Premiering on EARTH DAY, April 22, for seven days and nights filmmakers from around the world will unite at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, CA. To witness and address the unwavering necessity of art and activism in our global community.
These activist artists “Artivists', are bound together in their belief that actions do create change and no voice goes unheard. This year’s films highlight: International Human Rights, Children’s Advocacy, Animal Rights, Environmental Preservation, and Spirituality.
The diversity of films being presented at The 1st Annual Artivist Film Festival reflects our mission of creating an artistic, activist arena for global awareness.
We were extremely pleased by the high volume of film submissions for the 1st Annual Artivist Film Festival, an eclectic mixture from established and first time filmmakers. Their response to our festival demonstrates the passion and force of activists around the world, and the power of the visual image.
”Super Size Me', our opening film, addresses the unhealthy practices of fast food giants and the consumerist society that gobbles it up; while "The Corporation', our closing film, tackles the dehumanizing structure of corporate entities and the risks they pose to individuals.
Not surprisingly, we received a large number of films protesting America’s war in Iraq ranging from serious works like, “We Interrupt this Empire...', to more humorous takes, like the animated “Homeland Ho Down'.
Some films addressed the staggering hardships faced by children today, while revealing the surprising strength, hope and consciousness they possess.
“Born Into Brothels' focuses on children struggling against the odds of poverty in the 'red light' district of Calcutta.
The film ”Juvies' exposes the inequalities existing in the American juvenile justice system, and
“Old Enough To Know Better' presents high school activists in Edinburgh, Scotland who staged mass protests against the current War in Iraq. Several movies addressed racism in America, including “Two Towns of Jasper' and the animated short film “Bid ’Em In', addressing slavery; while “Anjawa is Me, I am Anjawa', shows the struggle of women in Third World Countries to find a voice in government and in society.
'Urban Elephant' examines the survival struggle of Asian Elephants as their landscapes and habitats are destroyed by increasing human population, an unfortunate struggle that spans the globe and affects a variety of animal species. “Chattel' and “Earthlings' provide a look at animal abuse and control by humans in the name of science and pet ownership; both films reach deep into the soul of human kind and questions the core of our morality.
The world of Visual Art and 'Spiritual Artivism' was also acknowledged. “Outside the Lines' highlights artists living on the edge of society, while “POPaganda: Art & Subversion of Ron English' profiles billboard and pop culture “Artivist' Ron English. 'What Do You Believe?' profiles a diverse group of teenagers as they share their most personal beliefs about God, the purpose of life, morality, suffering, prayer, death and religious freedom in the United States.
“Pillow Talk' and “Destry Rides Again' are just two of the films scheduled for our “Midnight Blacklisted Films' which presents a series of films by industry professionals whose lives were affected by the 1950’s McCarthy blacklist.
04.04.2004 | Editor's blog
Cat. : Activism America Artivism Artivist Film Festival & Awards Calcutta Culture Earthlings Edinburgh Entertainment Entertainment food Hollywood Iraq Midnight Blacklisted Films Religion Religion Ron English Scotland Social change Social Issues Social Issues The 1st Annual Artivist Film Festival The Corporation United States War War