News
WCC Professor Maria Clinton Wins Emmy Award for Outstanding Short Documentary
September 30, 2021
Valhalla, NY— Maria Clinton, adjunct professor of Film at Westchester Community College (WCC), won Outstanding Short Documentary at the 42nd Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards for the film she co-directed, “The Love Bugs.”
The Love Bugs is the story of two entomologists, Lois and Charlie O’Brien, who share their love of bugs and of each other. The co-director came upon an NPR article of the O’Brien’s story and their estimated $10 million gift to ASU, that included their massive bug collection of 1.25 million specimens. After gaining the O’Brien’s permission to film their story, production took roughly two years to complete the film.
The film premiered in May 2019, touring several film festivals in the United States, which opened opportunities for international screenings. American Film Showcase selected The Love Bugs to use in its ‘film diplomacy program’ that connects embassies throughout the world through film. This Emmy Award is one of the many awards that the film has received.
“It is phenomenal to win an Emmy amongst so many talented filmmakers and incredible films!” said Clinton. “I am overjoyed and so proud of The Love Bugs team for all their hard work to make this film what it is. I am also so grateful to have the support of POV (PBS) and so many others that made this film possible. Thank you to Lois and Charlie O’Brien for allowing us to share their story and their 1.25 million specimens! I am really excited that their legacy can continue on, and that news is being spread about their monumental contribution to the field of entomology. Their work is also opening the door to discuss the effects of climate change and its impact on insects, an important element of our ecosystem.”
The film can be streamed courtesy of the PBS YouTube channel. Information on registering for Maria Clinton’s Documentary Filmmaking class at Westchester Community College is available here.
