Documentary film, lecture series debuts June 27

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

PETIT JEAN MOUNTAIN - The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas System is hosting a new documentary film and lecture series called Reel Stories. The documentary filmmaker, when available, will provide critical analysis of the film and discuss some of the methods used to develop it. Following the viewing of the film, topical experts will participate in discussions with the audience.

The series debuts at 7 p.m. Friday, June 27, with Uncounted: The New Math of American Elections featuring filmmaker and Emmy award-winning director David Earnhardt, as well as other political experts from across the region.

At 7 p.m. Friday, July 25, film maker and director Brent Bailey along with other Arkansas dairy industry experts and policy makers will discuss Spilled Milk: Our Milk, Our Farmers, Our Arkansas. The summer lineup concludes with Who Killed the Electric Car? at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. Electric Transportation of Arkansas will be available to discuss the innovation and technology behind today's electric and solarvehicles. ETA will also have several vehicles on display.

Sherry Walker, who is director of programs at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, said documentaries have long served as an educational tool able to inform people about different places or issues.

"Once thought to be dry and boring, they have now become an influential form of film and video -frequently providing insight in a complex world. Documentaries are increasingly serving as a public forum for discussion of a wide range of social, cultural, economic and environmental issues," Walker said.

Admission for each film is $10, or participants can register for all three films for $25. For those who want to make it dinner and a movie, the Rockefeller Institute's River Rock Grill is open from 5-10 p.m. Overnight accommodations are also available at the Rockefeller Institute's Lodge and Conference Center. Space is limited. To reserve seating or for more information visit www.uawri.org or call (501) 727-5435.

River Valley Ozark, Pages 66 on 06/05/2008