OAKFOLK FILMS: WHO WE ARE, AND WHAT WE'RE DOING:

Oakfolk Films was formed by a small group of social-change filmmakers in order to tell the stories of the people who came together to challenge the reroute of Highway 55, and of the continued efforts to save Coldwater Spring. Among us, we have spent decades working in media activism, political and neighborhood empowerment, and as community and media artists and writers.

Our goal is to produce a well-researched and well-crafted film that tells this story of Highway 55 and Coldwater Spring. We plan to make a film with the potential to be shown theatrically, on public television, or in educational and community settings. Our intention is that the film be of service, both as a tool for social change organizing as well
as a map for understanding history, individual acts of courage, and relationships to the land, all in an effort to inform and help to shape future actions.

Built around documentary footage and interviews, we hope to preserve and communicate some of the many events, stories and insights that have been a part of this movement. We intend to frame these efforts within a larger historical, political, and cultural context, including the history of Coldwater Spring, the history of the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota community, the history of city planning in Minneapolis, the anti-roads movement, and various social and environmental justice movements. We also intend to examine the media coverage, as well as the police and governmental responses to those who opposed the reroute.

We have been collecting photos, video, articles and research for this project over the past few months. During the weekend of January 26 and 27, and over the next several months, we will dialogue with activists and supporters who have been involved in this people’s movement.

EVENT THIS WEEKEND:

We respectfully invite you to participate in an outdoor storytelling circle and trail walk to help kick off this production, and to help create a five minute short piece that will be used to generate further support for this film. (NOTE: We will be videotaping this event. If you do not want to appear on video, please let us know -- we will respect your wishes)

* WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE OTHER PEOPLE TO KNOW?

* WHAT DO YOU WISH OTHER PEOPLE HAD BEEN ABLE TO SEE DURING THE COURSE OF THESE EVENTS?

* WHAT WAS IT THAT MOVED YOU TO GET INVOLVED?
(Are you willing to be interviewed to get the word out?)

We had individual video interviews for January 26 and the morning of January 27. These were the first of many conversations we will be having during the coming year, through which we hope to document the stories, voices, and perspectives of the many and different people who have come together to work on a common cause.
If you're interested in sharing your story with us in the future, please let us know.

We welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and stories at any time, now or in the future.

You can reach us at oakfolk@bitstream.net or call: Annie Follett (612) 825-3218 Betsy Sohn (612) 825-7916