KCTS is Rebuilding Hope (for Local Filmmaking)

This is something you should watch instead of reruns of “The Office.” Or pretty much anything else, for that matter. Not only is Rebuilding Hope a fascinating documentary about an underrepresented tragedy, but it’s part of a new series on PBS called “Reel NW,” which “brings viewers the very best of independent film to the Northwest.” A locally made film about important events in our world? Count us in!

Rebuilding Hope, directed by Seattleite Jen Marlowe, tells the story of three young men who fled their homes in war-torn Southern Sudan when they were children. They grew up in refugee camps and relocated to the U.S. about ten years ago. Now, accompanied by a film crew, they are returning to their homes to discover what’s become of their families, friends and cities and what they can do to help these desperate communities. All proceeds from the film will go toward supporting education, health care and water projects in the Sudan. Powerful and raw, the film is well worth watch and a donation.

Marlowe has said that “it takes a village to make a film." Rebuilding Hope’s village included a number of Seattle participants. From the editor Celia Beasely to production assistant Andrew Quattrociocchi, from grant money from the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice in Olympia, this was truly a homegrown effort.

This is also a chance to explore “Reel NW,” a dream come true for we Seattleites craving screenings of local films. The show, which airs most Thursday nights, curates flicks from and about our own communities. You can also catch the episodes online. The chosen films usually focus on worldly subjects; previous installments have featured Man Zou: Beijing to Shanghai and Paddle to Seattle.

So tune in to KCTS 9 on Thursday night at 10:00 pm to check out Rebuilding Hope. It’s one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways you could help support our local film economy.

Thursday, December 16 // KCTS 9 // 10 p.m.