Back home from BaKaFORUM

(Originally posted at http://backaforumblog2010.wordpress.com)

The trip home to California went smoothly. Covering so much distance so fast is one of the technological wonders of our time. Accessible high-speed air transportation makes BaKaFORUM, and other world events possible. We often think of technology in terms of computers, cameras, and the tools of our craft. But the people at Airbus and Boeing. who design and build the planes, and the pilots and staff who get us where we are gong truly use technology for our mutual benefit.

"Mediaculture" working at BaKaFORUM

The young people documenting BaKaFORUM as part of the Mediaculture online project are the future of what we do. They inherit a world filled with tensions, problems, and real danger, but also a sense of hope. Each generation faces different challenges and opportunities. Thank you to all the teachers and supporters who make programs like "Mediaculture" possible. Enjoy their work and wish them well.

The theme of "Cooperation in a World of Cultural Diversity" continues to resonate in ways obvious and profound. To say that BaKaFORUM is a truly egalitarian event would be an overstatement, but it contains a core of truth and powerful potential. The possibilities for discovery grow when fledgling producers and aspiring story tellers interact as peers with accomplished professionals, commissioning editors, and international decision makers. Pitching ideas and finding new talent can grow into creative accomplishment through the collegiality and good feelings of working together for a few days on neutral ground. This is most obvious in terms of the proposal pitches and the seeding of ideas that happened this week at ZKM in Karlsruhe. And for those of you who may have left without a partner for your project or new funding from your pitch, the process itself can help you grow.

There's a true story about the manager of a young rock band who took his musicians for an audition to Decca Records in London, in the early 1960s. An executive heard them play but wasn't too impressed; he said they were good but nothing special and passed on signing this aspiring group. This disappointed the band and their manager did not like telling them the news. That manager's name was Brian Epstein and the group was the Beatles. The point of the story, of course, is don't be discouraged if you're turned down. The flip side is if you're commissioning or funding, look carefully at potential talent; you don't want to be the one who passes on the next Federico Felini, Ingmar Bergman, Haile Gerima, or Spike Lee.

At a gathering of mass communicators--where we spend four days on interpersonal communication--friendships develop, alliances form, and creative communities begin to be born. Existing successful cooperative arrangements, such as Nordvision, offer models to grow in a world getting smaller through instant communication and fast jets. But the divide between rich and poor remains real. Political and cultural tension and hostility threaten our survival. BaKaFORUM can not solve the problems of the world but it can help; it can serve as a conversation starter and encourage dialogue.

BaKaFORUM Staff (Photo by Werner Laschinger)

I hope each of you had a safe and pleasant trip home. Your work ahead can serve the world by serving your community. Tell the stories that matter and enrich us all. Also, kudos to the BaKaFORUM staff whose superb work made it all possible.

Thank you, too, to Werner Laschinger for taking so many fine photos; this link will allow you to view more of Werner's pictures.