Current Filmmakers in Residence

Unorthodox

Anna Wexler

2007-2008 Filmmaker in Residence
Anna Wexler has co-directed and co-produced several short films, including “A Piece of Cake” (winner of the 2006 Chris Pomiecko Prize and 2005 Cambridge University Cinecam 48 Hours Film Festival) and “Spice Cream” (grand prize winner, 2007 TechTV Showcase). She graduated from MIT in 2007 with degrees in Brain and Cognitive Science, and Humanities and Science with a focus in Writing. During her time at MIT, Wexler gained experience in science writing by interning at WGBH’s NOVA and at Harvard University’s Office of News and Public Affairs. Her science and travel writing have won numerous awards and have been published in outlets ranging from neuroscience journals to travel magazines. Wexler is a world traveler who has embarked on many expeditions, including a solo bicycle journey across Mexico, a motorcycle tour of remote northern Vietnam, and month-long treks in Nepal and Turkey.

Project Synopsis:

A year spent in Israel is a rite of passage for most teenagers brought up in the American Modern Orthodox Jewish community: nearly all high school graduates, both religious and non-religious, embark on this journey of spiritual renewal. Anna Wexler, along with fellow filmmaker Nadja Oertelt, set out to follow a new generation of young Jews as they spent their year in Israel. In addition to conventional documentary cinematography shot in the US and in Israel, narration throughout the film weaves Anna’s own story with that of the three subjects. Awaken explores the role of society, family and nations in influencing beliefs, the nature of religious metamorphoses, and the border dividing Orthodoxy and mainstream society. Awaken is a film that not only documents the unique year in Israel among the Orthodox Jewish population, but also represents a more universal narrative—the story of anyone who has ever truly confronted her most deeply rooted beliefs.

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The Way We Get By

Gita and Aron

Gita Pullapilly and Aron Gaudet

2007-2008 Filmmakers in Residence

More About The Way We Get By (Trailer, Photos, Etc.)

http://www.thewaywegetbymovie.com

Visit The Way We Get By YouTube Page

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheWayWeGetByMovie

Gita Pullapilly is an award-winning television journalist and film producer. In 2008, she was inducted into the Royal Society of the Arts for her work as a filmmaker. She has produced stories in the U.S., Jordan and India for PBS, CBS, CNN and ABC. In 2006, Gita was selected as a participant in the Sundance Producers Conference at the Sundance Institute for The Way We Get By. In 2005, Gita was the first filmmaker chosen as a Fulbright Senior Scholar to Jordan. She is a member of IFP, IDA, Women in Film and Video, and the Color of Film Collaborative. Gita was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.B.A. in Finance and holds a master's degree from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

Award-winning director, screenwriter and editor, Aron Gaudet has worked on films in the United States, Jordan and India. In addition, Aron has produced Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins promotional spots for New England Sports Network (NESN). Aron has won numerous awards in television including a total of 5 Telly Awards, 2 Emmy nominations, 2 Vermont Association of Broadcasters awards, and a Michigan Association of Broadcasters award. He is directing Dungby Productions’ feature-length documentary film, The Way We Get By, which has been getting national attention, including a mention in U.S. News & World Report. In August 2006, Aron attended the Sundance Producers Conference at the Sundance Institute with Film Producer, Gita Pullapilly. Aron is a member of the International Documentary Association (IDA) and IFP and is a graduate of New England School of Communications (NESCOM).

Project Synopsis:

“When your time comes, whether you got a million people around you or there’s nobody…you’re still gonna go.” Bill Knight’s realization about his own inevitable death is at the heart of The Way We Get By, a story about three elderly people battling their greatest fears and finding a reason to live. The film examines the lives of three Maine Troop Greeters as they put their politics aside to keep a promise to support the American troops. The story’s three characters must overcome tremendous obstacles-- health issues, emotional losses and financial difficulties-- to live a life on-call, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, traveling to the airport to greet complete strangers. To date, the Maine Troop Greeters have greeted over 600,000 troops, as 75% of all soldiers and marines heading to and returning home from Iraq, fly through Bangor’s tiny airport.

The story is told through the eyes of BILL KNIGHT, an eccentric WWII veteran looking for a cure for his loneliness after the death of his wife. JOAN GAUDET, a 74-year-old woman who has spent her life taking care of her 8 children and 12 grandchildren and now must cope with the news that two of her grandchildren are headed to war. And JERRY MUNDY, a jolly veteran who spends most of his time talking about life with his best friend Mr. Flannigan…his dog.