Keeper of the Kohn, a documentary directed by Hamilton alumnus, David Gaynes '99, will make its television debut on Maryland Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on Monday, April 3, at 10:30 pm. The film was recently shown at Hamilton College as part of the film and lecture series, "Forum for Images and Languages in Motion." Last April his film won the Jury Award for Best Documentary at the Vail International Film Festival in Colorado and the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Palm Beach International Film Festival in Florida.
Film Synopsis: Seventy-years old, mildly autistic, and almost totally independent-- life for Peter Kohn is a daily struggle for acceptance as he navigates the world around him and transcends the judgments of others. This is a film about relationships and how they get us through life's challenges. The title, Keeper of the Kohn, refers to a special role played by one member of every Middlebury College lacrosse team managed by Peter.
Although he is highly independent, it is the "Keeper's" job to make sure that Peter's basic needs are met and that Peter has a sense of companionship. This informal duty always becomes an honor for the Keeper to perform leading to many compassionate relationships between Peter and his teammates. The Keeper of the Kohn role is a metaphor for what this film tries to capture: enduring friendships and how they help us face the trials of living. Keeper of the Kohn is an emotionally poignant tale that impacts many demographics from sports fans to advocates for the developmentally disabled, but really affects anyone with a heart and an open mind. It is deeply moving: one part Rainman, one part Rudy, and 100% real. It is a story that entertains, moves, and inspires.
Keeper of the Kohn is David Gaynes's first feature. Previous programs directed and produced by Gaynes have won awards and recognition and have been distributed nationally. More than Skin Deep, a documentary short, won Best Documentary at the 2002 US Super 8/Digital Video Film Festival, screened at the Director's View Film Festival, and was an official selection for the annual AIVF Pitch to PBS Competition. It has been distributed to PBS Stations nationally through NETA and to the educational market through Fanlight Productions. Other programs have been distributed through film festivals, commercial and public broadcasting stations, and educational venues. Gaynes is a resident of New York City.
-- by Michael Kennett
