Seven independent producers and student filmmakers have been selected by Rhode Island PBS to create short films about the COVID-19 pandemic experience.
The February 8 Request for Proposals (RFP) “Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic” invited filmmakers to develop and produce short 3- to 5-minute films and offered funding awards of up to $5,000. These films will begin airing on Rhode Island PBS broadcast channels and digital platforms later this spring.
“This past year left an indelible mark on all of us in profound ways,” said WSBE Rhode Island PBS President David W. Piccerelli. “Many Rhode Islanders have faced isolation and frustration. There are also remarkable stories of reimagined innovation and resilience. We asked for content that captures the COVID-19 experience - stories that deeply resonate with the community,” he said.
According to the RFP, the subject of the films could be a personal response, such as the point of view of a healthcare professional, small business owner, or parent. Community stories that reflect on the pandemic from either a contemporary or historical perspective were also encouraged.
“Rhode Island PBS is committed to listening to community needs and responding with relevant content that addresses those issues the community says is important,” Mr. Piccerelli said.
“There is a lot of documentary film talent right here in our community. The combination of shared experience and talent combine for powerful, relevant storytelling,” he said.
“We are so pleased with the response we received to our first topic-focused RFP,” said Lori Sullivan, director of content at Rhode Island PBS. “The proposals were great, and we thank those who submitted and shared their work.”
Rhode Island PBS received 34 submissions, 21 of those from established producers in the community, and 13 from students.
“The final decision was difficult, and that is a testament to the strength of our regional talent,” said Ms. Sullivan. “Now, we look forward to working with these filmmakers to bring their stories to the community.”
Award recipients are:
Bill Culbertson Pollywog Pond
Geared toward young children, pre-k to grade 5, the series will instruct and reinforce wearing masks in public, primarily on the way to and from school and in the classroom. The shorts will be light and humorous for young viewers while educating and reinforcing COVID guidelines.
Jim Karpeichik Letters of Hope: Life Interrupted
Members of the community pause and reflect on the pandemic by writing a letter. In it, they write about how their life has been interrupted and changed by the pandemic. Nurses, doctors, firefighters, teachers, and others will be featured.
Mike Rossi In Our Time: Living through the COVID pandemic
The four stories explore how COVID has affected those with mental illness, charities, the homeless, and the fight to stay positive.
Austin Beatty, Senior at Emerson College Socially Distant
The film follows a man suffering from depression and the struggles he faces during the pandemic.
Maddie Dennis, Graduate of Rhode Island School of Design Animated short
With masks, canceled plans, and choppy Zoom calls, it can be easy to slip into isolation, to feel unseen by the world. But all of this alone time also gives one the opportunity to notice things about oneself, about others. This story will weave together snippets of conversation from a handful of Rhode Islanders who have found a way to see and be seen amongst it all. (Video is not available for viewing at this time.)
Melissa Marchese, Junior at the University of Rhode Island Zoom University
The film follows a college senior through her last semester in college and the struggles of experiencing that through a pandemic.
Samuel Markey, Graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and Design Corona
Using only images and music, this film reflects on issues many faced at the start of the pandemic: uncertainty, chaos, working from home, and even the obsessive desire to hoard resources.
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WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD in MA; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36. The broadcast schedule is also available through live streaming over the Internet at watch.ripbs.org/livestream.
WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; Cox 808, Verizon FiOS 478, Full Channel 989; Comcast 294 or 312. The Learn schedule also streams in real-time over the Internet at ripbs.org/stream.
