Yes, And... Laughter Lab Announces 2021 Winners
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We are delighted to announce the finalists for the 2021 Yes, And...Laughter Lab. In February, the Laughter Lab accepted more than 350 applications from comedians across the U.S. A jury of comedians and experts selected their top 20 projects to join the 2021 pitch incubation lab, where they will receive industry training and networking opportunities over the next several months. The 20 finalist projects explore critical and timely social justice topics including Asian American representation, cannabis legalization, combating Islamophobia, anti-LGBTQ “conversion therapy,” criminal justice reform, immigration, reparations for Black Americans, and more.
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New Doris Duke Foundation Building Bridges Grant to Fund the Yes, And... Laughter Lab
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CMSI was recognized as part of an unprecedented new cohort, among 22 competitively selected grantees, across the country to receive funding from the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art (DDFIA)’s Building Bridges Program. The grant, in the amount of $345,000, will support the Yes, And...Laughter Lab, which curates, uplifts, showcases, and supports diverse comedy writers and performers. The Laughter Lab is co-directed by CMSI and cultural strategy agency Moore + Associates. We’re thrilled to be a part of this powerful network of creative and media-focused social change organizations working to build greater understanding, equity, and connections across the country.
In the foundation’s press release, DDFIA’s Building Bridges Program Senior Program Officer Zeyba Rahman said: “At a time when support for social justice movements is at a historic high, we recognize this as a transformative period to advance enduring change for a more equitable and inclusive society.”
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CMSI Releases The State of the Documentary Field 2020 Study Of U.S. Documentary Professionals: 15 Key Findings
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We released a report outlining key findings from our 2020 State of the Documentary Field research initiative, which will be followed by more comprehensive international and U.S. reports in the next few months. These findings were discussed during a panel we co-hosted with the International Documentary Association (IDA) and the Ford Foundation’s JustFilms program called “Research as Activism: Studying the Documentary Ecosystem,” which focused on research as a tool for reparative action in the documentary field.
The discussion also mentioned two important field-led research efforts: our own Lens Reflected research project, which examines representation, equity, race, and gender behind and in front of the nonfiction camera, and JustFilm’s Beyond Inclusion report, which outlines the relationship between documentary and social change and provides a critical overview of nonfiction film organizations led by and serving communities of color in the US.
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New Open Source Book on Entertainment-Education Available for Free Download
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Entertainment-Education Behind the Scenes: Case Studies for Theory and Practice, a new open-source book edited by Lauren Frank and Paul Falzone, tracks the latest trends in the theory, research, and practice of entertainment-education, the field of communication that incorporates social change messaging into entertaining media. It’s an excellent resource for anyone interested in the intersection of entertainment and social change—and the first comprehensive book on this topic since 2004.
"Entertainment-Education as Social Justice Activism in the United States: Narrative Strategy in the Participatory Media Era,” a chapter written by CMSI’s Caty Borum Chattoo, covers contemporary social justice activism happening in entertainment today and includes profiles of several organizations doing vital work in this field. “Social Norms Theory and Measurement in Entertainment-Education: Insights from Case Studies in Four Countries,” a chapter co-written by CMSI’s former postdoctoral fellow Amy Henderson Riley, presents social norms case studies from the authors’ work as entertainment-education researchers in four countries.
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CMSI Faculty Fellow Benjamin Stokes Featured in GovLaunch Podcast Episodes on Playful Engagement
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CMSI Faculty Fellow and founder of American University's Playful Cities Lab Benjamin Stokes was featured on the GovLaunch podcast for a two-part episode called "Playful Engagement," which tells the story of a local government trying to drive creativity and build trust with their community using the concept of playful engagement. In conversation with the DC Office of Planning, he discussed methodologies around more playful engagement and how to leverage some of those strategies with very little budget.
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Caty Borum Chattoo Wins American University’s 2021 Outstanding Scholarship, Research, Creative Activity, and Other Professional Contributions Award
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Caty Borum Chattoo won American University Outstanding Scholarship, Research, Creative Activity, and Other Professional Contributions Award!
This award is given annually to recognize a faculty member who has achieved exceptional distinction as a leading scholar across multiple arenas, including through publications; invited lectures and papers; performances or shows; leadership in professional societies; work on editorial boards; procurement of major grants; membership in prestigious professional organizations; references, quotes, or appearances in the media; or selective positions of leadership.
A much-deserved win for our hard-working executive director—we’re so proud of you, Caty!
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Story Movements Wins the 2021 Broadcast Education Association Book Award
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In additional news about our multi-talented executive director, Caty Borum Chattoo’s book, "Story Movements: How Documentaries Empower People and Inspire Social Change," has won the 2021 Broadcast Education Association Book Award. The BEA praised Story Movements for its methodologically rich approach in documenting the rise, professional practices, and social influence of social-issue documentaries and makers in the networked media era.
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Congratulations Ben and Filippo!
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Congratulations to our faculty fellows (and friends!) Dr. Benjamin Stokes and Dr. Filippo Trevisan on receiving tenure and promotion to associate professor at American University! We value our collaboration and friendship with Ben and Filippo, and we are thrilled and awed by their many accomplishments.
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See you next month!
Stay safe and take care,
Team CMSI (Caty, Varsha, Bethany, David, Aras, Kenice, Alya)
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