Discovering James Blue

I began talking with Mr. Richard Blue by phone in March of 2013 and could tell immediately that he was a guy I really liked. We kept up with each other over the following year as his interest grew in obtaining a second home here in Portland. He indicated he and his son Dan were setting up a foundation to honor his late brother James Blue and that he wanted to be closer to his grandchildren in NE Portland. When I met Richard in person, I knew my hunches about him were correct. He is a very kind, soft spoken, intelligent, well-traveled, and passionate man.

Richard grew up here, attended Jefferson High School and currently resides with his lovely wife Susan on a farm in Virginia, not far from Washington, DC. Richard’s roots run deep in Portland and he is working to continue his family’s legacy here by setting up the James and Richard Blue Foundation. A second home here gives him easier access to The University of Oregon which is heavily involved with the foundation he now leads. You can read more about the foundation and U of O’s involvement here http://blog.oregonlive.com/my-portland/2014/04/family_of_oregons_first_oscar-_3.html and here http://jamesblue.uoregon.edu/cinema-pacifics-tribute-to-james-blue/ . A great clip about James Blue can also be seen here Discovering James Blue

I had the honor of attending a screening of James Blue’s film “The March” here in Portland and I was deeply moved. The film is of Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic march to Washington and included the full audio and video (not allowed on YouTube version) of the “I have a dream” speech. It has rarely been seen in the United States in it’s full format and it is powerful to see. It certainly opened my eyes to what an epic event that it was in our country’s history. The sheer effort it took to pull off such an event and the peace and love exhibited is a site to behold. James Blue’s film captures the raw emotion, passion and enormity of the event beautifully.

Richard and Susan settled on a lovely condo at 905 N Harbour Drive on the banks of the Columbia River. The home is very spacious, perfect for entertaining out of town guests and screening films for potential donors to the foundation. It offers unobstructed views, as far as you can see North and South, of the Columbia River. On a clear day, Mt Hood is easily visible as well.

If you get a chance to check out the work of James Blue and one of his many films you will not be disappointed. We can all thank Richard and Dan Blue for helping to continue the legacy of this great filmmaker.

Do you know a young filmmaker looking to get started in the industry?