East Austin Nonprofit Showcases 100+ Artists & Filmmakers in March
Experimental Media Artist Panel
Motion Media Arts Center (MMAC) is dedicated to providing accessible pathways into creative industries for underrepresented people of all ages. Founded in 2002 through the merger of two renowned arts and film organizations, MMAC has garnered worldwide recognition for its pioneering media arts initiatives over nearly two decades.
Austin School of Film, MMAC’s award-winning community film school that has been operating in East Austin for over 20 years. This public community film school offers a diverse range of classes, workshops, youth education, and learning programs in art, film, and creative technology. These programs are tailored for both youth and adult learners, thoughtfully crafted and instructed by industry filmmakers and artists.
Throughout the years, thousands of students have passed through the doors of MMAC, with 2024 being no exception. In March of that year, MMAC celebrated its students' work by curating two special showcases. The first, held on March 10, featured 15 short films created in MMAC's production classes over the past two years. This event showcased the work of dozens of students efforts, spanning narrative films, experimental pieces, documentaries, and music videos.
Between the two events, MMAC saw over 300 guests and had sponsorship from Precision Camera, The City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, Texas Commission on the Arts, Liquid Death, Dirty Shirley's, and more. Through donation-based admission, the nonprofit was able to raise over $1,000 to fund future public events such as this.
On March 16, MMAC brought back the beloved FILM & FRIENDS series, highlighting emerging filmmakers and media artists, many of whom were showcasing their work for the first time. The showcase included narrative short films from the Digital Filmmaking: Script to Screen course, avant-garde and experimental short films from the Avant Garde & Experimental Filmmaking course, and new media installations by media artists from the Experimental Media II course. These installations blended analog and digital elements, featuring expansive sets, large-scale loop projections, and more.
The event also featured an artist panel where the media artists, Alaithia Velez, Carmella L. Harper, Danica Obradovic, and Mor Fleisher Leach, explained their work and creative processes. They discussed creating a media installation using new and old technology for the first time in a short two-month class, and how this learning experience inspired them to jump to new heights with their work.
Each artist brought a unique perspective to the panel, highlighting the innovative ways they incorporated technology into their installations. From blending analog and digital elements to creating immersive experiences, the artists showcased the creative possibilities that arise when combining new and old technologies.
They spoke about the challenges they faced during the creation process, such as learning new techniques and troubleshooting technical issues. However, they also emphasized how these challenges fueled their creativity and pushed them to explore new avenues in their work.
Motion Media Arts Center’s commitment to fostering accessible pathways into creative industries is not just admirable; it's essential. Public showcases of emerging artists play a crucial role in providing these individuals with a platform to gain recognition and visibility. These events not only celebrate the artists' work but also serve as inspiration for others to pursue their creative passions. Through its innovative programs and initiatives, we’ll continue our work to break down barriers and empower people to pursue their dreams in the arts and beyond.
