Jay Craven
The Filmmaker as Activist
"My goal is to tell an inventive and original story," says Jay Craven of his filmmaking approach, "It's not just about equipment or being able to imitate Hollywood." A respected independent filmmaker, Jay puts his money where his script is; he creates award-winning films on modest budgets, combining the talents of his regular ensemble (Tantoo Cardinal, Bill Raymond, Rusty DeWees, John Griesemer) with well-known actors like Michael J. Fox, Rip Torn, Ernie Hudson, Treat Williams and Martin Sheen.
Jay is an award-winning film director, writer, producer, and college professor whose ground-breaking work in the community arts movement is rooted in years of activism as a national leader against the war in Vietnam. A January 2008 profile on National Public Radio's All Things Considered cites Craven's pioneering work in grass roots distribution of his independent films into hundreds of New England towns — and across the country. Craven is a dynamic speaker who has appeared at hundreds of colleges and community venues, starting in the early 1970's when he toured with Howard Zinn, Noam Chomsky, Jane Fonda, and others, making the case for civil disobedience action against the war in Vietnam. During that time, Craven also testified for the anti-war movement before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, worked on the Pentagon Papers Trial, joined with three other activists to organize John Lennon's nationwide concert tour against the war; and helped lead the 1971 May Day demonstrations — resulting in the largest act of civil disobedience action in U.S. History.
Jay attributes his filmmaking success to focusing on the same basics he teaches in the classroom at Marlboro College: writing and directing. He also emphasizes the importance of collaboration — with lighting specialists, actors, cinematographers, and designers. "I'm working to build a cross-collaborative film program that draws on Marlboro's impressive resources of filmmakers, actors, musicians, writers, photographers, and visual artists," he says.
Jay started making super 8mm "epics" as a freshman at Boston University in the late 60's. In 1974, he settled in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, where he launched the Catamount Arts performing arts program, which grew by the mid-80's to become northern New England's largest independent arts producer and presenter. Jay's awards include the Producers' Guild of America's 1995 NOVA Award for Most Promising New Theatrical Motion Picture Producer of the Year. His film credits include High Water (1989), Where the Rivers Flow North (1994), A Stranger in the Kingdom (1998), In Jest (1999), The Year that Trembled (2002), and Disappearances (2006).
Contact the lecture bureau for booking information, lecture schedules, speaking engagement questions and to check the availability of Jay Craven appearing at your next special event.
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