I was grateful to receive a press pass for myself and a
colleague who attended THIS DEWDROP WORLD, Shorts Block 1 & 2, PAW PROJECT,
G-DOG and CONSPIRACY RISING. Some of the films I wished I saw were FEMME, WINGS
OF LIFE, and CONSCIOUS LOVE. Some of the films I had seen before that they also
screened were PAD YATRA: A GREEN ODYSSEY, SACRED JOURNEY OF THE HEART, and
AWAKENING WORLD.
What I love about this film festival is that its main
purpose is to open our eyes and provide information about many societal issues while
also being a fundraiser for a charity. The non-profit it benefits, Heal One World, provides preventive health care (especially through alternative/natural
methods) to those in need. The Founder of both, Skye Kelly, is a yoga
instructor/natural health practitioner/activist and inspiring leader passionate
about healing and making a difference. I admire her work and what she has accomplished with
this festival and its growth.
I had a big realization during this festival after screening
some of the shorts that made me feel anxious, depressed and frustrated with our
world. I made an important decision that I only want to distribute and promote
films that provide solutions and leave the viewers’ feeling inspired. While
some may say this is a “Pollyanna approach”, I feel that sometimes we don’t act
or create change when we see problems as so big and complex that we feel that
one person can’t make an impact. The weekend before, the Topanga Film Festival also
showcased some darker/intense films and even had a block on tragedy. Their
theme for the year was “change” but tragedy is not the change I wish to see in
the world! Sometimes I wonder if our
default programming for fear or conflict overrides our soul’s yearning for the
light. The only way our media will change is if we start to demand more
love-based films that demonstrate that transformation is possible.
On closing night, the Awareness FF delivered two of their best films that showcase the power of love. The short documentary, “See Me”, is a beautiful, powerful, and positive tale of transformation in South Africa. Filmmakers provided cameras to orphans and allowed them to tell their story which provided joy and priceless value to the children and spread awareness on the effects of HIV/AIDS.
G-DOG, the feature documentary shown, follows the lives of Father Greg Boyle (known as G-Dog), Founder of Homeboy Industries, and those he has touched. I had known about Homeboy for a while but I never knew the
story behind this non-profit. I was literally blown away, crying through most
of the film because second chance stories touch my heart so deeply. This film is a must-see. It raises
consciousness about gangs and provides multiple solutions for rehabilitation. G-Dog
is a real-life Saint who is changing lives, ending violence, creating community and kinship, and constantly telling a
story of hope, transformation, and inspiration. He is now one of the top people
on the Planet I wish to learn from and emulate and this film moved me to donate to the cause, to plan a visit to their café and offices, purchase his book, and to work
towards distributing and promoting the film. I want people to see with the eyes
of their heart as G-Dog does. He knows the truth that at our core we are all
the same and worthy of unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, and a
second chance.
I fully support film festivals like this that are doing their best to screen
films that raise consciousness and bring together creative idealists that are
hungry to change our world for the better. Kudos to the Awareness Film Festival
and please make sure this is on your calendar for next year!
Entertain, Enlighten, Inspire,
Kate Neligan – Founder/CEO of Synergy TV
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