Holland Cotter, New York Times
Art in Review | December 28, 2007
5
Days in July at Aljira and more.
“The centerpiece is the video component of the installation “5 Days in July” by Chuck Schultz and Esther Podemski. A short, skillfully edited montage of television news reel and archival films, it is a startling distillation of the event of the that summer, with images of the world right outside Aljira’s doors going up in flames, people running in panic from sniper fire, and government leaders casting blame every which way. You come away feeling that no terrorists could have done anything worse to the American city than what America itself did.”
Essay by Bonnie Yougelson:
5 Days in July: A Video Installation
Using film footage from television, government, and private archives, Chuck Schultz and Esther Podemski’s 5 Days in July conveys the essential facts of Newark’s 1967 riots. In ten short minutes, we see black residents living in substandard housing; we meet John Smith, the cab driver whose arrest and beating sparked the disturbance; we hear from activists who express the frustration of Newark’s underemployed black community; we watch as New Jersey Governor Richard Hughes declares the riots criminally – not politically – motivated; we witness the looting, the fires, and the tanks, as well as National Guardsmen shooting long-range rifles into apartment buildings; and, in the end, we see a city in ruins.
PRX's 2007 Zeitfunk Award for:
5 Days in July - Radio Program
Schultz and Podemski also produced a one hour special for radio. The 30 minute radio drama written by award-winning playwright Tracey Scott Wilson merges drama and documentary to re-examine the historical events surrounding the 1967 Newark Riots. Schultz directs the 14 member ensemble cast which includes Chad L. Coleman and Dion Graham of HBO's acclaimed series The Wire. The drama is followed by a 30 minute discussion with scholars.
More Info >
The 6th International Berlin Director's Lounge, the Symbol of City Life, Berlin Germany, February 19th 2010
Langston Hughes African American Film Festival
Jury Award for Best Short.
April 17-25th 2009
28th Black Maria Film + Video Festival 2009
Director's Choice - 3rd Prize 28th
Click to view show dates
1968: Then and Now
New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
Photography and Imaging Dept
September 2 – November 22, 2008
Nathan Cummings Foundation
September 25 – December 18, 2008
BCRI
July 1 – August 31st, 2008
Aljira 
October 25, 2007 – February 23, 2008
