Under About: Bio
Check out this awesome feature on me in 1839: http://1839mag.com/profiles/a-look-at-chris-mason/
I am an independent, woman documentary and experimental filmmaker/videographer with an emphasis on unique storytelling projects that explore music, culture and history of diaspora populations. I also produce social justice videos, and experimental pieces that incorporate poetry, philosophy and archive films. I have experience filming live events: dance and music performances, and lectures and readings. I took my first documentary video class in 2012, and I’m off and running trying to make films that contribute to our rich historical and artistic heritage, with emphasis on the untold stories of the People. I’m also technically adept at directing, cinematography, sound design, and editing of both video and audio.
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, starting my school career at Duquesne University as a chemistry major. After one semester, I realized I loved almost every subject and explored a truly liberal arts education (art history, drama, literature, electronic music, philosophy), though I still couldn’t decide on a major. I spent the next decade or so working for small businesses, and talked and interacted with people from all walks of life, thus nurturing my independent spirit and interest in people’s stories of their lives. From 2007-2013, I worked for a community grantmaking foundation in the South Side of Pittsburgh, and got more involved in social justice and human rights initiatives, including Amnesty International Pittsburgh, Occupy Pittsburgh, and WHAT’S UP?! Pittsburgh. In 2011, I finally completed my associates degree at CCAC, concentrating in anthropology, social studies and ethnic/minorities studies.
In summer of 2012, I took a documentary video workshop at Pittsburgh Filmmakers, and FINALLY found my true love: filmmaking. It might sound cliche, but I feel like I was always a filmmaker, but without a camera. My true talent lies in documentary filmmaking and telling others’ stories, truly collaborating with them to present a piece that represents who they are, their story and their culture in a visually beautiful and contextual way. In addition to producing zero-low budget documentaries and experimental videos, I have shot promo and event videos for the Neighborhood Learning Alliance, Dobra Tea Pittsburgh, Cafe con Leche, Inclusant, New Voices Pittsburgh, the Summit Against Racism, and the Latin American Cultural Union, as well as for individual musicians and dancers. In early 2015, I completed a documentary about Pittsburgh Puerto Rican band Machete Kisumontao which screened in festivals in Puerto Rico and New York. I’m also working on a follow-up companion project profiling Puerto Ricans in Pittsburgh. In 2015-2016, I will be working on a feature documentary about Guaracha Latin Dance Band, and Afro-Cuban music and culture.
Other projects I plan to work on include experimental documentaries and art films about women’s issues, social inequalities, and deconstructing colonialism and imperialistic cultural dominance. I’m looking for collaborators: writers, dancers, musicians, performance artists, poets, philosophers and other filmmakers. Let’s talk, and CREATE!
spinninggoat@gmail.com
Spinning Goat Productions 