6A NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FRIDAY OCTOBER 26, 2007
>> ENTERTAINMENT
Kansan's films showcased in New York
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
BY COURTNEY CONDRON
Filmmaker Steve Balderson grew up in Wamego and attended Manhattan High School before attending California Institute of the Arts. Balderson said he first learned about photography and film making from his grandfather.
ccondron@kansan.com
Steve Balderson, a Kansas filmmaker, is being honored at the Tribeca Film Center in New York City Oct. 26, 29 and 31. The films shown are "Firecracker," "Wamego Strikes Back" and "Wamego: Making Movies Anywhere." We asked Balderson some questions about being a filmmaker from Kansas.
Q: Where did you grow up, and where do you spend the majority of your time?
A: I grew up in Wamego and went to Manhattan High School but spent a lot of my time in Lawrence because it was much more open minded than Manhattan. I went to college at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) outside Los Angeles. I do live in Kansas the majority of my time, but I also spend portions of the year in Europe and in L.A.
Q: Growing up in Kansas, when and how did you get involved in film?
A: It was always something I felt very comfortable and confident doing. I wasn't very good at sports or anything else for that matter. Visual storytelling was really the only place I felt at home. My grandfather always had a still camera — taking photos of everything. So I suppose I learned about it that way.
Q1 Is 'Tribeca a big accomplishment for you? Why?
A: I'm very excited they're showing the documentary about us called "Wamego Strikes Back." Most filmmakers are afraid to be honest and tell it like it is. But I figure somebody should do it. That way maybe we can help others avoid the same mistakes! I think it's really neat when anybody wants to showcase an artist. That it happens to be me is fantastic!
Q: How does it feel when someone like Roger Ebert is calling your film "brilliant"?
A: It feels like magic. After that,
I decided never to worry about what
other people think.
Q: Why do you choose to make your films without studio support?
A: For the freedom. It might take more creativity to figure out how to achieve the same result for nothing - but that's part of the fun for me. We built a gypsy wagon from scratch for "Firecracker" that cost about $150. If we would have had to hire official set builders and painters there's no way wed have been able to do it.
Q: Do your films pertain to subjects that college students would appreciate and be interested in?
A: I think my project PHONE SEX, which is a documentary I made with Margaret Cho, Ron Jeremy, and a host of others, is the best birthday gift and/or holiday present. Also, PEP SQUAD was my school violence satire. Students tired of the establishment always love that one.
Q: Do you have any suggestions for students at the University of Kansas who are interested in film?
always other ways to do something.
Learn to find your own voice — even if that contradicts other people's.
Have the courage to take responsibility for yourself. Look inward to find the answers — not to your fellow students, teachers, neighbors, etc. Find your own vision. Define what YOU see by yourself.
have met your goals and achievements?
A: Be open to the truth that what your instructors tell you isn't the right way and only way. There are
A: Each day I set out with something new to learn and to explore. But I am totally satisfied with my past and what has made me into the person I am today. I have not a single regret.
Q: Overall, do you feel that you
— Edited by Amelia Freidline
children's health bill through the House on Thursday but lacked the votes to overcome a threatened second straight veto by President Bush.
The vote was 265-142 on a bill so politically charged that
GOVERNMENT House Democrats fail to pass revised health bill
WASHINGTON — In a deepening conflict with the White House, Democrats pushed a revised
one Republican bluntly accused Democrats of timing the events with attack ads by organizations supporting the legislation.
"They won't take yes for an answer," retorted Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, as Democrats denied
the charge. He said the legislation included changes demanded by GOP critics of the earlier vetoed bill, including one to prevent illegal immigrants from gaining benefits.
Associated Press
HOMECOMING
Traditional event undergoes change
Stuff the Bus replaces Construction
BY ARIELLE HERNANDEZ
ahemandez@kansan.com
The Homecoming Steering Committee opted for change this year, replacing the traditional Construction with a new event. Stuff the Bus. Several KU on Wheels buses and the KU Nation Bus will be used to collect nonperishable food items to donate to local food banks. The buses will be at various locations around Lavenage and on the
The objective of Stuff the Bus is to collect as many cans as possible to earn points for the Rock Chalk competition and to promote more commu-
campus at the beginning of Homecoming Week.
BAILEY DEREUS
Des Moines, Iowa, senior
According to the percentage scale: 25 percent participation equals 25 points, 26 to 50 percent participation equals 30 points, 51 to 75 percent equals 40 points, and 76 to 100 percent participation equals 50 points. For example, a 100 member group would be required to donate 100 cans to be awarded the full 50 points.
"It gives all Jayhawks a chance to benefit the community. I'm excited to see the outcome."
nity involvement during homecoming.
Because it is possible for all participating organizations to obtain the full 50 points, a bonus will
"This event is a great opportunity for students to get in the spirit of Homecoming and rally with their fellow residents for some friendly competition. It gives all Jayhawks a chance to benefit the community. I'm excited to see the outcome," DeReus said.
The number of canned items collected by each Student Life or Greek team will be directly compared to the number of participants the team has. Any registered student or Greek group can participate.
Though homecoming is the season of traditions, Bailey DeReus, Des Moines, Iowa, senior and member of the Homecoming Steering Committee, said Stuff the Bus encompassed the qualities of a promising addition.
be granted to one student group and one Greek group who exceed the amount of cans they needed to collect compared to the number of members in the group.
Maggie Kelly, Leawood
senior and homecoming co-director for Delta Delta Delta sorority, she supported Stuff the Bus because it was for a great cause and could potentially bring in more cans than Construction had in recent years, but she said she liked Construction better.
"I know that the past couple of years we [Delta Delta Delta] have really enjoyed participating in Construction," Kelly said. "I think that most students will miss doing it."
Stuff the Bus begins tomorrow. Buses will be stationed at Dillon's Grocery store, 1015 W. 23rd St., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Sunday, buses will be located in front of the campus dining halls, Mrs. E's in Lewis Hall and Oliver Hall, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
—Edited by Meghan Murphy