The PaceDocs Team Highlights the Art of Barrel Making in New Film

Documentary to be Released in English and Spanish for the First Time

 

Image

 

 

 

Pace University’s documentary team, PaceDocs, will debut “The Cooper: Crafting the Soul of the Cask” at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Jacob Burns Film Center.

This marks the first occasion PaceDocs will release a documentary in both English and Spanish; the English version will be shown at the Jacob Burns Film Center, while the Spanish version will premiere in Montilla and Cordoba, Spain.

The film was created by Professors Maria Luskay and Lou Guarneri from Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, along with the PaceDocs team.

The team collaborated with José Buendía Picó, a renowned Spanish musician and composer with 14 composition awards, to provide the documentary’s music.

Tickets for the screening and reception are available but limited. (Use code PaceDocs24 for complimentary tickets.)

The documentary delves into the craft of cask making, known as cooperage, with a history dating back to ancient civilizations. Archaeological findings indicate wooden containers for liquid storage have been used since at least 2690 BCE in Egypt. The choice of cask and wood type can greatly impact the flavor and characteristics of wine, particularly in Spain and other global wine regions.

Filmed over several weeks in the Andalusian region of Spain, particularly Montilla-Moriles, the documentary captures the essence of this craft.

“Under Professor Maria Luskay’s leadership, the PaceDocs team has produced another professional and captivating film,” stated Marvin Krislov, president of Pace University. “ ‘The Cooper’ exemplifies the hands-on experience that reflects the rich tradition of cask making. I am continually impressed by the talent and excellence of this program.”

This documentary is part of the popular course “Producing the Documentary” within Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, where students create a full-length environmentally themed documentary within 14 weeks, gaining skills in teamwork, problem-solving, research, and technical aspects like lighting, sound, and camera work.

“Engaging students in this immersive experience is rewarding and educational for everyone involved,” said Professor Luskay, who teaches in the media, communications, and visual arts department. “Filming on-location in Spain and navigating different cultures while producing a professional-quality documentary within tight timelines has created lasting lessons and memories.”

Graduate and undergraduate students participated in the project and found the experience of creating a professional film to be impactful.

“I took on multiple roles throughout this project,” remarked Rachel Hutchings, a graduate student in communications and digital media from Nashville, TN. “In Spain, I had my first opportunity to operate the camera, which felt great. Experiencing the culture, connecting with passionate coopers, and collaborating with my team to celebrate the region’s tradition was immensely satisfying.”

Lorenzo Osorio, a junior studying digital cinema and filmmaking from Dumont, NJ, played a key role during production.

“I primarily served as an on-location translator and editor,” Osorio explained. “Being one of the few fluent Spanish speakers, I felt I contributed uniquely to the film, particularly during interviews.”

“The Cooper” continues a strong tradition of producing high-quality, significant, and award-winning films. Recent PaceDocs projects have explored topics such as the farm-to-table movement in France (2023), the role of tides in oyster habitats (2022), the significance of bees in food supply (2021), the impact of Hawaiian earthquakes (2019), the resilience of Puerto Ricans post-Hurricane Maria (2018), cultural shifts in Cuba (2016), and coral reef restoration in Curacao (2015).

“Dyson College’s student filmmakers have crafted another poignant documentary that explores the vital history of cask making,” noted Tresmaine R. Grimes, dean of Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education. “These students refine their craft while enlightening us all. I’m deeply impressed by their talents and the compelling film they’ve created. Congratulations to them and Professors Luskay and Guarneri on another outstanding PaceDocs production.”

About Pace University

Since its founding in 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse student body—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs to 13,600 students across its various colleges.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

Pace University’s Dyson College offers over 50 programs in the arts, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional fields, along with many courses that satisfy core curriculum requirements. The college provides numerous internship and hands-on learning opportunities that complement in-class education, preparing graduates for diverse career paths and further education.