Joshua by Bert Salzman Award Winning Educational Film Video

It's Joshua's last day in Harlem before leaving for a college in Texas where he has earned a track and field scholarship. He runs joyfully through New York's central park but his joy ends when he is the victim of a racial slur uttered by a five year old boy that he had befriended. Later, on his way home Joshua is able to work out his anger during a fight with a boy his age. The confrontation releases Joshua's frustration and after the fight, in a dramatic scene Joshua is able to fly a uniquely designed kite that the boy had built but was unable to get airborne. JOSHUA (15 minutes, black and white, 1969). Joshua is a black boy in Harlem who has won an athletic scholarship that will take him to a Texas college. Somewhat upset at the prospect of leaving behind tile people who love him and entering the strange white world, lie takes off on an energetic last romp in the park. At the zoo he becomes friendly with a small boy who uses the word "nigger" unthinkingly. Now seriously upset and angry, but unable to strike back at the child, Joshua races off again, but crashes into a white boy about his own age. They fight fiercely, although the white boy cannot understand Joshua's fury. As Joshua calms down, he too sees the pointlessness of the fight and takes off once more. But the white boy calls him back to enlist his aid in getting an elaborate kite off the ground. After Joshua's running skill has been put to good use to get the kite aloft, the two boys seem to see each other as individuals, rather than as stereotyped foes. Joshua tells its simple story in a charmingly lyrical style that suggests but does not force its basic message that confrontations between blacks and whites can be constructive. This black and white film about racial conflict between young people and resolution is simply marvelous! It is also inelligent and touching. It should be shown and discussed at every multi racial school in America. Awards: EFLA (Educational Film Library Association Blue Ribbon Award). Marcus and Emily Williams achievement award for the promotion of racial equality in America. Director: Bert Salzman; Producer: Bert Salzman.

Dear Friends,
The " Bert Salzman collection of classic 16mm educational films have recently been saved from extinction and are now available for viewing on the Internet Archive. Link: http://www.archive.org/search.php?que...

The films originally made in the early 1970's as human values films for social study classes include the (Academy Award winner Angel And Big Joe and Geronimo Jones (which premiered at the famous Radio City Music Hall in New York City). In his films Bert Salzman tries to instill hope and love into the hearts of young people. His message always was: "Have hope, go deep into your self; You are more than you think you are!".

The Internet Academic Archive is now hosting all of the Bert Salzman Collection and links to the entire collection can be found below. If you enjoy these films please forward this letter to your friends especially educators. From the beginning It has always been Bert's dream, his goal- that his films find their way into every school in this very troubled world and perhaps change it for the better-even in a small way. Bert thanks you in advance for your help in achieving this goal.

Origin Of films: ***
The early to mid-1970s were truly heady times for the educational film world. Fueled by the Johnson administration's "Great Society" philosophy, educational programs embraced themes of ethnic awareness and diversity, and school districts nationwide began demanding professional quality 16mm films that both encouraged and provoked classroom discussion. Learning Corporation of America, was a prime source for these types of films, and the maker of several of its most profound and dynamic films was Bert Salzman. Salzman was already a successful artist before embarking on a career as a filmmaker. In 1970, Linda Gottlieb of LCA asked him to choose three ethnic groups as focal points for his first LCA films. The films he did for LCA eventually ran to eight, including Oscar-winning Angel & Big Joe. Salzman infused each of these films which he wrote and directed with elements essential to great film of any genre: pathos, passion, and humor. Posted with permission from Bert Salzman.

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[vistakom]

one of uneasy "issues" B.Salzman deals with his great spirit - gentle and roomy.

I enjoy your films, thank you rosaryfilms and Thank You Bert Salzman.

V

[rosaryfilms]

vistakom, you are welcome -- thank you very much for your comments and for watching!

[TIPTON340]

We need Bert Salzman now more than ever.