PAH in the Press

Madonna Now, 07/20/2007

Hollywood Met Motown at Madonna

by Carole Booms, Natalie Settimo

Madonna University hosted one of the most exciting events to come out of Hollywood this summer. Project Accessible Hollywood (PAH) brought its caravan of innovation and talent to the University for the first annual PAH-Fest Motown July 16-22. This unique digital media festival celebrated the lives of everyday people in the metro Detroit area through cell phone art, digital self portraits edited on Apple computers, and Mobiflicks -- seven minute digital movies shot and edited over three days at Madonna.
PAH-Fest is the brainchild of Christopher Coppola, nephew of director Francis Ford Coppola and brother to actor Nicolas Cage. "I have always been impressed with the stories of hard-working men and women trying to get by in life," said Coppola. "These everyday people know what's important in the scheme of things and have a lot to teach us." He and his wife, Adrienne, and son Bailey were on campus for the entire week of movie-making madness.
In addition to film making, PAH-Fest featured Detroit author Elmore Leonard who screened his film "Out of Sight" and talked with guests about his other works. Another guest storyteller, Josh White, Jr., entertained the audience with songs and poems that told stories of Detroit and its people.
"PAH-Fest was an amazing opportunity to spotlight Madonna's Television and Video Communications program," said Madonna instructor Sue Boyd. "I'm so proud of our students -- those who won as well as those who served as assistant coaches, produced videos, or helped make the week a scuccess. It helped showcase Madonna, brought talented people to our community and gave voice to many wonderful stories."
To hear Coppola's interview on WWJ radio, and view the Mobiflicks and other digital art created during PAH-Fest Motown, visit www.pahfest.com.

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