katherinepertuso@bavc.org
Meet Zander Constien, BAVC Media’s Membership & Programs Assistant
Zander Constien recently joined the BAVC Media team as our Membership and Programs Assistant, where they’re helping foster meaningful connections with our members and supporting the day-to-day rhythm of our public programs. If you have any questions about membership email him at membership@bavc.org and learn more about membership here. Working alongside the Marketing Department, Zander also plays a key role in strengthening BAVC Media’s outreach and community engagement efforts. Originally from Colorado, he brings a rich background in cinema and language studies, along with hands-on experience supporting independent filmmakers at both BAVC and the Roxie Theater. When they’re not busy [...]
Remaining Native SXSW Premiere
Remaining Native follows Ku Stevens as he retraces his great-grandfather’s 50-mile escape from an Indian boarding school, a journey that explores memory, resilience, and the ongoing impact of this history on Native communities. For director Paige Bethmann, the story was personal—her great-grandmother attended a Catholic-run boarding school in New York, shaping her family’s history in ways that still resonate today. With the support of the BAVC MediaMaker Fellowship, Bethmann navigated the challenges of independent filmmaking, finding mentorship and a network of peers to help bring Remaining Native to life. In this interview, producer Jess Epstein discusses the collaborative process, the [...]
The Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums Conference with Victoria Fajardo
Victoria Fajardo, BAVC Media’s Preservation Technician & Audio Specialist, attended the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries and Museums (ATALM) Conference last October. She shared her insights and highlighted the importance of preserving Indigenous culture through archival practices, community involvement, and technology. What were your biggest takeaways from the conference? My biggest takeaways from the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums Conference were centered around the importance of preserving Indigenous culture through archival practices, the need for community involvement in these processes, and the evolving role of technology in facilitating access to these resources. It was clear that tribal communities [...]
Mapping the Magnetic Media Landscape: Lessons from Archives Across the U.S.
As part of the Mapping the Magnetic Media Landscape study, BAVC Media's Research and Development Manager, Kailen Sallander, and Director of Special Programs Kelli Shay Hix conducted site visits to three archives across the United States including ENTRE, ‘Ulu’ulu, and Smithsonian Institution's Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative. This initiative aims to develop a comprehensive, data-driven understanding of analog audiovisual media digitization and conservation efforts nationwide. By engaging directly with organizations working on magnetic media preservation, the project seeks to identify challenges, share creative solutions, and foster collaboration within the field. Below, Kailen reflects on the lessons learned from these organizations. Purpose [...]
Celebrating BAVC Media at Sundance 2025
The Sundance Film Festival 2025 is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited to cheer on some incredible films from BAVC Media's community. These works showcase a stunning variety of stories, from a poetic look at Black farmers’ legacy in the American South to an intimate portrayal of Deaf Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin, and from an investigation of disability rights to a heartfelt exploration of chosen family. Here’s more information about these incredible projects and the visionary BAVC Media filmmakers behind them. Seeds a BAVC Media supported film directed by 2019 MediaMaker Fellow Brittany Shyne An exploration of Black generational farmers in [...]
BAVC Media at AMIA 2024: Advancing Preservation, Mentorship, and Community Archiving
The Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA) annual conference was held in Milwaukee earlier this month. As in-person attendance has been steadily increasing since the remote-only conferences of 2020 and 2021, this year’s venue became a bustling mini-city hosting the brightest minds in film, video, and sound preservation. BAVC Media was among the most visible organizations at the conference, participating in a variety of panels, presentations, and poster sessions. Our Preservation team attended including Tim Lake, Victoria "Kiki" Fajardo, Chris Castro, Adira-Danique Philyaw and Kelli Hix. Camcorder footage captured by Preservation Lab Manager, Christopher Castro In alignment with [...]
Celebrating the 2024 BAVC MediaMaker Fellows
What a year it’s been for the 2024 BAVC MediaMaker Fellowship! On Wednesday, December 4 friends, collaborators, and supporters gathered at the David Brower Center in Berkeley and virtually watched as the 2024 Fellows presented their films and celebrated the culmination of 9 fantastic months in community as a cohort. Those in attendance were impressed not only with the outstanding quality of the films presented but with how much the filmmakers clearly cared for and respected each other. We’re so grateful to our sponsors that made the event possible: Actual Films / AfterImage Public Media Berkeley Film Foundation   A special [...]
Meet BAVC Media Instructor: Ken Schneider
Meet Ken Schneider, a longtime editor, documentarian, and dedicated mentor. He currently teaches Aesthetics of Editing here at BAVC Media. With roots in sound engineering and lighting for local projects, Ken’s filmmaking journey took a pivotal turn when he stepped into the world of documentary editing, sparking a deep love for sculpting raw footage into compelling narratives. Ken has made a profound impact not only as a filmmaker but also as a teacher, guiding new storytellers at BAVC Media. In this interview, Ken shares insights into his approch to film, the lessons he hopes to impart in his upcoming Aesthetics [...]
SF Commons Presents: Podcasting 101 with Isa Nakazawa & Victoria “Kiki” Fajardo
Are you curious about starting your own podcast but don’t know where to begin? Join us for Podcasting 101 on Wednesday, October 30 from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Unlock the tools and knowledge you need to create, launch, and grow your very own podcast! In this free workshop, you’ll learn the essentials of podcasting—from concept development and equipment basics to recording techniques and audio editing tips. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster or just exploring the medium, this workshop will equip you with the skills to confidently record and publish your voice for the world to hear. What You'll Learn: Podcasting Fundamentals: Understand the different types [...]
Announcing: BAVC Media Collaboration with the BAYLIST
The Black List, the world-renowned platform that has transformed the screenwriting industry since 2005, is thrilled to announce The Bay List: a new collaboration between The Black List and Rafael Casal designed to identify and highlight ten exceptional screenplays and pilots by writers from or with close ties to the Bay Area. This project is helmed by hometown heroes and tastemakers looking to champion writing from the next class of emerging storytellers, including BAVC Media! Additional participants in the inaugural Bay List include: Unanimous Media (Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton), Playtone (Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman), 186K Films (Hasan Minhaj [...]
