mothers of a nation
Curator/Associate Producer | 2009-2011
In 2009, Danielle Bernstein, Producer and Editor of Mother’s of a Nation, was invited to Jerusalem by Ariel, and together they erected a gallery of Ansley West’s photographs as part of his b(art): b(independent) festival programming. Later in 2011 as Mother’s of a Nation continued development of the documentary film, Ariel continued to support the film as an Associate Producer.
Weaving between 16mm and HD, the film is an experiential discovery of the landscape of rural Uganda and the many women who work there. The film follows Florence, Sarah and Alice through their daily lives, as they teach their peers the value of the land and the opportunity it affords Ugandan women to break free of otherwise crippling social pressures and stigma.
Mothers of a Nation has been featured on ONE.org:
True Story: Inspired by Uganda’s Agriculture, a couple makes a documentary Dealing With AIDS, but first its stigma Support group empowers HIV-positive women with farming skills Thriving like her Garden, despite HIV status
Support for the film has come from the FirstPix NextPix grant and the production company, Clear Films. We are partnered with The Ugandan American Partnership Organization and Development in Gardening.
one eye wide open
Production, Video & Still Photography | 2007-2008
Ariel was brought on by filmmakers Aner Preminger and Ami Drozd to wrap-up the documentation of the work and process of Artist Zvika Lachman. The film follows Israeli Artist Zvi Lachman, during the decade 1998-2008. Lachman's sculptures and charcoal drawings involve processes of accumulation, addition, subtraction and erasure. Lachman's art is shaped by the tension between a liberal, secular worldview and between the religious roots of culture; between Israeli and Jewish identity; between a universal and international consciousness and the demands of a local identity. American critic Geoffrey Hartman describes Lachman as “one of the best, if not the best sculptor working presently in Israel" (NY Arts).