A new South Carolina Historical Marker highlighting the College’s history was unveiled on George Street by President Hsu and Film Studies minor Keyasia Pride on CofC Day, a celebration of the College’s 250th anniversary. Keyasia was helped by fellow student Grayson Harris. The marker, located near Porter Lodge, notes the College’s decision, in 1949, to return from public to private institution in order to avoid segregation. It now stands as a testament to the College of Charleston’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. We’re so proud of Keyasia! You can read more about the ceremony in a story that appeared in today’s Post & Courier, here.

Keyasia Pride, with President Andrew T. Hsu and Grayson Harris.

Paul Tschinkel, acclaimed video artist from NYC, will be screening two of his short documentaries. Each puts the spotlight on influential photographers: Cindy Sherman and Nan Goldin. The screenings, which will be presented by Tschinkel himself, will take place at a new art space on upper King St. called The Space (2417 Heriot St., Studio F), on February 6. Tschinkel is best known for his local television show Paul Tschinkel’s Inner-Tube, which ran on Manhattan’s Public Access Channel C from 1979-1983 and featured punk bands like The Heartbreakers; and for his trailblazing video magazine, ART/New York, which showcased artists like the American Neo-Expressionists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Julian Schnabel. The event is sponsored by local photographers Caroline Knopf and Mark Stetler. The doors open at 6pm.

Jean-Michel Basquiat interviewed by Dr. Mark Miller (Prof. of Art History, NYU) for Paul Tschinkel’s Inner-Tube, 1983. The 30-minute video interview was screened in Charleston at the Halsey Institute for Contemporary Art, September 5, 2018.

Information courtesy of Adam Parker of the Post & Courier.

The Center of International Education’s many Study Abroad programs include a semester in Florence, Italy. In addition to its focus on the Slow Food movement, which was founded by the Italian activist Carlo Petrini, the Florence program is offering students the opportunity to study Film and Communication. The 12-hour program includes two courses offered by Dr. Colleen Glenn (English & Film Studies) and three courses offered by Dr. Celeste Lacroix (Communication). This is an amazing program in an amazing city: Florence is the hub of the New York Film Academy in Europe and is the home of the Firenze Film Festival (which runs in early September). Plus, you’re only a short train ride from Rome, home of the most famous movie studio in Europe, Cinecittà! For more information, see the flyers included below.

From Student Film Club President, Dan Colella:

• Follow us on social media (Instagram: @filmclubcofc) (Facebook: CofC Film Club)
• Check out our most recent short film, Memories, on our Youtube Channel
• Screenwriting and Story Workshop – February 15th
• Join Film Club on Cougar Connect – https://cougarconnect.cofc.edu/organization/filmclub

The RiverRun International Film Festival, which is March 26 – April 5, will be hosting the 9th Annual Pitch Fest & Panel on Saturday, March 28. The festival is held in Winston-Salem, NC, and boasts its excellence in programming, which earned it official recognition by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in two categories: Documentary Shorts and Animated Shorts. Students are invited to attend the Pitch Fest & Panel, during which they will pitch their ideas for a documentary before a panel of expert judges. Cash prizes are given to the 1st and 2nd place winners, and all participants will receive feedback. Pitch Fest is free to attend. For more information, contact Caroline McMahon.