SJSU News: Spartan Filmmakers Create Movie Magic

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A crew member works on a puppet for the animated short “Behind My Behind” (courtesy of Animation/Illustration)

A crew member works on a puppet for the animated short “Behind My Behind” (courtesy of Animation/Illustration)

SJSU will have a big showing at the 25th Cinequest Film Festival beginning Feb. 24 in downtown San Jose. The movies are spectacular yet admission is affordable at $6 for students and $8-11 for everyone else.

Associate Professor David Chai and 43 current and former students created “Behind My Behind,” the story of a disheartened writer who reunites with his love for creativity in a secret world he finds in his couch.

Radio-TV-Film majors produced two more entries. “Bell Jar” examines the pressure that comes with trying to be perfect. “9th Hole” is a comical look at fathers protecting their daughters on prom night.

University Scholar Series: Alison L. McKee, Ph.D.

Associate PrMcKee_Flyer (2)ofessor Alison McKee has been invited to participate in the Spring 2015 University Scholar Series  to chat about her recently published book on “woman’s films” of the 1940s — movies that focus on love, desire, and loss against the backdrop of World War II.

For a fun and informative talk that is open to the SJSU community and the public, please join her on Wednesday, February 25, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Library, Room 225/229.

 

Professor Babak Sarrafan Becomes New Adobe Education Leader

Babak Sarrafan at work

Babak Sarrafan at work

Congratulations to Professor Babak Sarrafan, who’s been selected to serve a two-year term as Adobe Education Leader.  Adobe Systems has recognized the work that Babak does as innovative on a global scale, with potential to influence others within and beyond San José State University.

AEL Coordinator Daniela Birch writes,

“At Adobe we look to our AELs to engage with us to help refine a vision of effective technology use that can enhance learning and scholarship in education environments. We encourage them to explore innovative educational solutions with the tools and training we provide, and to share their discoveries through publication, training their peers, or presenting to the broader education community. Being part of this program puts Babak in regular touch with educators around the world. Our AELs can share and learn innovative practices that may benefit them as they work in their current roles.  We congratulate you on having such an accomplished educator on your staff, and encourage you take a look at the work that makes Babak a leader in educational technology use.  You can find more information about the individuals in the AEL program at http://www.adobe.com/education/higher-ed/adobe-education-leaders.edu.html.”

Please stop by Babak’s office or make a point to congratulate him on this impressive achievement!

Green Ninja Season 1 Complete!

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Hello, Green Ninja Fans and Congratulations Professor Babak Sarrafan the Green Ninja Team!

We’re pleased to report that Season 1 of the Green Ninja Show is complete. Hooray! The 16 episodes feature animation, live action film, flash mobs, and various puppets to produce a fun and humorous look at climate and environmental topics. If you missed an episode, you can see them all here!

Production of Season 2 is now in full swing and we plan to roll out new episodes to you this coming fall. In the meantime, make sure you’re subscribed to our Green Ninja YouTube channel as we’ll be releasing some special content in the near future. Oh, and speaking of YouTube: our account recently passed 900,000 views! Here’s to 1 million and beyond.