"The Last Dance," the creation of two professionals in the School of Media Arts and Studies, won both "Best of the Festival" at the Broadcast Education Association Convention and first place in the Documentary category at the Appalachian Film Festival last weekend.

By Erin Roberts, roberte1@ohio.edu and Kristen Rapin, kr323705@ohio.edu

ATHENS, Ohio (April 30, 2009)—The documentary film “The Last Dance,” produced by Academic Professional Keith Newman and directed by Assistant Professor Casey Hayward, both of the School of Media Arts and Studies, won two awards this past weekend.

“’The Last Dance’ is a phenomenal project, and it’s no surprise to me that it’s getting the positive attention it is receiving,” said Roger Cooper, director of the School of Media Arts and Studies. “The piece is such a great reflection on what the college can do. As it continues to gain exposure, a lot of positive things will happen as a result of Keith and Casey’s hard work.”

The film won “Best of the Festival” documentary at the 2009 Broadcast Education Association Convention in Las Vegas April 24 and also captured first place in Documentary at the 2009 Appalachian Film Festival in Huntington, W.Va., conducted April 23-25.

“The Last Dance” focuses on world-renowned sculptor David Hostetler as he reflects on his life and career. Drawing from a wealth of never-before-see home movies and images from Hostetler’s past, the film explores the roots of his talent and passions.

While Newman and Hostetler have been longtime neighbors, they didn’t meet until the mid-’90s. Newman quickly realized Hostetler’s life and passion would make a wonderful story. While Newman said several pieces have been done on him as an artist, he says “The Last Dance” is different in that it captures not only Hostetler as an artist, but the evolution one piece of his artwork from it being a tree to becoming the final product.

“It’s one of those things where everything came together perfectly,” Newman says of the documentary, which he attempted and scrapped twice before finishing. “What I realized is that we needed a high level of intimacy between the director, the producer and the artist, and we got it. People respond to the film’s honesty.”

Hayward says the film was actually completed a year or so ago and he and Newman have finally found its niche and are garnering attention.

“It’s been a long journey with this film,” Hayward said. “We have really searched for a home for it and, just now, got some interest. People who appreciate films that do in-depth examinations about art and the creative process are the ones that are now attracted to it.”

While Hayward admits that documentaries about art usually bore him, he said “The Last Dance” captures Hostetler’s character and passion in a way that offers an insider’s view of his thought process throughout the creation of a single piece of art.

“Keith and I would get together and figure out what made Dave such a dynamic character,” he said. “The three of us had an interesting three-way relationship. We got into a rhythm, which makes sense because Dave is both a sculptor and a jazz drummer, and became a nice little unit.”

Scripps College of Communication Dean Gregory J. Shepherd is proud of the recognition the collaboration has brought to both the school and the region.

“This is a terrific achievement by two of our amazing professionals in the School of Media Arts and Studies,” Shepherd said. “Keith and Casey have managed not only to bring positive attention to the college, but to the region and community by chronicling the life and talent of this amazing local craftsman.”

The BEA Festival of Media Arts is an international exhibition of award-wining faculty and student works. Entries are evaluated in a blind review process and judged by professionals from across the nation.

One BEA judge commented that the film “is worthy of a theatrical release and Oscar nomination. It tells a multi-leveled story and uses a beautifully-crafted visual aesthetic.”

The Appalachian Film Festival is a yearly festival honoring works from individuals residing or attending school within the Appalachian region of the country. Documentaries were judged on subject matter, appeal, direction and editing. For their first place win, Hayward and Newman will receive a Golden Appy and a $1,000 cash prize.

The film was screened during the Athens Film Festival April 29. Additional screenings are being planned throughout the country.