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In assessing the value of Oregon filmmakers to Oregon, the benefits go beyond jobs and dollars.  Oregon independent filmmakers bring those things to Oregon, but they also bring something else that is of incalculable value to the State.  Every day, a little bit of Oregon history slips away, as memories fade, artifacts are lost, those who remember pass away.  Oregon filmmakers play a special role in preserving our history, capturing it in colorful, illuminating and creative ways so that it will live on to speak to future generations of Oregonians.  I am not confident that filmakers from outside the State have the perspective or the drive to focus on this area in the way Oregon filmmakers do.  With some regret, I imagine what a wonderful story Oregon filmmakers could present if we could transport a film crew back to the 1850s to produce a documentary on Dr. John McLoughlin.  Even with the extensive history we have on McLaughlin, the man and his times remain difficult to access.  Oregon filmmakers play a vital role in preserving and presenting colorful and insightful views of modern John McLoughlins and the Oregon of the recent past and of today so that they will be accessible to the Oregonians of tomorrow.  One such venture is the documentary work underway on the leadership style of former Senator Mark O. Hatfield, known as the Hatfield Project.  I doubt that those outside of Oregon would have the same interest in pursuing such an Oregon-focused project.  Oregonians should value the role Oregon filmmakers play in preserving this type of history. 

posted 2 years, 10 months ago
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