I’m just returned from a gala night for the Northwest Institute For Social Change (NWIFSC?!), directed by former Mercury managing editor, Phil Busse. Students from around the country have collaborated over the summer to produce two mini-documentaries, as well as create a community media website. Tonight was all about showing it off, and a lot of the work was very impressive.

My favorite piece of the night was a documentary called Yellow Ribbons with the strap line: “What Does It Really Mean To Support The Troops?” While a team effort, it seemed to me (and I could be wrong, of course) that one of chap in particular, Portlander Jacob Sherman, was the guy responsible for its drive and sense of purpose. He was really engaging while talking about the documentary, and hopes to become a producer and director-something I hope he now seriously pursues.Watching “YELLOW RIBBONS”: Moving, insightful, grounded…

The documentary featured testimony from Iraq veterans, one of whom had watched a fellow squad-member die in his arms. But rather than be flat-out anti-war, the work made an effort to get both sides of the story, talking also to serving troops as well as families of those currently serving. It changed my perspective a little, which for a 15-minute film, is most unusual. The short movie made the point that supporting the troops is really about “not letting them become invisible again as they walk down the sidewalk,” and had some provocative footage of veterans begging by the highway exits around Portland. It reminded me that while we can be “against the war” in principle, when it comes down to it, most of us won’t give money or a second thought to a guy with a sign that says “disabled veteran.” And that’s wrong.

There were also interesting podcasts on the sit/lie ordinance, and racial profiling. Both issues I’m thrilled were touched on. Marc Jolin of homeless non-profit JOIN was quoted in the podcast on the sit/lie as saying the mayor’s Street Access For Everyone committee could “go very wrong.” He added that it could “go very right,” too, but since SAFE has already resulted in the sit/lie passing, it’s refreshing to hear a homeless advocate querying the experimental work of the committee so candidly.

Last of all, a documentary entitled “What is Ink For, Anyway?” explored the relationship between TV, internet and print media, and quoted Mercury news editors Scott Moore and Amy Ruiz extensively on the power of blogs. The theme of the film seemed to be that new media is good for old media, and that where bloggers intersect with old-fashioned print journalism, everybody should, in theory, win. Nice work, guys.MOORE: Began his appearance on film with the immortal phrase, “Not to be a dick about it, but…” And ended with, “I’m going to live forever!”RUIZ: A powerful screen presence…a beacon in the darkness…a lighthouse for lost media souls…

Here’s hoping the NWISC, or whatever it’s acronym is, has as much success next year.