Film Series: Mill Stories: Remembering Sparrows Point Steel Mill

Directed by William Shewbridge and Michelle Stefano
USA; 35 mins

Presented by Michelle Stefano
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After 125 years of operation, the Sparrows Point Steel Mill (Baltimore, Maryland) finally closed its doors in 2012. The film, “Mill Stories”, examines the importance of the mill from the perspectives of former workers and community members while connecting their story to the larger narrative of industrial boom and bust. The film seeks to amplify the voices of former workers as a means of helping to safeguard and promote the living heritage of the mill and its surrounding areas. Combining video interviews and archival images, the film tells the story entirely in workers’ own words, sharing their sacrifices, struggles, senses of community and identity. “Mill Stories” has been screened at over 20 international film festivals, academic conferences, and local community events, as well as recently being honored as a Bronze Winner by the 37^th Annual Telly Awards.
 
The film was co-produced by Bill Shewbridge and Michelle Stefano. Shewbridge is Professor of the Practice in the Department of Media and Communication Studies and Executive Producer of the New Media Studio at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Dr. Michelle Stefano is Co-Director of Maryland Traditions, the folklife program of the Maryland State Arts Council, and Visiting Assistant Professor in American Studies at UMBC.

2016 Ethnografilm Festival Official Selection - Paris, March 29-31, 2016

 
To view the trailer, please visit: http://millstories.umbc.edu/documentary/
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The Film Series is sponsored by the Department of American Studies of the University of Maryland and the Association of Critical Heritage Studies United States Chapter