Alternative Media: A Social Movement and a Political Project
David Sandoval, a Chicano filmmaker, discusses alternative media production; Emancipation Arts, the non-profit organization he heads; and opportunities for Chicanos in film making. Sandoval explains that alternative media seeks to meet the need for socially relevant films ignored by commercial entertainment industries. While alternative media dates back to the 1950s and 60s, it is just beginning to earn widespread recognition, both national and international, for its award-winning documentaries and feature length films. Sandoval discusses some of the challenges facing independent filmmakers who must find funding for their projects and venues for distribution. He explains that some filmmakers are banding together to address the problems of distribution for alternative media and elaborates on some of their tactics. Many filmmakers also try to work with the major television networks, but these networks are hesitant to air their programs, and so many turn to public broadcasting channels.
Sandoval then discusses his work with Emancipation Arts, a multi-ethnic non-profit organization that works to promote independent film and help develop alternative media projects. Sandoval says the organization and its films seek to project social messages in a way that is entertaining and appealing to a broad audience. He also describes some of the organization’s recent projects.
KEYWORDS
ABCAfrican Americans
Alambrista
All that Jazz
Alternative Media
Antitrust Laws
Barbara Kopple
Bert Schneider
Black Film
Broadcasting Channels
Cable Television
CBS
Cheech and Chong
Chicano Film
Chicanos in Hollywood
Cinema
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Corridos del Valle
David Sandoval
Emancipation Arts
Europeans
Filmmaking
Foreign Policy
Glenn Silber
Harlan County USA
Hearts and Minds
Independent Media
International Interest in American Minorities
Jimmy Carter
Jonathan Arthur
Los Angeles
Mexican Americans in Film
Monopolies
NBC
Network Television
Nicaragua
Nuestro Magazine
Paul Scribner
PBS
Public Broadcasting
Rich Kids
Richard Marin
Robert Allen Arthur
Robert Young
Salt of the Earth
Sandinista
Socially conscious art
Socially relevant art
Spanish International Network
Spanish-Speaking Market
Televisa
Television
The War at Home
Tommy Chong
Transnationalism
Valley of Tears
Will Geer