With growing concerns over global warming and the need for low-carbon, ‘green’ power, Oregon’s energy future may just be radioactive. José Reyes and his start-up NuScale Power, a Corvallis-based company, are attempting to reenergize the nuclear industry with its small-scale and modular nuclear reactors. But can they overcome the problems and stigma associated with the industry and bring nuclear back online as a major power player?
Each team gets a prop, a line of dialog and a genre. Then over the next 72 hours, each group of would be auteurs must write, shoot and edit a film. Welcome to the Adrenaline Film Festival at the University of Oregon. Throughout this frantic three-day madness, industry professionals mentor each team as they pitch story ideas—from action to horror, comedy or western—write scripts, shoot scenes, and make final edits. After three sleepless nights, the teams compete in a showdown as the Cinema Pacific finale. Which team will make the movie that wins it all? This documentary follows one of the teams from start to finish.
Do It (Again) Yourself: Episode 4
Michael Bell is an artisan of swords. Working at his forge in the Coquille wilderness, he practices an ancient Japanese art. Bell’s time in Tokyo as a child, followed by his apprenticeship with an inspirational sensei, lead him to start Dragonfly Forge, an art studio for himself and his son and also a school for any who wish to learn the art of forging a blade. “Master of the Blade” not only shows both how a Japanese sword is created but also reveals Bell’s struggles to overcome challenges–from economic hardship to the physical demands of being a craftsman—so that he can keep the ancient eastern art alive in the United States.
Do It (Again) Yourself: Episode 3
After the invention of Gutenberg’s printing press in the fifteenth century, letterpress printing was the primary technology used in mass communication for several centuries. Today, computers have replaced the letterpress in most areas of publication. But letterpress printing has recently seen a revival in popularity and remains part of a niche market with many independent operators doing business across the country.
The centuries-old practice is now able to blend with modern graphic design technology, creating a new appeal for a new generation of operators. Others enjoy working with their hands and interacting with physical machinery in a time where much of the work we do involves sitting in front of a screen.
Operating one of these machines is a highly developed skill that takes time and commitment. Those who have devoted themselves to this art form are able to create unique prints with a texture, a handmade feel, and a personality that cannot be found in ordinary digital printing.
Do It (Again) Yourself is a video series about people making things they used to buy and people making things that most people don’t anymore.
Shake It, Eugene: Episode 1
It’s Friday night. Taylor’s, Rennie’s, and The District are buzzing. Meanwhile, dancers are strapping on their shoes and heading to the Vet’s Club for one of Eugene’s most delightful secrets: a night of salsa dancing. Although it remains somewhat unknown, Eugene has an extensive Latin dance culture. Friday nights at the Vet’s offers locals a chance to relax, meet new people (including some very talented dancers), and let loose on the dance floor.
Jose Cruz, the coordinator of one the main programs in town, tells us about Eugene’s ever-growing salsa scene. Salsa dances are held every Friday night at the Veteran’s Club on 17th and Willamette. As soon as you step through the door you’re led to the dance room by the sounds of salsas, cumbias and merengues filling the air. Lessons are from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m., and the social dance goes from 10:30 to 1:00 a.m. No partner? That’s no excuse. The Vet’s Club is one of the most welcoming dance venues you’re likely to find in Eugene.
Throughout the video it becomes clear that there is one main factor contributing to the growth of Eugene’s underground salsa movement. Sure, there’s the music, the flavor and the rhythm. And there are those who have been drawn in after falling prey to movies like Take the Lead or Step Up 2. But more than anything else, what keeps people coming back is the joy dancing brings. Once you hit the dance floor, school, work, bills – they all fade away into a different time and place.
Shake It, Eugene is a video series about Eugene’s underground dance movement. Although they remain relatively unknown, places to go dancing in Eugene come alive almost any night of the week as people of all ages turn toward dance as a way to relax and meet new people. This series provides a look at some of Eugene’s most joyful and inviting dance venues.
