David Russo

David Russo is a filmmaker and artist based in Seattle. His film artworks Pan With Us (2003) and Populi (2002) both premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and have appeared in dozens of other festivals around the world, including Clermont-Ferrand, Telluride Film Festival, SXSW, and the San Francisco International Film Festival, among many others. Populi has been installed as a permanent media artwork at Qwest Field in Seattle. David recently completing his newest artwork, I Am (Not) Van Gogh, for One Reel and the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. An environmental animation set amongst the crowds at the Bumbershoot Arts Festival, I Am (Not) Van Gogh premiered at this year’s Bumbershoot. Russo has received many awards and acknowledgements, including a “Genius Award” from The Stranger and recognition as one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film 2003.” A new script was recently chosen by Northwest Film Forum for their “Start-to-Finish” program, whereby Russo’s feature debut, #2, will receive funding and technical assistance from the first shot to wrap.

David also received a 1997 Fellowship, and GAPs in 1996 and 2002.

As part of his 2005 Fellowship’s Meet the Artist requirements, David held an event at Roosevelt High School in Seattle. His films Pan With Us and Populi were used to augment Philosophy and Literature students’ studies of the World War I era, among other general interests. Russo reported, “I was astounded at the impact that poetry can still have on young people despite their being drenched in commercial media,” and was “bowled over by the genuine cascade of applause” that followed his live reading of poetry featured in the films. “I’ve heard about that rare ‘lit-up eye look’ that teachers sometimes speak of and treasure – I think I got a glimpse of it in that moment. It was very uplifting.” Russo also related a little bit of his own troubled history in school (he graduated nearly illiterate) and how his own study of art and literature turned into a saving grace in his life. “The experience turned out to be memorable and invigorating.” A letter Russo received from one of the students afterwards said that the students rated their visit with Russo one of their favorite parts of the course.

Artist’s Addenda: David received a 2008 Creative Capital artist grant.