Denise Iris, Assistant Professor of Film, received a New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Support for Artists Award for the production of her feature film Dreams, Drooms, Dromes. This experimental docufiction film is about the countercultural Rainbow Gathering, an annual event held in national forests since 1972 that Denise describes as “part collectivist project providing free food to attendees, part psychedelic festival.”

The film uses finger puppets to bring to life audio recordings of actual festival goers. It consists of 16 portraits in which participants share stories of surviving—and thriving—on the margins, whimsical metaphysical musings, and the fiercely inclusive spirit that makes the Rainbow Gathering such a vibrant, complicated and uniquely American utopia. Vassar students have played an instrumental role in various stages of the production, from cinematography and compositing to lip syncing.

The Research Committee awarded funding for audio interviews and the digital special effects.