Today we’d like to introduce you to Dhera Strauss.
Hi Dhera, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began as a volunteer videographer through the then Community Access Center (now Public Media Network) when it first opened in 1986. I then progressed to a part-time job at Kalamazoo College in the Media Department. In 2002, I also began teaching Documentary Production through the Art Department of Kalamazoo College. In my off-time, I produced/directed/videotaped/edited a series of independent documentaries which include: “Living to Bingo,” “Los Bandits: More Than a Tex-Mex Band,” “Donut Day,” “Neighbors in the Square,” and “Kitchen Conversations.”
I retired from Kalamazoo College and independent filmmaking in 2015 and am honored to currently be president of the Kalamazoo Film Society. This organization has been in existence for more than 30 years, with its mission to support and encourage a vibrant cinematic community in Southwest Michigan.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were no templates for my career path into which I stumbled. I graduated with a BA in English Literature, so no real technical background in film production. I had to learn that on my own through classes and experience. Perhaps my love of storytelling, which is central to documentaries, came to the foreground from my formal education.
Mainly just seizing opportunities and taking a few risks lined my pathway. I did have a wonderful advocate in poet and professor Conrad Hilberry, who advocated for my teaching career, which then became a central enjoyment in my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am probably best known in the community as a documentary filmmaker concentrating on our community. I believe the strength of my work is encouraging people to tell their own stories in their own words. I take great pride in facilitating that then weaving those words into a coherent and entertaining narrative, often complete with original music from local artists.
I am also thrilled that I could teach Kalamazoo College students the basics of documentary filmmaking while encouraging them to develop their own styles. Whether they continued on in the field, or simply developed an appreciation for this format, I am pleased that I was able to shape a part of their experience.
Any big plans?
I have retired from filmmaking per se, but I hope to continue to serve the community in a role with the Kalamazoo Film Society while encouraging other local filmmakers.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Mary Whalen
Joanna Schnelker
