Tag Archives: comic book literacy

Comic Book Literacy Now on DVD

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After a successful screening run, including San Diego Comic-Con, C2E2, American Library Association National Conference and more, the educational, feature length documentary film Comic Book Literacy is now on DVD.

The film features comic book creators like Paul Dini, Ben Dunn, Scott McCloud, Terry Moore, Joe Quesada, Jim Salicrup, Gail Simone, Art Spiegelman and more as they discuss the concept of utilizing the comic book medium for educational purposes and to promote literacy.

The Comic Book Literacy Documentary is an independent feature length documentary film.  The film showcases comic books as a way to inspire a passion for reading in both children and adults.  Comics have traditionally had a bad reputation from the perspective of the general public and it is the goal of this film to shatter the negative stereotype of comics as “junk food for the brain” and to show them in a new light.

Comics are a diverse, misunderstood medium that, for too long, have been the dirty little secret of the literary world.  From the immigrant who learns English by reading Superman comics to the child who develops a love of literature from the X-Men, comics have kept America reading for decades with fantastic tales, well structured stories and amazing fantasies.

The film can be purchased online at http://comicbookliteracy.com

TVAA Presents “Graphic Novels, Comics, Anime,& Toons: Art As Story”‏

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Official Press Release

TEXAS VISUAL ARTS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS “GRAPHIC NOVELS, COMICS, ANIME & TOONS: ART AS STORY” EXHIBIT

DALLAS, TX – Beginning June 1 through June 30, 2011 the TVAA will exhibit a tribute to “Graphic Novels, Comics, Anime,& Toons: Art As Story” made up of art by amateurs as well as working professionals. Comics, once thought as fare for kids, have matured with the readers who bought and read them as children. Due to the maturity of the subject matter and technologies the medium has evolved to encompass subject matter and content as diverse and relevant as mediums like prose and film.

Now, movies, television, and animation has been so influenced that many of the properties in comics are considered as story lines attracting larger audiences. The old comic books have come into their own as an art form beyond the pop culture use by such artists as Roy Lichtenstein in the 60’s to the original artwork becoming highly collectible. This is a homage to those who’s interest as novices, fans, and professionals have continued to work in an area of art not looked at seriously among the population at large much less the art public.

A new graphic novel will be introduced titled “Echoes of the Lost Boys of Sudan” based on the true story of 4 boys who escaped the hardships and murders of their village to the United States.  Artwork from the story will be a part of the exhibit and some of the DFW creators of the series will be present at the exhibit’s reception on June 5 starting at 2:00 P.M.

Speaking at the reception will be Dallas filmmaker Todd Kent, whose documentary “Comic Book Literacy” showcases the utilization of the comic book medium to promote literacy and education.  The film will screen throughout the exhibit.  Local NJTL coach James Disco, co-creator of “Echoes of the Lost Boys of Sudan”,  will also be on hand to speak about the ground breaking graphic novel.   Additionally, Bert Cole, Director of the Dallas Tennis Association’s USTA NJTL will have the Closing Remarks on Echoes and the Community

Texas Visual Arts Association is made up of artists and patrons that has been around for approximately 100 years first as the Texas Fine Arts Association (TFAA) later changing in the 1986 to Texas Visual Arts Association (TVAA).

Comic Book Literacy Screens at Houston’s Comicpalooza Film Festival

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Official Press Release

“COMIC BOOK LITERACY” MAKES ITS HOUSTON PREMIERE AT THE COMICPALOOZA FILM FESTIVAL
Houston pop culture convention provides an important forum for a film that addresses an unorthodox approach to literacy issues

HOUSTON, TX – The independent documentary film “Comic Book Literacy” will screen Saturday May 28th at 11:00 A.M. at the Comicpalooza Film Festival hosted by Splatterfest.  The film festival is a part of the three day Comicpalooza event, one of the biggest pop culture conventions in the southwest.

The film showcases the utilization of comic books to promote literacy and education and features writers, artist and historians who speak on behalf of the often misunderstood medium including artist Brian Denham (Iron Man, X-Files) and Houston’s own Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), both of whom will be in attendance at the convention.

“It’s an honor to be included in such a large and diverse event,” said Todd Kent, the Dallas based director of the documentary, “I look forward to attending the screening and speaking with people about using comics for educational purposes.

The film won “Best Documentary” at the 2010 Phoenix Comicon and is currently touring the country, screening at various film festivals, comic book conventions and literacy events.  This film is not yet rated (70 minutes).  For more information about the film, upcoming screenings, and updates go to: www.ComicBookLiteracy.com

Comic Book Literacy Makes its DFW Premiere at the Dallas Museum of Art

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Official Press Release

“COMIC BOOK LITERACY” MAKES ITS DFW PREMIERE AT THE DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART

North Texas filmmaker teams up with local organizations to promote literacy through the arts and sports

DALLAS, TX – The independent documentary film “Comic Book Literacy” will screen Saturday February 26th at 11:30 A.M. at the Dallas Museum of Art.  The film showcases the utilization of comic books to promote literacy and education and features writers, artist and historians who speak on behalf of the often misunderstood medium.

Immediately after the screening there will be a Q & A panel led by Fanboy Radio’s Scott Hinze and featuring the film’s director Todd Kent as well as several comic book creators who appear in the film including Ben Dunn (“Ninja High School”), Terry Moore (“Strangers in Paradise”) and James O’Barr (“The Crow”).

This program is presented in partnership with The Dallas Tennis Association’s USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning Program & Needed Influence of the Arts, in connection with their initiative to promote the awareness of a more creative approach for constructive and positive change for underprivileged children in Dallas through sports and the arts.

In December the collaborative efforts of these groups produced the “Catalyst For Positive Change” cartoon art workshop for Dallas inner city children.  Images of the artwork will be shown at the screening.

This collaborative effort is also responsible for the upcoming graphic novel “Echoes of the Lost Boys of Sudan” which tells the true story of a group of Sudanese refugees who now reside in North Texas and their harrowing escape from their war torn homeland.  This title and corresponding curriculum are featured in the documentary.

The film won “Best Documentary” at the 2010 Phoenix Comicon and is currently touring the country, screening at various film festivals, comic book conventions and literacy events.  This film is not yet rated (70 minutes).  For more information about the film, upcoming screenings, and updates go to: www.ComicBookLiteracy.com

Special Thanks to the Following: City Square, Junior League of Dallas, T-Bar M and Vickery Meadows Foundation

Upcoming Comic Book/Human Rights Workshop

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Official Press Release

A Creative Approach bringing Sports and the Arts together in an Interactive Cartoon Format

A Cartoon/Human Rights Workshop geared toward inner city kids

The Dallas Tennis Association’s National Junior Tennis & Learning Program, Needed Influence of the Arts & City Square is proud to present this workshop lead by the “Professor of Cartoon Art”, Keith Douglas. In addition, local Dallas Historian Jesse Arnold will be a guest speaker. Mr. Douglas will give his insight into an upcoming Modern Day Slavery Graphic Novel. Mr. Arnold a character in the above graphic novel will enlighten the audience as he tells his personal story. Furthermore, North Texas Filmmaker Todd Kent will be in the audience as we show a Trailer of his Award winning Documentary: Comic Book Literacy. The goal of the Dallas Tennis Association’s NJTL, Needed Influence of the Arts and City Square is to help teach children about important social issues through art.

The children’s art drawn at the Catalyst for Positive Change Workshop will kick off our Dallas Premier of the Comic Book Literacy Documentary Film. This event on February 26, 2011 will be held at the Dallas Museum of Art’s Horchow Auditorium. The children who participate in the December 4, 2010 workshop will have their work shown as part of a Power Point Presentation at the Museum during the February Premier. Please join us for this innovative workshop as we inspire the next generation of comic Book Creators & Human Rights Activists.
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Time: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Date: December 4th, 2010

Location: Roseland Homes Community Center, 3535 Munger, Dallas, TX 75204

Comic Book Literacy to Screen at the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival

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Official Press Release

“COMIC BOOK LITERACY” TO SCREEN AT THE VEGAS VALLEY COMIC BOOK FESTIVAL

Documentary about comics and reading to be a part of Las Vegas literacy event

LAS VEGAS, NV – The independent documentary film “Comic Book Literacy” will screen Saturday November 6th during the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival, a part of the Vegas Valley Book Festival, a celebration of the written, spoken and illustrated word.  The screening will take place at 11:30 A.M. at the Jewel Box Theater.

The film explores concepts relating to the comic book medium and the relationship it has with education and literacy.  Comic book legends like Art Spiegelman, Jim Salicrup, Joe Quesada, Paul Dini, Scott McCloud and many others appear in the film and discuss the misunderstood medium and the many positive ways it has affected its readership.

“We are quite excited about screening Comic Book Literacy at our event.” said Suzanne Scott of the Clark County Library, “[We] loved the use of actual comic book writers, artists and scholars to tell the history and impact of comics — entertaining as well as educational! It struck that balance we try to achieve with all of our programming.”

It’s great to be a part of a larger event like this,” said Todd Kent, the film’s director, “I think the documentary fits in very well with the themes of the Festival.”    Now in it’s third year, the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival is a celebration of comic book culture featuring panel discussions, film and anime screenings plus autograph sessions and portfolio reviews.

“Comic Book Literacy” won “Best Documentary” at the 2010 Phoenix Comicon, screened at the world renowned San Diego Comic-International and is currently touring the country, screening at various film festivals, comic book conventions and literacy events.  For more information about the film, upcoming screenings, and updates go to: www.ComicBookLiteracy.com and for more information on the Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival please visit www.VegasValleyBookFestival.org/comics-festival.

Words Alive Brings the “Comic Book Literacy” Documentary Back to San Diego

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Official Press Release

WORDS ALIVE BRINGS THE “COMIC BOOK LITERACY” DOCUMENTARY BACK TO SAN DIEGO

Literacy advocacy organization teams up with filmmaker to spread the word about comic books and reading

SAN DIEGO, CA – After a successful screening earlier in the year at the San Diego Comic-Con International, the independent documentary film “Comic Book Literacy” is returning to America’s Finest City with the help of the local non-profit organization, “Words Alive.”  The film will be screened October 12 at 7:00 at Lestat’s Coffee Shop on 3343 Adams. Ave.

The film showcases the utilization of the comic book medium to promote literacy and education.  In the film, comic book writers and artists (such as Art Spiegelman, Joe Quesada, Paul Dini, Scott McCloud and others) as well as scholars and historians discuss the various roles comic books have played in education.

“Comic Book Literacy’s message regarding the immense value of comic books in inspiring a passion for literacy really fits in with Words Alive’s mission and volunteer programs,” said Patrick Stewart, Executive Director at Words Alive. “Comic books are an engaging, intellectual, and affordable way for people of all ages to develop a love of reading, and we are excited to be a part of this event.”
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to screen in San Diego again,” said Todd Kent, the film’s director, “and I think it’s a great chance for the people who missed it at Comic-Con to see the film.”

The film won “Best Documentary” at the 2010 Phoenix Comicon and is currently touring the country, screening at various film festivals, comic book conventions and literacy events.  For more information about the film, upcoming screenings, and updates go to: www.ComicBookLiteracy.com
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“Comic Book Literacy” to Screen at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con

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“COMIC BOOK LITERACY” TO SCREEN AT THE 2010 SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
Documentary about comics and reading to be a part of one of the world’s largest comic book conventions

SAN DIEGO, CA – The independent documentary film “Comic Book Literacy” will screen Friday July 23rd at 4:30 PM as a part of the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival.  The festival happens during the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con International and takes place in Marriott Hall in the Marriott Hotel and Marina next to the San Diego Convention Center.

The film explores concepts relating to the comic book medium and the relationship it has with education and literacy.  Comic book legends like Art Spiegelman, Jim Salicrup, Joe Quesada, Paul Dini, Scott McCloud and many others appear in the film and discuss the misunderstood medium and the many positive ways it has affected its readership.

“I’m very excited that the film is a part of Comic-Con,” said Todd Kent, the film’s director, “We’ve been trying to get the message out about comics and education and this event delivers a huge audience.”

After the screening, Kent will be present for a brief Q & A session.  “We’ve met with many educators who are becoming excited about comics in he classroom,” Kent said, “And we’re hoping to spread that enthusiasm to the mainstream Comic-Con audience.”

The film has screened this year at C2E2 – The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, The Karibukai Animation Festival, The Kids Read Comics! Event and won “Best Documentary” at the Phoenix Comicon Film Festival.

For more information about the film, upcoming screenings, and updates go to: www.ComicBookLiteracy.com

“Comic Book Literacy” Wins “Best Documentary” At The Phoenix Comicon Film Festival

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“COMIC BOOK LITERACY” WINS “BEST DOCUMENTARY” AT THE PHOENIX COMICON FILM FESTIVAL
Film Festival helps spread the word about comics and reading

PHOENIX, AZ – The independent feature film “Comic Book Literacy” won the “Best Documentary” award at the Phoenix Comicon Film Festival over Memorial Day weekend.  The film features interviews with comic book creators, educators and scholars and delves into the topic of using comic books to promote literacy and education.

The film screened early in the festival, which was a part of the tenth annual Phoenix Comicon, and helped to set the stage for one of the convention’s primary themes.  The convention partnered with “Kids Need to Read,” a non-profit organization that works to create a culture of reading for children by providing inspiring books to under-funded schools, libraries, and literacy programs across the United States.  Together the two groups produced multiple events throughout the convention to raise funds for the charity.

“We’re very pleased to have been honored by the festival with the ‘Best Documentary’ award,” said Todd Kent, the film’s director, “But we’re even more excited to have been a part of an event like this that promotes literacy and the idea that comics can play a big part in getting kids excited about reading.”

In addition to the Phoenix Comicon, the film premiered earlier this year at Chicago’s C2E2, was an official selection of the Karibukai Animation Festival in San Juan, Puerto Rico and there are plans to screen throughout 2010 & 2011 at film festivals, comic book conventions and other events.  Kent said, “We’re continuing to work towards our goal of having comic books accepted in schools, libraries and lesson plans across the country and events like these are a big part of raising awareness about the positive aspects of the medium.”

For more information about the film, upcoming screenings, and updates go to: www.ComicBookLiteracy.com

“Comic Book Literacy” To Screen At The Phoenix Comicon Film Festival

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Official Press Release

“COMIC BOOK LITERACY” TO SCREEN AT THE PHOENIX COMICON FILM FESTIVAL
Documentary feature film showcases the utilization of comic books to promote literacy and education

PHOENIX, AZ – After a successful premiere at C2E2 – The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, the independent documentary feature film “Comic Book Literacy” will have its next screening Friday May 28th at 10:30 A.M. at the Phoenix Comicon Film Festival.

As a part of the 10th annual Phoenix Comicon, the film festival is a showcase for sci-fi, thriller, horror, animation and pop culture documentary films.  “Comic Book Literacy” joins the line up representing the various positive aspects of the comic book medium.

The film chronicles the origins of the negative stereotypes often associated with comics and segues into the modern uses of comics in classrooms and libraries.  The film features appearances by comic book writers and artists such as Paul Dini, Scott McCloud, Terry Moore, Joe Quesada, Jim Salicrup, Gail Simone and Art Spigeleman as well as historians and scholars who discuss the role comics play in education in both an historical and contemporary context.

“The Phoenix Comicon is known as ‘the signature pop-culture event of the southwest’ so I feel very fortunate to be able to screen the film there,” said the film’s director Todd Kent, “I think the convention’s audience will be very receptive to the messages in the film.”

In addition to C2E2 and the Phoenix Comicon, there are plans to screen the film throughout 2010 & 2011 at film festivals, comic book conventions and other events.  Kent said, “Our goal is to change the negative preconceptions that many people have of comic books and to have the medium incorporated in classrooms and libraries everywhere.”

For more information about the film, upcoming screenings, and updates go to: www.ComicBookLiteracy.com

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