SPNN chooses new wave of documentary filmmakers

On Saturday, the St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN) will offer a free screening of documentaries made by the latest class of its Doc U program. Over 16 weeks, 12 low-income adults learned the nuts and bolts of documentary filmmaking. It is the fifth year that Doc U has taught new filmmakers the basics of camera work to storytelling to lighting. Their work will be celebrated a free premiere screening at SPNN's new facility at 550 Vandalia Street Suite 170 in St. Paul's Creative Enterprise Zone. From 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., the public is invited to join the filmmakers at a Media Maker Mixer. The short documentaries will be shown starting at 2 p.m. Each participant created a 10-minute documentary on a range of topics of their choosing. "It's been an intensive program," said Bonnie Schumacher, Community Access director. "And we're so proud to see the remarkable work that has come from all 12 participants. They've done some really exciting work in a short period of time." Funded by a grant from McKnight Foundation, SPNN's Doc U program focuses on reaching adults who make 60% or less of the median income. "It is the mission of SPNN to empower people through media," said Executive Director Chad Johnston. "We're very proud to offer an opportunity for those who are most underrepresented in the media to represent themselves." SPNN is a non-profit community media center serving St. Paul and the Twin Cities metro area. It's mission is to empower people to use media and communications to better lives, use authentic voice, and build common understanding.