Puppets and Feathers and Fezzes, Oh My!
Scribe's Community Visions 2006 Premiere

Did you make it to International House (3701 Chestnut Street) on Tuesday night for Scribe's Annual Community Visions premiere? If you didn't, well, you missed one of the liveliest Scribe screenings so far this year.

Mothers in Charge & The Arts and Spirituality Center -- you could easily spot them in the IHouse lobby in colorful T-shirts making it clear that its wearer was a Mother In Charge -- screened their 14-minute video, How We Make A Change. It explores the groups' collaboration on the Master Peace Project, which mobilizes teens and youths to explore alternatives to violence through theater and the arts.

The Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc. members sported maroon-colored fezzes and an almost visible sense of proud accomplishment while basking in the glow of appreciative audience members who were really "feeling" their video, Love of Nationality and Citizenship.

While a few of the teen student videomakers from The Freire Charter School had to be gently shooed away from the slightly alcoholic sangria at the post-screening reception -- we can vouch that they were on a natural high from the joy of seeing themselves on the big screen -- their video more than answered the question posed by its title, Who is Paulo Freire? And who made the giant puppet head likeness of Freire, the radical educational philosopher himself, that you brought to the screening?

Members of the Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac dance troupe arrived early and stayed late, premiering a lively video exloring the richness of native Aztec culture and dance among Mexican immigrants and migrants in the Philadelphia area, then immediately segueing into a post-screening performance that kept the audience glued to their seats. And to the littlest Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac dancer who couldn't resist punctuating his performance with friendly waves and kisses -- we love you too!

If you're part of a community group eager to commit its work, history and activism to video, there's still time to apply to become a part of the 2006 Community Visions program. (Giant puppet heads are optional.) Contact Community Visions Coordinator Jamese Wells at the Scribe offices (215-222-4201) or via e-mail at jamese@scribe.org to get a head start on your fabulous premiere screening in early 2007.