Beth Austin

Education:
MFA – Radio / TV / Film @ Northwestern University in Evanston, IL
MA – Radio / TV / Film @ Northwestern University in Evanston, IL
Telecommunications Science, Technology and Policy Interdisciplinary Certificate
BA – Communications @ UMD

Personal Statement:
It is wonderful to be back at UMD. After graduating in 1993 I attended Northwestern University for graduate school. For my MFA thesis I directed and produced a documentary. The Bell Ringer is about protestors who take direct action against the Clam Lake, WI ELF antenna system used to communicate with nuclear weapon bearing submarines. By cutting the poles they hope to educate the public and have their case tried in court that the US is breaking international law by having a first strike weapons system.

After graduate school I taught at Miami University of Ohio. Rural Ohio is a fantastic place to ride bike, horse and for motorcycles. Whoooweeeeeeeeeeeee I had fun in Ohio!

When it was time to have my son I moved back to my hometown Duluth, MN and thankfully found a job teaching at UMD. This campus is gorgeous, I love my peers, and the students are genuine. Their enthusiasm and engagement make teaching a joy. It feels good to be home.

Courses Taught:
Public Speaking
Interpersonal Communication
Media Effects
Foundations of Communication
Film Aesthetics and Authorship
Media Theory and Research
Documentary TV and Film
Documentary Journalism

Current documentary production:
Sticks and Stones partially funded by a UMD VDIL 2008 Summer Grant

Screenings and awards for projects I directed and produced:
Reframing Peace – Men as Peacemakers Peace is Powerful Film Contest
The Bell Ringer – broadcast on WDSE-TV
The Bell Ringer – Best Documentary Flicker Film Festival
The Bell Ringer – screened at the Milwaukee Film Festival
The Bell Ringer – screened at the Iowa City Film Festival
Baby Makes 3 – screened at Women in the Director’s Chair
The Lure – screened at the Northshore Film Festival