to quote copyrighted material without asking permission or paying for it. It is a crucial feature of copyright law and what keeps copyright from being censorship.
Entrants must employ fair use in quoting material in their documentaries, using the Documentary Filmmakers’ Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use as a guide to their decision-making.
Download Submission Form here.
Download a Flyer here.
UFVA Fair Use & Free Speech Contest - $500 for best fair use!
UFVA is hosting a contest for the best short documentaries employing fair use, made by higher education students and faculty.
Fair use is the right, in some circumstances, to quote copyrighted material without asking permission or paying for it. It is a crucial feature of copyright law and what keeps copyright from being censorship.
Entrants must employ fair use in quoting material in their documentaries, using the Documentary Filmmakers’ Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use as a guide to their decision-making.
Download Submission Form here.
Download a Flyer here.
Innovators Forum - Weekend Program Speaker Series Presents Mike Godwin
Listen to a podcast of this event!
The Center for Social Media is pleased to welcome Mike Godwin, the new (and first) general counsel for Wikipedia, on Saturday, November 17 in its first installment of the Innovators Forum - Weekend Program Speaker Series. Mr. Godwin will discuss the dangers of new rules and restrictions that could threaten participatory media and its growth and will reflect on the controversies affecting Wikipedia, as well as share his perspective about how social media has evolved in light of new media technologies.
Film Screening: Force Provision
Force Provision is a straight forward documentary about the commercial provision of defense and security services as this relates to policy, military institutions, public consent of foreign engagements and necessary responsible oversight.
Foreign Correspondence and the Future of Public Media: A Speaker Series (with Keith B. Richburg)
The Center for Social Media proudly presents Foreign Correspondence and the Future of Public Media, a series that addresses the future of reliable, sober, unbiased information from abroad at a time when our nation is engaged in two foreign wars — and when the number of mainstream foreign correspondents is actually diminishing.
2007 Human Rights Film Series SPECIAL EVENT - Human Rights in a Time of War
An Evening with Ghosts of Abu Ghraib Award-Winning Producer Liz Garbus - Screening of Ghosts of Abu Ghraib
Film Movement Series - Madeinusa
Film Movement is an ongoing series of films that have been selected by a panel of film festival curators to expose the work of important emerging international film.
2007 Human Rights Film Series-SPECIAL EVENT: Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars- Celebrating POV!
Our 8th Annual Human Rights Film Series showcases films that show how film and video can make a difference for human rights. Discussions with expert speakers follow all screenings.
Film Movement Series - The Great Match
Film Movement is an ongoing series of films that have been selected by a panel of film festival curators to expose the work of important emerging international film.
Foreign Correspondence and the Future of Public Media: A Speaker Series (with Kevin Klose)
The Center for Social Media proudly presents Foreign Correspondence and the Future of Public Media, a series that addresses the future of reliable, sober, unbiased information from abroad at a time when our nation is engaged in two foreign wars — and when the number of mainstream foreign correspondents is actually diminishing.
Film Movement Series - Bothersome man
Film Movement is an ongoing series of films that have been selected by a panel of film festival curators to expose the work of important emerging international film.
Disability Awareness Month - Sound and Fury
The Center is co-sponsoring this screening as part of Disabilities Awareness Month - the screening includes Sound and Fury and Sound and Fury: Six Years later
Disability Awareness Month - Sound and Fury
The Center is co-sponsoring this screening as part of Disabilities Awareness Month - the screening includes Sound and Fury and Sound and Fury: Six Years later
Defend your rights to use digital media! Digital Freedom Campaign - FREE CONCERT on Oct. 24
Who should get to decide what you put on your iPod? You or the MPAA?
When are you a copyright pirate, and when are you just using your rights?
The Digital Freedom Campaign and the Center for Social Media invite you to fight for your media rights!
2007 Human Rights Film Series - Devil’s Miner
October 3 - November 8, 2007
Our 8th Annual Human Rights Film Series showcases films that show how film and video can make a difference for human rights. Discussions with expert speakers follow all screenings.
Disability Awareness Month - Screening of Misunderstood Minds
The Center is co-sponsoring this screening as part of Disabilities Awareness Month
2007 Labor Film Festival - Made in LA
As a part of the 2007 AFL-CIO DC Labor Film Fest and in partnership with ActiveVoice, the Center for Social Media will be screening the film, Made in LA (2007), which follows the remarkable journey of three Latina immigrants working in L.A.’s garment factories and their struggle for self-empowerment as they wage a three-year battle to bring a major clothing retailer to the negotiating table. Directed by Almudena Carracedo.
Foreign Correspondence and the Future of Public Media: A Speaker Series (with Jonathan Landay)
The Center for Social Media proudly presents Foreign Correspondence and the Future of Public Media, a series that addresses the future of reliable, sober, unbiased information from abroad at a time when our nation is engaged in two foreign wars — and when the number of mainstream foreign correspondents is actually diminishing.
2007 Human Rights Film Series - Encounter Point
October 3 - November 8, 2007
Our 8th Annual Human Rights Film Series showcases films that show how film and video can make a difference for human rights. Discussions with expert speakers follow all screenings.
Laughing while Muslim - A Virtual Town Hall on the Muslim American Experience
A simultaneous webcast between American University and USC, this virtual town hall is intended to be an open dialogue on the Muslim American experience of today.
The Cost of Copyright Confusion for Media Literacy
Release of The Cost of Copyright Confusion for Media Literacy
A new report on copyright and creativity from the Center for Social Media, American University; Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property, Washington College of Law, American University, and Media Education Lab, Temple University
Foreign Correspondence and the Future of Public Media: A Speaker Series (with Nancy Youssef)
The Center for Social Media proudly presents Foreign Correspondence and the Future of Public Media, a series that addresses the future of reliable, sober, unbiased information from abroad at a time when our nation is engaged in two foreign wars — and when the number of mainstream foreign correspondents is actually diminishing.
User Rights at Risk in Video and Film: Issues for Librarians Interested in Copyright Law & Fair Use
At the American Library Association’s annual conference, the Center for Social Media and the Washington College of Law are cosponsoring a workshop: “User Rights at Risk in Video and Film: Issues for Librarians Interested in Copyright Law and Fair Use.”
Filmanthropy - Creative Financing & Maverick Marketing for Documentaries
Part of the SILVERDOCS 2007 Programming.
The Future of Real - Engaging New Audiences
Held at the SILVERDOCS conference and part of the Future of Real 2.0 Discussion Series.
American Marketing Association conference - Marketing and Public Policy - May 31- June 2nd
The Marketing and Public Policy Conference provides a forum by which many constituencies present and discuss the cutting-edge public policy issues of our day. Issues addressed at the conference include the interface between marketing and public policy from academic, practitioner, and public policy perspectives and also examines the issues and current trends in public policy.
Ask the Experts! Free advice on Fair Use - Online Dialogue
Ever wonder if you can use a photo you took at the march or a clip mentioning CNN on YouTube? Whether you are a blogger, a photographer or a filmmaker, it is not always clear where your freedom to use content publicly might be legally questioned. When it comes to using copyrighted material, you have more rights than you think.
Mobilized!
Mobilized! - an event that focuses on mobile communications media practices and technologies and the ways they are rapidly changing public space and social interaction.
Mobilized!
Mobilized! - an event that focuses on mobile communications media practices and technologies and the ways they are rapidly changing public space and social interaction.
Ecuadorian Film Showcase
Views from the middle of the world Ecuadorian women’s production thru an equatorial lens. Co-sponsored by the Center for Social Media.
Ecuadorian Film Showcase
Views from the middle of the world Ecuadorian women’s production thru an equatorial lens. Co-sponsored by the Center for Social Media.
Ecuadorian Film Showcase
Views from the middle of the world Ecuadorian women’s production thru an equatorial lens. Co-sponsored by the Center for Social Media.
Film Screening: Troop 1500
The story of Girl Scout troop, Troop 1500, a unique group at Hilltop Prison in Gatesville, Texas that unites daughters with mothers who are serving time for serious crimes, giving them a chance to rebuild their lives together.
Public Lecture: Entertainment - Education - Telling Stories to Change the World
Can soap operas, music videos and talk radio help save the world? Prof. Doe Mayer talks from her rich experience using entertainment media to carry social messages across borders. She will show examples from successful media campaigns using popular culture, including international versions of Sesame Street.
2007 Reel Journalism: Screenings and SymposiaTickets
The School of Communication, in partnership with WAMU, the Newseum, the Center for Social Media, the Dart Society, the Eagle, AU’s Office of Campus Life, and the SOC Undergraduate Council presents a weekend of exceptional films depicting the world of journalism and featuring special panel discussions by leading journalists, activists, and distinguished alumni.
2007 Reel Journalism: Screenings and Symposia
The School of Communication, in partnership with WAMU, the Newseum, the Center for Social Media, the Dart Society, the Eagle, AU’s Office of Campus Life, and the SOC Undergraduate Council presents a weekend of exceptional films depicting the world of journalism and featuring special panel discussions by leading journalists, activists, and distinguished alumni.
2007 Reel Journalism: Screenings and Symposia
The School of Communication, in partnership with WAMU, the Newseum, the Center for Social Media, the Dart Society, the Eagle, AU’s Office of Campus Life, and the SOC Undergraduate Council presents a weekend of exceptional films depicting the world of journalism and featuring special panel discussions by leading journalists, activists, and distinguished alumni.
2007 Reel Journalism: Screenings and Symposia
The School of Communication, in partnership with WAMU, the Newseum, the Center for Social Media, the Dart Society, the Eagle, AU’s Office of Campus Life, and the SOC Undergraduate Council presents a weekend of exceptional films depicting the world of journalism and featuring special panel discussions by leading journalists, activists, and distinguished alumni.
2007 Environmental Film Festival
AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking and Filmmakers for Conservation Present the 2nd Annual Spring Film Series 2007
2007 Environmental Film Festival
AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking and Filmmakers for Conservation Present the 2nd Annual Spring Film Series 2007
2007 Environmental Film Festival
AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking and Filmmakers for Conservation Present the 2nd Annual Spring Film Series 2007
Spring 2007 Visiting Filmmaker: Haskell Wexler
Academy Award-winning cinematographer, film producer and director Haskell Wexler will join the Center for a public screening and discussion of his film Who Needs Sleep?.
The Best of INPUT, the International Public Television Screening Conference
INPUT, the International Public Television Screening Conference, is a week-long producers’ screening and discussion showcase that has been held in cities around the world since 1978. This unique public television event is the only international conference that focuses specifically on the innovative programs produced by public broadcasters.
Making Your Documentary Matter 2007
How are pros who make “media that matters” making a difference by using cellphones, Youtube, MySpace and good old F2F? How are environmental, political and social documentaries changing?
Free Lecture: Semi-Public Spaces and Documentary in France
How is public media making a difference around the world?
Film Screening: Hip Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes
Part of the 2007 AU Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration - Event Series
Panel Discussion - You Call This Journalism? The Emerging Landscape of News
In collaboration with the Integrated Media Society, this panel discussion will feature journalism and media experts to examine the future of public media and citizen journalism.
Film Screening: The Best of The Santa Barbara Ocean Film Festival 2006
Hosted by Center for Environmental Filmmaking Director, Prof. Chris Palmer, and cosponsored by Filmmakers for Conservation.
9th United Nations Association Film Festival
Roundtable Discussion: “Fair Use, Free Speech and Digital Future in Documentary Filmmaking”
Virginia Film Festival
Panel Discussion: Religion, Media and Politics: Reaching Beyond Preaching to the Converted
2006 Human Rights Film Series Screening: Maquilapolis, with Discussion by Filmmaker Vicky Funari
Part of the 2006 Human Rights Film Series
Visiting Photographer: Lou Dematteis
Award-winning photographer Lou Dematteis has spent more than two decades documenting social and political conflict and their consequences in the United States and around the world.
Iraq for Sale screening and conference call with Director Robert Greenwald
The Center for Social Media will be hosting a free screening of Iraq for Sale on October 11 at 8:00 pm in the Weschler Theater, 3rd floor Mary Graydon Center.
Film Screening: Muxes: Autenticas, Intrepidas y Buscadoras del Peligro
(Muxes: Authentic and Intrepid Seekers of Danger)
“Fair Use Revisited” with The Honorable Alex Kozinski
Judge, US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
2006 DC Labor Film Fest Screening: The Take
DC Labor Film Fest and the Center for Social Media present The Take
Dallas Video Festival: Copyright & Fair Use Workshop
This panel, led by Agnes Varnum of the Center, helps clarify the murky water of licensing and fair use issues and gives social filmmakers tips and strategies for navigating the minefield of copyrighted materials.
Sundance hosts open house for the Center
This year’s Sundance Film Festival honored the newly formed Center for Social Media with an open house at its House of Docs.
Silverdocs 2006 wrap up
Silverdocs, the leading documentary festival in the U.S., features an annual conference, this year entitled “The Future of Reel.” Along with the future of cellphone docs, HD, and online video, panelists discussed the future of public media. At a panel chaired by Orlando Bagwell, the Ford Foundation’s media program office, panelists addressed the question: Do documentarians still need public media?
WIFV Wednesday One: Getting the Right Rights
Panel discussion on when and how to get rights to use copyrighted material, how to determine if something is in the Public Domain, and understanding when you can claim Fair Use.
Fair Use at Computers, Freedom and Privacy Conference
Sponsored by Public Citizen’s Litigation Group, this panel will address intellectual property issues in the digital age and the growing need for content creators to utilize their fair use rights. Get details from Public Citizen Litigation group »
Fair Use, Licensing, and Intellectual Property Rights
Byron Hurt (Beyond Beats and Rhymes), F. Casey Del Casino (attorney and author of The Potential Harm of Musical Parody: Toward an Enlightened Fair Use Calculus), and the Center’s outreach coordinator Agnes Varnum will appear on a panel discussion on fair use, discussing the Documentary Filmmakers’ Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use and how to use the tool in expanding freedom of expression. For panel details and ticketing, visit Nashville Film Festival »
Fair Use, Free Speech and Contract Clearance
The Center hosts a panel on fair use and contract clearance, reporting on progress in industry practices since the launch of the Documentary Filmmakers’ Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use. Joining Professors Aufderheide and Peter Jaszi will be legendary cinema vérité filmmaker Albert Mayles (also accepting a CINE lifetime achievement award that day), award-winning documentary filmmaker Gordon Quinn, and the Independent Television Service’s vice president for distribution, Tamara Gould. Get details »
Lillian Jiménez on Antonia Pantoja
A lecture on Antonia Pantoja, “Forging a Path for Puerto Rican Civil Rights in the U.S.”
Democracy on Deadline with filmmaker Cal Skaggs
A cutting-edge documentary on the often-dangerous but critically important work of independent journalism, unafraid to challenge power—not only in Sierra Leone and Russia but in Washington, D.C. Q & A after film with producer and director, Cal Skaggs and journalist Ken Silverstein. Patricia Finneran of SILVERDOCS will moderate. More on the Reel Journalism Film Festival »
Finding the Story: From the Amazon to Burma and Back
Clip screening and discussion with Adrian Cowell. Cowell’s films include the Opium series (from 1966 – 1978), The Decade of Destruction (1990) and most recently The Heroin Wars.