A film by Dan Koehler '12 and Liv Dubendorf '12 will compete against eight other finalists in documentary category.
Koehler directed and Dubendorf produced the film as a part of their “Producing the Documentary” class last spring. The film is also an official selection for the Seattle International Film Festival. You can view the film’s trailer here.
According to a news release, Koehler and Dubendorf were two of 38 students from 17 universities and colleges across the country to be named finalists in the Student Academy Awards competition. Winners will be brought to Los Angeles for a week of industry activities and social events that will culminate in the awards ceremony Saturday, June 8, in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
The release also said students who reached this staged competed in one of three regional competitions, from which up to three finalists in each of the four categories (alternative, animation, doc) could be submitted.
The documentary follows Raleigh-based photographer Curtis Brown, who has never been political – until now. Accordinging to the film’s synopsis, “When a proposed constitutional amendment threatens the legitimacy of many North Carolina families, Brown takes up his camera to make a stand. He and a handful of friends set up photo shoots across the state to capture a portrait of unity in this inspiring story from the struggle for marriage equality. As he encourages change, Brown battles politicians, ignorance, and his own doubt. The day of the vote approaches, and Brown cannot help but fear he has not done enough to convince North Carolina to vote against Amendment One. Yet, win or lose, Brown takes comfort in the knowledge that, through his project, thousands have banded together in love and support.”
Both Koehler and Dubendorf were members of elondocs, Elon’s documentary production program, while students.