Gail Silva
The primary force behind Film Arts Foundation for more than 25 years, Gail served first as co-director, then executive director and finally president. Now the veteran advocate for indies has become an indie herself, as advisor, curator and mentor to the field. Under her leadership, Film Arts developed into the largest regional independent media-service organization in the country, with more than 3,400 members (2002). Gail co-established the groundbreaking (1984) Fund for Independent Cinema, the Film Arts Foundation’s grant program. She shepherded hundreds of fiscal sponsored projects from conception to completion. Through her work in organizations like NAMAC, INPUT and National Coalition of Independent Public Television Producers she championed the cause of independent media on the national and international level. She co-created (1996) and then curated (2001-2005) TRUE STORIES, the innovative documentary sneak preview series at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. In 1996, the San Francisco Bay Guardian dubbed her “the doyenne of the Bay Area independent filmmaking community” with their “Local Hero” award. In 2002, her years of dedication to artistic excellence and advocacy were recognized by the presentation of the California Arts Council’s “Directors Award.” She has been a panelist for CPB, NEH, NEA, California Arts Council, Rockefeller Foundation Intercultural Fellowships and many others.Abby Ginzberg
Abby has been producing and directing award-winning documentary films since 1983. Her work has focused on character-driven stories, racial and gender discrimination and social justice issues, and has been shown in film/video festivals and broadcast on public television networks nationally and internationally. SOUL OF JUSTICE: Thelton Henderson’s American Journey was featured at the Mill Valley Film Festival in October, 2005 and the Pan African Film Festival in February, 2006. A timely and unforgettable story about an African-American jurist’s lifetime commitment to integrity and human rights and his profound effect on the lives of millions, SOUL OF JUSTICE takes viewers through a thought -provoking and heart-wrenching cinematic experience, reverberating with the power of Henderson’s fearless efforts to make real the promise of the US Constitution for all citizens. Ginzberg’s recent films include A TALE OF TWO CITIES (2005) which won a CINE Golden Eagle award and OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME (2005), which were featured on KQED in October. Ginzberg has produced numerous award-winning films documenting the successes of programs for at-risk and underserved youth that deserve, but rarely get public attention. These films, whose “stars” include college bound low income students (VANGUARD IN THE VANGUARD), graduates of successful drug court programs(recovering lives, uncovering dreams), and AmeriCorps members (EVERYDAY HEROES). Without her sensitivity and her tenacity, these compelling stories would never be told.Steve Michelson
Steve Michelson was founder and president of One Pass (1975-85), San Francisco's largest production and post-production studio before starting SMP in 1986. Michelson is a recipient of the Gilbert Award for outstanding contribution to Northern California's film community. Steve is a former board member of Film Arts Foundation, the country's largest regional organization of independent producers. He has served four terms as a Governor with the National Academy for Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Steve is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he attended The Annenberg School of Communications and the Wharton School of Business. In 2001 he opened the Studio at Lobitos Creek Ranch. Steve is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he attended The Annenberg School of Communications and the Wharton School of Business. In 2001 he opened the Studio at Lobitos Creek Ranch.gail evenari. executive director board of directors
