Award-winning filmmakers to address Paul Smith's College graduates

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Steve and Ann Dunsky

PAUL SMITHS, NY (04/20/2016)(readMedia)-- The director and editor of the Emmy-winning film "Green Fire" will deliver the keynote address in tandem at the 69th Commencement exercises at Paul Smith's College Saturday, May 7, at 11 a.m.

Steve and Ann Dunsky have written, directed and edited films for more than 25 years. As filmmakers for the U.S. Forest Service, their projects cover a wide range of conservation issues.

"Ann and I are honored to speak to the graduating class," Steve Dunsky said. "We've learned so much during our career as filmmakers, and we're looking forward to sharing our experience. The main theme of our talk is not the mechanics of film production, though, but rather the life lessons that emerge from the process."

About 230 students are expected to graduate with the Class of 2016.

"This is absolutely the perfect speaker for us," said professor Craig Milewski, who teaches a course on Aldo Leopold and the Stirring of an Ecological Conscience, the subject of the Dunskys' film. "Paul Smith's College is guided by an ecological conscience, and it's great to have someone who can speak to those values."

The Dunskys other films include the award-winning feature documentary "The Greatest Good" and "Butterflies and Bulldozers." In recent years, they helped organize the "Visions of the Wild" festivals and "Geography of Hope" conferences. They met at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television where they both earned masters' in film production. The Dunskys live in the San Francisco Bay Area with two cats named Gifford and Aldo. This is their first commencement speech.

About Paul Smith's College

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere.