Event programming will feature multi-media presentations by local artists and changemakers, including Austin-based filmmaker, Kate Kirby, Executive Director of Kindred Planet Productions, and Director of feature documentary film, Elephant Keeper, and members from VSA Texas, the State Organization on Arts and Disability.

Sunday, February 17th, 4-6pm, The MakerSpace Austin School of Film, 2200 Tillery Street, Austin
Free & open to general public, suggested $10-20 donation (cash, Paypal or Venmo accepted).
Wheelchair accessible facility. ASL interpreter,
Live Audio Description. Gender neutral bathroom onsite.
All ages. Free on-site parking.

____________________________Schedule____________________________

Keynote Presentation:
The Making of Elephant Keeper: A Journey in Justice-Based Filmmaking from Laos to Austin.
An Immersive Multimedia Presentation by Kate Kirby, Director &
Producer, Elephant Keeper, Executive Director, Kindred Planet
Productions.

Community Partner Platform:
Equalizing the viewing experience: Live Audio Description
Demonstration, Elephant Keeper select scenes, by VSA Texas

Social: Meet fellow artists, organizers, and changemakers

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About Elephant Keeper…

Elephant Keeper: The Story of a Mahout in Laos

Laos, a country rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, was once referred to as Lan Xang, or “The Land of a Million Elephants.” There are now less than 1000 elephants remaining. At the current mortality rates, the Lao elephant, and the Mahout tradition are rapidly approaching extinction.

Elephant Keeper goes behind the scenes at an elephant conservation center in Laos, providing a rare and intimate glimpse into the daily life of Mahout Mr. Thong, Mae Dok, the 60-year-old elephant, and Baby Noy, a wild orphaned elephant.

Film Teaser: https://vimeo.com/user17255072/elephantkeepertrailer1

About Kindred Planet Productions…
Founded in 2013 to “capture the interconnectedness of a 21st century world, raise awareness, and inspire change by bringing into focus stories from the margins, Austin-based Kindred Planet Productions has produced a variety of documentaries, filmed around the world. An advocate for social, economic, and environmental progress, KPP operates from a justice-based framework to highlight grassroots-led initiatives, seeking to provoke critical thought and action.

About VSA Texas…
“Established in 1996, VSA arts of Texas (dba VSA Texas) has built a legacy of offering high quality, inclusive arts programs and services in Austin, and is the only organization operating at the intersection of arts, education and disability in Texas. We create and maintain an accessible and open community where everyone can participate. Our goal is to provide support and training to the public, enhance personal growth, and offer Texans access to the creative work of people with diverse abilities.”

This event is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:

Photo of Asian male in late 50s wearing a dirty blue work shirt and a Nike baseball hat, gently pinching the wrinkled cheek skin of a large Asian elephant, who faces him with long eyelashes covering one eye. The man looks off frame with one brown eye, and a bright glassy eye holds a pensive gaze. Three logos are positioned at the bottom of the photo, one is 3 stacked cubes with the words: “Cultural Arts City of Austin Economic Development.” The second logo: “VSA Texas The State Organization on Arts and Disability.” The third logo is of two figures sitting, and facing each other on the bottom edge of planet earth, their legs hanging over the edge.