By Lookout Staff

September 14, 2022 -- Unusual animation techniques, feminism lessons for inmates and tips for building resilience are the subjects of three upcoming talks at Santa Monica College (SMC).

Presented by industry professionals, the first-hand accounts -- one of which will be an in-person event and the other two held live online -- kick off the Fall 2022 Communication, Media & Design Series.

The series kicks off Monday at 7 p.m. with a virtual, online event featuring Acme Filmworks founder Ron Diamond, who "travels the world visiting animation festivals to select short films for his renowned annual Animation Show of Shows," event organizers said.

Diamond will talk about "unusual techniques" used in selected animated shorts with guest animators and directors, who will speak about their films.

The series continues Tuesday, September 20, at 11:15 a.m. with an in-person presentation by journalist Dr. Mary Hill-Wagner titled "Making Your Own Destiny" held in Stromberg Hall (HSS 165) on the main campus.

Hill-Wagner will discuss "how she nurtured her love of reading and built a life for herself, overcoming poverty, adversity, and survivor's guilt."

The author of "Girlz 'N the Hood: A Memoir of Mama in South Central Los Angeles," Hill-Wagner will "share strategies for resilience, networking, and self-affirmation."

The presentation includes an audience Q&A and book signing. Books will be available for purchase ($15, cash only).

On Friday, October 7, at 1 p.m. Roy Duran, Hugo Gonzalez and Mannie Thomas will present "Success Stories: Centering Integrity as a Path Toward Transformative Justice," an online event.

The three former inmates will discuss Success Stories, an organization that "builds safer communities by delivering feminist programming to people who have caused harm."

They will share their experiences with the program and "the inspirational work they engage in to better their communities," event organizers said.

The series is sponsored by SMC Associates, the SMC Communication & Media Studies Department and the SMC Design Technology Department.

A Zoom link to each online talk will be available with the listing on the event date on the SMC Events calendar at smc.edu/calendar.

All programs are subject to change without notice, and new speakers may be added to the series.

Up-to-date details are posted on the calendar page and available by calling the SMC Office of Public Programs at 310-434-4100.