By
Doug Cain
If we at MTN, Minneapolis Telecommunications Network, are the hosts of a dinner party as a cable access facility, then our guests are the current bevy of producers making programming for our channels. And if that metaphor is not quite down-home and personal enough, maybe you'd like to meet our "family" of producers visiting us this summer. It turns out there is no shortage of talented and eager individuals who would like to be introduced to you - our members, readers and viewers. In addition to the seemingly endless string of community events covered by Van Two with JC Bagdadi, Art Roy, Nate Mains and a host of committed volunteers this summer we have a number of new series shows running since our last newsletter.
Two East African communities have begun series programs simultaneously thru the commitment of two leaders. Dawit Haile (photo above), a long time producer here in Minneapolis has taken his production to a new level enlisting strong assistance from Samson Tsehaye and others to start up the first Eritrean television program in the U.S. Eritrea, which won its independence from Ethiopia in the early 1990's, has many ardent supporters now settled here in the Twin Cities after a prolonged civil war that uprooted many lives. The series includes discussions on the process of drafting a constitution for the young country and a look at rebuilding efforts and economic development under way. With sections in both English and Eritrean, it promises to be a vital source of information and culture for the relocated community as well as an introduction to Eritrean culture for the rest of us - sharing positive impressions
Minneapolis. Locally the show - "Hip Hop's Classic Material" - is produced by Abdul Jackson and highlights early Rap music videos. Starting from 1979 - these vintage videos feature artists widely acknowledged as the pioneers of rap and Hip Hop. If you listen regularly to rap music in the 90's you may recognize some of the currently sampled lyrics, beats and tunes in their original form from not too long ago. You can see "Hip Hop's Classic Material" on Ch. 33 Tuesdays at 9 pm.
Another producer who is making sure her production is seen in other cities around the U.S., is Patrice Winston, who pulls the "Sword Of The Spirit", an evangelical program, together here at MTN and then shuttles tapes around to Chicago and Dallas. She has participated as a guest on Kristin Schaible's show "777" which includes prophesy, conspiracy, and other issues of the millenium. Patrice adds that "777" is "the most hard-core prophesy news show on the air". Hardly no topic is left untouched from AIDS to Area 51 - the Illuminati and the Federal Reserve - Demons & Art - The Bible and the white buffalo calves... you've heard about it elsewhere? - well it's also on MTN, Thursdays from 9- 10 pm on Ch. 58 and on Ch. 6 early Weds. 12:30 am (late Tues. night)
For single (stand alone) shows, we've been running a fascinating look into the harvest of clams in the Mississippi - "Living With Clams" produced by a Journalism post-graduate from the U. of M., Pratik Joshi. His half hour documentary features historic clips from the button and pearl industry activities throughout the region in the early part of this century along with current concerns and threats to aquatic life in the St. Croix & Mississippi River's. Also - Maya Santamaria has just finished an independent video on domestic abuse and sexual violence in the Native American community. It focuses on traditional healing methods and recovery and in addition to airing on MTN will be shared with community shelters, battered women's groups, Mn. reservations and other Indian organizations.
Production Notes
By Doug Cain
of democratic politics African-style, traditional arts, soccer players and youth graduates succeeding in their new home. The other East African community represented on MTN newly this summer hails from Somalia. The program "Somali Night" is produced by Abdulkadir Osman. Abdul and the crew he coordinates have been running shows featuring pre-produced segments from Somali TV along with activities of the local resettled community sharing advice with one another and guest speakers. Traditional Somali dances and herds of camels have become a bit more commonplace on our channels recently. Watch for them Thursdays at 5 pm. on channel 32.
A new series with the non-revealing title of "BEANS", taped live in our studio once a month has been gaining all sorts of attention. Henry Passolt and his talented on camera host Aaron have a talk show format with suggested questions for discussion such as "Why do we exist?", "Are humans special?", or "Is T.V. truly evil?". Needless to say the reponses vary widely but some callers are taking advantage of the opportunity to wax philosophical. With an open conversational style, the BEANS host bravely fields the callers with a humorous flair. Allowing some powerful comments to come through. Positive gems heard on the June show came from a young caller who believes humans ARE special for many reasons... and another comment that humans are special because they can help their own kind.
Another new series is a collaboration with four producers in four U.S. cities - Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York and
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