Food Stamped is an informative and humorous documentary film following a couple as they attempt to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget. Through their adventures they consult with members of U.S. Congress, food justice organizations, nutrition experts, and people living on food stamps to take a deep look at America's broken food system while trying to answer the question "Is it possible to eat healthy on a food stamp diet?"

The documentary won the Jury Feature Prize in the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and Best Documentary in the Lighthouse International Film Festival.

Food Stamped: Farm Bill Scene from Yoav Potash on Vimeo.

After the film, community leaders from Gaining Ground, the Hamilton County STEP ONE program, the Chattanooga Market, and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank will speak about new initiatives and why this is a quality of life, health, and economic issue because food deserts are a growing problem in Chattanooga.

Learn more about food deserts in Chattanooga:
Food Lion closings to expand Chattanooga area 'food deserts'
Planned grocery store to end Westside Chattanooga food desert
New Program Addresses Food Deserts in Chattanooga
Oases for Chattanooga's Food Deserts

Guests are encouraged to bring a potluck dish that can be prepared on a "food stamp budget," typically $1 per person per meal. The film website, http://www.foodstamped.com, offers tips, recipes and even a toolkit for those interested in trying the Food Stamp Challenge themselves.

Tickets are still available and are $10 per person which includes food, drinks and program. Due to limited seating, advanced reservations are encouraged. Call 423-267-1218 or visit BackRowFilms.com.

Tickets are $9.00 per person and will be sold online ONLY until 3:30 PM Tuesday, April 10. They will NOT be available at the door. Read more about the films and buy tickets at http://www.tugg.com/events/show/365#.T3W6w46aM7C

AEC is organizing the event with the help of a new innovative service called Tugg, Inc. ("Tugg"). Led by Tree of Life producer Nicolas Gonda, Tugg is a collective action web-platform that helps communities host film screenings in their local movie theaters. Individuals and organizations are empowered to select a film, screening time and nearby theater, and then spread the word to their immediate and online community. Once a necessary number of people commit to attending, the event will be confirmed, and Tugg will reserve the theater, manage ticketing and ensure delivery of the film -- allowing the audience to sit back and enjoy the show.

"We facilitate screenings for individuals and organizations, so that films that are neglected from wide distribution can get an opportunity to connect with a theater-going audience," says Brian Parsons of Tugg. "This seems to fit with [AEC's] mission, which is why we feel that the Arts & Education Council and Tugg could work together to create a vibrant film community in Chattanooga."

The Austin-based service officially launched at the South by Southwest Festival in March, when its growing list of partners and its library of hundreds of studio and independent films will be announced. The company's board of advisers includes Terrence Malick, Ben Affleck, and Richard Linklater.

The AEC experienced Tugg's potential first-hand when it successfully sold out of tickets in advance for its first Tugg screening, the live action shorts on March 22, using the power of grassroots, crowd-triggered marketing.

The AEC decided to follow up with the animated short films due to positive feedback and high demand expressed by the audience during the Q&A on March 22. Spectator, David Cranford, said, "I go to most movies and that series was one of the best experiences I have had. I have recruited a lot of people here for the next one."

"As the industry has evolved, the challenge of bringing independent films to a mid-size market like Chattanooga has become increasingly difficult," says AEC Executive Director Susan Robinson. "Due to a variety of factors, most indie films simply will not have a chance to play in our theatres. But what we do have is a strong community of cinephiles who are willing to campaign for the films they want, and for that reason Tugg's concept provides a solution that can really work for Chattanooga."

Food Stamped is an informative and humorous documentary film following a couple as they attempt to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget. Through their adventures they consult with members of U.S. Congress, food justice organizations, nutrition experts, and people living on food stamps to take a deep look at America's broken food system.

The documentary won the Jury Feature Prize in the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and Best Documentary in the Lighthouse International Film Festival.

Some statistics from a 2009 study by the Ochs Center for Metropolitan Studies:

After the film, community leaders from Gaining Ground, the Hamilton County STEP ONE program, the Chattanooga Market, and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank will speak about new initiatives and why this is a quality of life, health, and economic issue.

Guests are encouraged to bring a potluck dish that can be prepared on a "food stamp budget," typically $1 per person per meal. The film website, http://www.foodstamped.com, offers tips, recipes and even a toolkit for those interested in trying the Food Stamp Challenge themselves.

The Back Row Film Series was designed to generate awareness, conversation and debate around current issues that affect our community. It is an opportunity to see the local premiere of a film, followed by a vibrant exchange of ideas and views with community leaders and proactive citizens.

Tickets are $10 per person and include food, drinks and program. Due to limited seating, advanced reservations are encouraged. Call 423-267-1218 or visit BackRowFilms.com.

Oscar Nominated Short Films 2012 Theatrical Trailer from Shorts International on Vimeo.

AEC is organizing the event with the help of a new innovative service called Tugg, Inc. ("Tugg"). Led by Tree of Life producer Nicolas Gonda, Tugg is a collective action web-platform that helps communities host film screenings in their local movie theaters. Individuals and organizations are empowered to select a film, screening time and nearby theater, and then spread the word to their immediate and online community. Once a necessary number of people commit to attending, the event will be confirmed, and Tugg will reserve the theater, manage ticketing and ensure delivery of the film -- allowing the audience to sit back and enjoy the show.

The Austin-based service officially launches at the South by Southwest Festival in March, when its growing list of partners and its library of hundreds of studio and independent films will be announced. The company's board of advisers includes Terrence Malick, Ben Affleck, and Richard Linklater.

The AEC's long-running history of producing successful film events in Chattanooga prompted Tugg to invite the non-profit organization to try its platform in the pilot stage before it goes public in the coming months.

"We facilitate screenings for individuals and organizations, so that films that are neglected from wide distribution can get an opportunity to connect with a theater-going audience," says Brian Parsons of Tugg. "This seems to fit with [AEC's] mission, which is why we feel that the Arts & Education Council and Tugg could work together to create a vibrant film community in Chattanooga."

The AEC experienced Tugg's potential first-hand when it successfully reached the threshold of 50 people in just three days, using the power of grassroots, crowd-triggered marketing.

"As the industry has evolved, the challenge of bringing independent films to a mid-size market like Chattanooga has become increasingly difficult," says AEC Executive Director Susan Robinson. "Due to a variety of factors, most indie films simply will not have a chance to play in our theatres. But what we do have is a strong community of cinephiles who are willing to campaign for the films they want, and for that reason Tugg's concept provides a solution that can really work for Chattanooga."

Tickets are $9.00 per person and will be sold online only until 3:30 PM on Thursday, March 22. They will NOT be available at the door. Read more about the films and buy tickets .

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"From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" is a musical recommended for 3rd through 6th graders, based on the two-time Newbery Medal-winning book by E.L. Konigsburg.

The musical is about two children who run away from home and find their way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they discover a statue's secret with the help of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

"From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" is part of Allied Arts' Imagine! initiative, which covers the cost of tickets and transportation for every fourth grader in Hamilton County to have access to arts experiences.

General admission tickets are $5.00 per person. One free adult ticket is offered for every 10 student seats reserved. Study guides are available for download on the AEC's website.

Tickets are still available. Call 423-267-1218 or visit ArtsEdCouncil.org to make reservations.

There will be refreshments for all those who attend, as well as entertainment by local artists such as: Fletcher Bright (fiddle), Robin Burk (Hand-Pan), Lisa Dempsey (Violin) and JT Kane (Viola) with the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Matt Dutton (Visual Artist), Marcus Ellsworth (Spoken Word), Kirsten Hawkins (Dancer) with the Chattanooga Ballet, Ken Harrison (Saw), Sophie Lyle (Fiddle), Mawre and Co. (African Drumming) and John Tunstall, III (Piano).

The event will also include some arts activities run by artists with the 35.85 Guild. The 35.85 Guild is a new organization in Chattanooga that offers support services for local artists.

Allied Arts' volunteers will work to raise $1.5 million during the four-month campaign by reaching out to thousands of individuals and businesses in the greater Chattanooga area for support. The money raised will fund Allied Arts' initiatives and grants, as well as provide a major contribution towards the operating budgets of its 14 Cultural Partners (including AEC!) and arts programs in schools.

The arts are getting cut from state budgets across America. In Tennessee, we are fortunate to have an additional source of funding. The extra revenue we receive from specialty and personalized license plate sales has been key to our survival. More than 70% of the money used to fund the 800+ grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission last year was from the sale of these specialty license plates. Consequently, promoting specialty plate sales is one of the most important things you and your organization can do to ensure funding for the arts in Tennessee!

So the best way to help is to purchase these plates, including the winner from the State Your Plate Contest.

The TFTA needs at least 500 people to pre-order the winning plate so it can be produced. Each plate is $35 and 90% of the revenue will go to the Tennessee Arts Commission in order to support art organizations across the state.

The AEC has been filling a niche in Chattanooga's film community by bringing independent movies to the big screen - films that favor storytelling, experimentation, and lesser-known character actors over explosions, special effects and clichés.

Over the years we have listened to your feedback and suggestions. We know that you want titles to be shown closer to their release date in larger cities. We know that you want to see independent films year-round. That's why we are working with Carmike Cinemas to make these and other ideas become a reality.

YOU - our loyal audience -- are the reason the film series has enjoyed a long history of success and credibility. Because you attend the films, buy film cards, and communicate with us about what you like and don't like, we are able to continue this tradition of a community-driven independent film series.

We ask now for your patience as we work to create new strategies that will make this program bigger and better. We promise to announce new a list of titles in the next 2 weeks, and keep you posted by e-mail, blog, website, Facebook and Twitter. Join the conversation and let us know how we can help make YOUR film series even better.

Thank you for your support, patience, and shared love of excellence in filmmaking.

ARTS & EDUCATION COUNCIL

Guests enjoying refreshments and socializing before the film.

OJ Morgan, Head of Bright School, speaks to the audience about the film.

Panel from left to right: OJ Morgan (moderator), Bruce Stewart, Anjelika Riano, Marina Peshterianu and Pamela Dubin Beaty.

More pictures from the event are on our Flickr account.

This event was sponsored by Patten and Patten, Inc.

Learn more about AEC's events by visiting our website.

After performing his dances in front of the school, Jaramillo worked with a fourth grade class in making their own Aztec drums.

Throughout last week, Jaramillo had been teaching the fourth graders about Aztec culture; including dancing, drumming and art. Last Friday, the fourth graders at CSLA performed on their Aztec drums in front of the rest of the school displaying what they had learned during their week with Jaramillo.

Here are a couple videos taken during the fourth graders' performance last Friday.

You can see more photos from this event on our Flickr account.

This event was funded by grants from South Arts, Tennessee Arts Commission and SunTrust Foundation.

Strangers No More is an AEC Back Row Film Series special presentation about a school located in Tel Aviv, Israel where children from 48 different countries and diverse backgrounds come together to learn. Many of the students that attend Bialik-Rogozin School, are children who have fled from poverty, political adversity and even genocide.

The film was produced and directed by Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon, who are Academy Award Winners for Best Documentary Short Subject.

Trailer for "Strangers No More"

After the film, there will be a discussion on "Nurturing Students from Diverse Backgrounds to Reach their Full Potential." The panelists will include Pamela Dubin-Beaty of Philanthropy Concierge; Marina Peshterianu of Bridge Refugee Services; Anjelika Riano, Hamilton County ESOL coach; and Bruce Stewart, former Head of Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C.

The event is sponsored by Patten & Patten, Inc. More information can be found on the Arts & Education Council's Web site.

One of our friends has made a generous pledge to match all NEW GIFTS and INCREASES up to $10,000.

So, if you have never given to AEC, or if you are considering increasing your gift, NOW is the time!

In these challenging times, as we face decreased support from funding agencies and corporate sponsors, your support is CRITICAL to our ability to continue enriching the community with these innovative cultural programs.

THANK YOU for helping us make a difference in so many lives.

• 10,000 people from over 60 countries came together to celebrate diversity at CULUTRE FEST

• A community-wide effort to send shoes and supplies to Haiti was inspired by a BACK ROW FILM SERIES event

• 479 books were purchased for local high school students during the CONFERENCE ON SOUTHERN LITERATURE

• 26 classrooms were enriched with hands-on learning through an artist RESIDENCY program, free of charge
  
  
• 250 teachers were recognized for their efforts to nurture and encourage creative writing in the classroom during the YOUNG SOUTHERN STUDENT WRITERS awards ceremony
  

THANKS TO YOU, the Arts & Education Council has remained one of Chattanooga's premier and long-standing organizations, providing a multitude of artistic experiences for our community since 1952.

THANK YOU for helping us make a difference in so many lives. We gratefully appreciate your support and wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.

A major component of Culture Fest is the education outreach program, which sends multicultural performing artists into local schools for performances and workshops.

This year, AEC is pleased to expand the education outreach program to full-week residencies in FOUR Hamilton County schools with Aztec performing artist John Jaramillo. The program kicked off today at East Ridge Elementary with John's Aztec Dances of Mexico presentation. For the rest of the week, 5th graders will be immersed in Aztec culture as they create drums, learn dance steps and perform for their peers and teachers.

"Learning through the arts is active, hands on learning, and studies show that children who experience the arts in connection with learning, learn more, tend to stay in school, have better social skills and do better in core subjects," Mr. Jaramillo says.

"If there is a message in arts in education it is that learning through the arts is active and and allows a child to make connections to curriculum subjects like history, math, science and social studies through the arts. It's a valuable connection."

The 2011 residency program is made possible by grants from SouthArts and the Tennessee Arts Commission, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, and housing provided by McCallie School.

Learn more about AEC Culture Fest.