For immediate release:
Contact Kate Larson, 413-549-1293;
odtstore@odt.org
The international debut of Ruth Abrams’ new video Many
Ways To See The World is a collaboration with her son,
map publisher Bob Abramms. Ruth, the 79-year old host of the
award-winning community cable TV show ElderVision on
Brookline (MA) Access Television (B.A.T.), is an
accomplished videographer.
Many Ways To See The World presents twelve
compelling world maps in a fast-paced program that changes
the way its audience’s view the world. The 30-minute video
uses maps, images and stories…including how young Stuart
McArthur developed McArthur's Universal Corrective Map with
its unique downunder viewpoint. You will learn how Gerardus
Mercator never intended to draw the world as many of us have
always seen it! Images created by Len Guelke, Arthur
Robinson, Tom Van Sant, Arno Peters, Buckminster Fuller,
Paul Hoffman (founder of EarthSeals) are featured players in
this unique film.
The video has three powerful messages conveyed through
an analysis of maps:
- We can only understand the world if we're willing to
see things from multiple perspectives!
- The "truth" must be seen from many vantage points.
- One person's voice can make a huge difference in the
world!
Maps DO make a difference in how we see the world!
Many Ways To See The World is a provocative learning
tool that uses historical and current images to generate
interest and awareness of maps and their messages. In order
to reach the widest possible audience, the video is
available with reproduction rights to make copies for your
friends.
Ruth began her art and videography career when she
retired as the Director of Amenities at New England Baptist
Hospital in 1994. Since that time, she has shown her collage
and assemblage work at many venues including Newbury College
Gallery and the Boston Museum of Science. She has won seven
awards since 1995 for her video work including the 1998
Massachusetts Cable Television Division, 2000 Hometown USA
National Festival; and the 2003 Alliance for Community
Media.
This latest video project, Many Ways to See the World,
was developed after Ruth videotaped a presentation by Bob
Abramms, her son. Featuring an unusual series of world map
images, several published by Bob’s company, ODT, Inc, these
maps include the Peters Projection map (featured on the hit
TV show, The West Wing) and a series of maps with South on
top. Jamie Traynor, formerly with B.A.T., and currently the
Academic Technology Media Specialist at Simmons College,
joined Bob and Ruth in the edit room almost a year ago
revising and enhancing the video.
Ruth is an ambitious filmmaker! While completing Many
Ways… the next project was already in the works. She and
Bob flew to Bremen, Germany in 2001 to videotape Dr. Arno
Peters. This will be crafted into their next video
collaboration, Arno Peters: Radical map, Remarkable Man.
Media kits and advance copies of the video are available
from ODT, Inc. at 800-736-1293. Information on ODT resources
is available at www.odtmaps.com
