Stories transcend time and place. Rina Goldberg, who passed away two weeks after her fifteenth birthday from Mitochondrial Disease, knew the truth behind the truism. Some of her final words to her mother were “promise to take care of my film.” Whether you want to sell a script or write a novel, you can draw inspiration from Rina and some of the most tenacious artists on the planet: filmmakers.

The latest in James River Writer’s Writing Show series, Behind the Screen: Storytelling through Filmmaking, on Thursday, February 27, at the Camel, brings together a selection of award-winning directors and screenwriters from the Richmond International Film Festival. Moderator Julie Geen, writer and teacher, will guide the discussion about navigating the changing industry, what makes a good story, and how to stay motivated.

Recap by Leila Gaskin

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The program features two L.A. based filmmakers: Academy Award winner Ron Judkins, writer and producer of the films Finding Neighbors and The Hi-Line, and Tamika Lamison, award-winning director, writer, and producer. Lamison is the force behind the Make a Film Foundation, which premiered the narrative short, “The Magic Bracelet,” fulfilling Rina’s wish. Hailing from Singapore is Hannes Ralle, an award-winning animator whose focus is adaptation of classic literature. His latest work, The Cold Heart, brings a German Gothic fairy tale to life. Stacy Goldberg, Rina’s mother, joins the panel to spread her daughter’s message of positivity in adversity.

Thursday, February 27, 2014
6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Camel
1621 W. Broad St., Richmond
Ample parking available in the Lowe’s parking lot across the street (Lowe’s and the Camel have a parking sharing agreement).
$10 in advance, $12 at the door, $5 students

Proceeds benefit both James River Writers and the Richmond International Film Festival.

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Panelists 

rina and ema 2Rina Goldberg, Jr. Producer and Jr. Writer of the award-winning short film, “The Magic Bracelet,” passed away 2 weeks after her fifteenth birthday from Mitochondrial Disease before her movie was completed by the Make a Film Foundation.  Some of her final words to her mom were “Promise to take care of my film.” The February Writing Show is dedicated to Rina and her life mantra: “Love Life, Dream Big, Be Positive.” Her mother, Stacy Goldberg, joins us to carry her message.

JUDKINS_headshotRon Judkins is the writer/director of the films Finding Neighbors and The Hi-Line.  The Hi-Line premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Showtime Television.  Finding Neighbors is currently enjoying an extensive film festival run. He is also the director of 24 Peaces, currently in production.  He is the winner of two Academy Awards, Best Sound for Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan, and was also nominated for his work on Schindler’s List and Lincoln.

Tamika Lamison PhotoTamika Lamison is an award-winning writer, director, and producer. She graduated from American University with a BA in Performing Arts and worked successfully in NYC as an actor before turning her attention behind the scenes. Tamika’s first screenplay, “Jar by the Door,” was a Sundance Finalist and won several awards including the Gordon Parks Independent Film Award and 10k. Other awards include the ABC/Walt Disney Fellowship in screenwriting and the Irvine Film Festival’s Philanthropic Award. Tamika is passionate about service and making a difference with film. She founded and serves as Executive Director of Make a Film Foundation, which premiered the narrative short, “The Magic Bracelet,” directed by Jon Poll and adapted by Academy Award winning writer Diablo Cody from a story by a young girl whose final wish before she died was to have this story made into a film.

Rall_photo_02Hannes Rall (aka Hans-Martin Rall) is an Associate Professor for animation at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He is also an independent animation director. Hannes Rall has shown his award-winning work in in more than 20 countries and over 150  film-festivals worldwide. His research and artistic work is focused on exploring adaptation of classic literature for animation and on intercultural collaborations. His film The Cold Heart, is adapted from a famous German Gothic fairy tale by Wilhelm Hauff.

Moderator

JulieGeenforwebJulie Geen is a freelance writer for Style Weekly and wrote an award-winning fitness column for Belle magazine (may she rest in peace) despite her hatred for exercise. Her essays have been published in anthologies and a short story about zombies and high heels appeared in Richmond Macabre II. Currently, she is editing her first novel and teaching for Richmond Young Writers.