3rd Annual Artivist Film Festival kicks off in 3 days

3rd Annual Artivist Film Festival & Artivist Awards Nov 9 - 12
"Merging Art & Activism For Global Consciousness"

Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood


FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2006

“FAST FOOD NATION”, Directed by Richard Linklater, is a dramatic feature based on material from the incendiary book by Eric Schlosser, a no-holds-barred exploration of the fast food industry that ultimately revealed the dark side of the “All American Meal.” Fast Food Nation is a Recorded Picture Company production written by Eric Schlosser and Richard Linklater

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes

Patricia Arquette, Bobby Cannavale, Luis Guzman, Ethan Hawke, Ashley Johnson, Greg Kinnear, Kris Kristofferson, Avril Lavigne, Esai Morales, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Lou Taylor Pucci, Ana Claudia Talancon and Wilmer Valderrama.
Q & A Following the Film. Confirmed Guest Speakers Include:
Richard Linklater, Eric Schlosser, Greg Kinnear, Wilmer Valderrama, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Ashley Johnson, Avril Lavigne


“Class Act” and “Why Shakespeare?”
Thursday, November 9, 2006

7PM: Red Carpet Reception and Musical Performances
8PM: OPENING NIGHT
Address & Film Screenings
Invited speakers include Community Leaders,
Filmmakers, and Celebrity Activists.

From the man who brought us the Oscar-nominated "Super Size Me", comes a new documentary about the growing lack of art education in our schools. The non-fiction feature looks at the issue through the eyes of a beloved Florida drama teacher, Jay W. Jensen.

Jensen, whose career spans 40 years, counts Hollywood stars among his former students, like actor Andy Garcia and Rush Hour director Brett Ratner. These former students, Washington bigwigs, and education and art experts give a first hand perspective on why art education is on life support in America. The movie also shows how the lack of art, music and drama in schools can affect the emotional and creative development of children.

Moviegoers will also get a chance to weigh in on the hot-button issue, in a forum following the screening. A panel of filmmakers, celebrity activists, community leaders and teachers will discuss the topic and take questions from the public. Join us for an evening of lively and passionate exchange on Thursday, November 9 at the Egyptian Theatre.

“WHY SHAKESPEARE” Short Film, Dir - Lawrence Bridges
An inspirational documentary showing how live theatre is decisive in changing people's lives. This documentary shows the importance of theatre and Shakespeare through interviews with kids who live in communities affluent with gangs and testimonials from many successful actors such as Tom Hanks, William Shatner, Martin Sheen, Michael York, Bill Pullman, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Christina Applegate.

“CLASS ACT" Feature Film, Dir - Sara Sackner
[WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S ARTIVIST "SPIRIT " AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE]
Known as the 'Teacher to the Stars', drama teacher Jay W. Jensen stars alongside his famous students in this humorous yet revealing look at why the arts are suffering in America's schools. Featuring former students actor Andy Garcia, film director Brett Ratner, CEO Jose Behar, songwriter Desmond Child, casting director Debra Zane, Broadway producer Adam Epstein, sportscaster Roy Firestone.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2006
Artivist Highlights and a few of this year’s Artivist Award Winners!
10:30PM: FILM SCREENINGS AND HUMAN RIGHTS FORUM

“A QUESTION OF LOYALTY” Short Film, Dir - Randall Wilkins
[WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S ARTIVIST AWARD FOR BEST SHORT "HUMAN RIGHTS"]

When Dr. Albert Krentz opens the door to his apartment, he doesn't realize he is about to invite more than just a stranger into his home. A surprising look at how today’s American political climate mirrors aspects of the Nazi Germany regime.

“OCCUPATION 101” Feature Film, Dir - Sufyan Omeish
[WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S ARTIVIST AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE "HUMAN RIGHTS"]

Occupation 101 is a film that presents the essence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It examines the facts and realities of the 100 year old conflict and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions. The film depicts the root causes of the conflict through Israeli, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, American, and Palestinian voices that are rarely heard through mainstream media.


FORUM: “America’s Political & Religious Global Climate”
What can we do about our current Political Dilemmas? How does Religion shape Politics in our Global Community? Join us after the Film Screening as we search for creative solutions and begin implementing positive actions towards creating a global community of political peace, spiritual awareness, education, and democracy.

SATURDAY, NOV. 11, 2006


Artivist Highlights and a few of this year’s Artivist Award Winners!

12:30PM: FILM SCREENING AND CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY FORUM

“DAUGHTERS & SONS” Short Film, Dir - Sara Feinbloom
[WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S ARTIVIST AWARD FOR SHORT "CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY"]
A poignant documentary about the efforts of human rights activist, Sompop Jantraka, and the children he has saved, in his fight against child sex slavery. He has devoted his life to combating trafficking at its source by convincing families that education is a better alternative to selling their children. Meet Khai, Saifon and Tom, three children who reside in a center where they are being given opportunities to create new lives for themselves.

“SITA - A GIRL OF JAMBU” Feature Film Dir - Kathleen Man
[WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S ARTIVIST AWARD FOR FEATURE "CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY"]
A compelling adaptation of a street drama performed by village girls in rural Nepal.

In this narrative documentary, Sita, a beautiful young girl who lives in the remote village of Jambu, has fallen in love with Sushil, a rickshaw driver. But when her marriage arrangement falters, she meets a stranger who promises her a new life in the city. Sita is faced with a choice that will change her life forever. Shot entirely on-location in Nepal during the escalation of the Maoist rebe llion, less than a year before King Gyanendra seized absolute power in a coup on February 1, 2005.



FORUM: “Children: The Fate of Our Future”
As we enter the 21st Century we examine the current global rights of children. How does Children’s Rights translate into the fate of our global, interdependent community?

We examine the children of today…and the adults of tomorrow. Join us after the Film Screening as we search for creative solutions and begin implementing positive actions

towards creating a global community dedicated to empowering and nurturing Youth everywhere…the fate of our future.


8PM: FILM SCREENING AND FORUM

“WILD HORSE SPIRIT” Short Film, Dir - James Kleinert

Exposing the newly passed Burn Bill which essentially legislates the slaughter of wild horses and burros. Featuring Viggo Mortensen







“THE MEATRIX II: REVOLTING” Short Film, Dir - Louis Fox
[WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S ARTIVIST AWARD FOR BEST SHORT "ANIMAL ADVOCACY"]


The Meatrix II: Revolting is the sequel to the award-winning smash hit The Meatrix. A humorous spoof on the 'Matrix' that looks at the gap between our illusions about where food comes from and the reality of industrial meat and dairy production.

“MAD COWBOY” Feature Film, Dir - Michael Tobias
[WINNER OF THIS YEAR'S ARTIVIST AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE "ANIMAL ADVOCACY"]


The plain truth from the cattle rancher who won't eat meat. A biography of former rancher-turned-environmentalist Howard Lyman's journey that has led him to organic agriculture, vegetarianism, and the politics- as well as the tragedy - of Mad Cow Disease. He has dedicated his life to informing the public about ecological sustainability, wise land-use, and compassionate consumerism.

FORUM: “The CO$T of Meat”

What is the real cost of meat? How does raising animals for food affect the global environment, our natural resources, poverty and famine, global waste, and the health of the American public? And, who is actually profiting in the consumption and exploitation of meat? This Forum might be the Mother of all “Light Bulbs”.



Join us after the Film Screening as we clearly map out the interdependence between Food, Health, Animal Advocacy, Environmental Preservation, and Human Rights.


SUNDAY, NOV. 12, 2006

THE 2006 ARTIVIST AWARDS


Hosted by Persia White
Honoring Daryl Hannah, Joaquin Phoenix, Matthew McConaughey, and the winning Films of this year's Artivist Film Festival

Each year, the “Artivist Awards” honors the winning Films of the Annual Artivist Film Festival and the work of outstanding celebrity activists.
Past honorees include: James Cromwell, Mira Sorvino, Ed Begley Jr., Tippi Hedren, Mike Farrell, and more.

65 international films will compete for the Artivist Awards in several Categories. Filmmakers, Artists, and renowned Community Leaders from around the world unite at the annual Artivist Film Festival to address the importance of art and activism in our global community.