Skip to main content

MFA Film Project - The End is Near

Cinemeccanica movie projector from circa 1950 ...
Cinemeccanica movie projector from circa 1950 in small cinema of folklore and arts union. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Since January 2016, I have been working towards my MFA in Film and Digital Technology. During these 18 months, I have had a number of medical issues, yet I did complete my coursework on time despite hospital visits, surgeries, and other minor disasters, including a car accident that totaled our beloved Jeep Cherokee.

What I don’t blog about, for many reasons, is that my wife and I are also foster parents. I won’t write much about that, but want people to understand that not only am I “the autistic me” trying to do my best to obtain job skills, I am also a parent with special needs children who are worth every minute they require for special services and our love.

My studies, teaching, our medical adventures, the children… it all adds up and has made completing the MFA film project a race against the clock. It also is going to require more funds than I had anticipated.

If you read and appreciate this blog and consider my efforts worthwhile, you may donate to my film project via the following link:

https://paypal.me/poetcsw 

A film is not like my previous academic work. It is not a book report, a literature review, a study of existing materials. A film requires computer hardware, software, and a lot of camera gear. I have spend $15,000 on materials to make my projects during the last 18 months and now I might have to spend another $5,000 to $10,000 dollars to earn the MFA.

Remaining an active voice for all people, fighting academia’s curious intolerances for all who are different — despite claims to the contrary — is an important and valuable pursuit. I do not regret the time and money we have invested. Nothing scares me more than falling short of the MFA goal after completing everything except the final film.

Most of my readers are no more secure than my family is. I know that. And I cannot repay all the kindnesses that people have extended during my graduate studies. My only repayment would be to speak loudly and move on towards creating audio and video content to amplify my voice and the voices of others marginalized by society.

Thank you for supporting this blog. That people read what I post here means more to me than I can express.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Autistic Burnout

Summer demands a lot of social energy, especially for parents. For autistics, the never-ending social calendar of summer can cause serious autistic burnout. Host C. S. Wyatt discusses his need to find a balance between social demands and self-care. Check out this episode!

Alex Plank and Jenny Palmiotto discuss "An Eventing with Ezra"

The film Ezra follows Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (Robert De Niro), while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (introducing William Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne). Alex Plank, Associate Producer Alex Plank is a trailblazing autistic self-advocate and a pioneering leader in the autistic human rights. As an associate producer of the critically acclaimed movie 'Ezra,' Alex has made significant strides in both behind-the-scenes and on-camera roles. He is a champion of authentic and humanistic representation of autistic individuals in the film industry. With a deep commitment to challenging ableism, Alex advocates for a world where autistic people are valued and respected. This commitment extends to a broader condemnation of ableism in all its forms, with a specific focus on dismantling the barriers within the film industry that marginalize autistic talent and narratives. Jenny Palmiotto – Founder of Love & Aut...

Jason Dietrich Neurodiverse STEM Educator

Jason Dietrich, Neurodiverse STEM Educator Originally recorded on 15 September 2023 Jason Dietrich writes: I am interested in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM as well as building a solid foundation for STEM literacy. Ours is a technology-based society, therefore, I seek to build computational literacy and develop critical thinkers capable of analyzing and integrating data to formulate solutions to complex real-world problems requiring innovation and creativity. I also strive to use innovative, tailored instructional methods, especially for those challenged in mathematics, which is often a barrier to STEM careers. It is critical to make STEM learning more meaningful and inspiring to students. Finally, I am eager to promote STEM engagement activities through NASA’s missions to inspire a diverse future STEM workforce. I am experienced in training and development, global education policy and methods, statistical analysis, curriculum development, and assessment strategi...