1970's Video Program Footage Preserved for New Documentary

Minnesota Media Arts completed in the fall of 2021  3/4" U-matic videocassette digital conversion for  local documentary filmmaker Randy Croce of  "A Common Man's Courage", a 1977 video program that was originally produced on EIAJ 1/2" open-reel videotape by Jim Mulligan and John DeGraaf, using equipment from University Community Video. This pioneering program focused on the life-long work of Minnesota Farmer-Labor Congressman, John T. Bernard.  This new program tells the little-known story

John T. Bernard, MN Congressman

of the most successful third-party in American history.  The independent, progressive movement’s candidates vied with the Republicans to govern the state from 1917 to 1944, when the party merged with the Democrats to form the DFL.  This history is conveyed not only through events, but through the personal stories of activists, including Corsican immigrant, miner and Farmer-Labor Congressman, John Bernard.

More about John Bernard:

https://www.mnopedia.org/person/bernard-john-toussaint-1893-1983

Other films by Randall Croce:

"Clouded Land" Randall Croce, 1987 / 1990, 58 min.  Documentary examines the history and current issues of the conflict over land titles on Minnesota's White Earth Indian Reservation. It describes the positions of both the Ojibway people and non-Indian farmers and resort owners.

"Drum is the Heart: Enduring Values of the Blackfoot Nation Expressed in Modern Celebrations", Directed by Randy Croce.  Producing Organizations: MIGIZI Communications & Blackfeet Media. 29 min. 1983. Blackfoot people talk about their values and culture, accompanied by still photographs by Randy Croce at Indian celebrations 1976-1982.

"Who Built Our Capitol?"  Documentary on the lives and work of the men and women who constructed the Minnesota State Capitol Building from 1896 to 1907. https://youtu.be/4mcFAaQ_-5w  This is a shorter version of the full-length 47-minute video available at the website, http://www.whobuiltourcapitol.org

More about Randy Croce:

https://www.minnpost.com/author/randy-croce/