Check out The Seattle PI article, "Moment With Documentary Filmmaker Lorian T. Elbert" Monday, February 24, 2003, By Regina Hackett. Here is the exact link: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/movies/109644_momentwith24.shtml
I am currently collaborating with a Seattle University Psychology Professor & others to find a book publisher for my book project. The book "IN THE TRENCHES" will include my black & white photographs of residents and staff, and personal statements, poetry & chapters written by residents, staff, and experts in the field of mental illness. I've shot over 70 rolls since 1999 in Los Angeles & Seattle at various group homes for the mentally ill. If you know of a literary agent or book publisher that can help us please e-mail me:
documentaries@yahoo.com
Color photos were featured in DIGNITY. DIGNITY II features black & white photographs of residents at the Mercer & the Summit Inn.
DIGNITY II was shot over several months. I interviewed over 25 staff & residents & shot over 36 hours of totally new footage. The Mercer Inn closed on January 31, 2002. There are now about 63 residents in the Summit Inn, there were about 41 before the Mercer closed. Many of the women from the Mercer moved into the Summit which had previously been almost entirely a male home for the mentally ill.Some staff had their hours cut or were layed off. Lack of funding both at the State & Federal levels is a major issue for group homes in the USA & has affected the staff & residents at the Summit Inn in Seattle.DIGNITY is in color & has interviews of residents, staff & Psychiatrist Dr. Mary Foster. I interviewed 24 people for a total of 29 hours for DIGNITY over the course of three months.
DIGNITY II focuses on the effects on staff & residents after the Mercer Inn closed on January 31, 2002. Most of these women who use to live in the Mercer are now living in the Summit & most residents must share rooms. There are about 63 residents in a home that use to have about 41 residents. Federal & State cutbacks for mental health have also effected these homes. There isn't enough money to buy food for residents & to have as many staff as necessary to run a home with many more residents. If you can help in any way, call the Summit Inn in Capitol Hill.
John and Glen having a smoke at the Summit Inn.
8" x 10" color photograph. framed & matted.
