Artivist Film Festival: December 1 – 4
Stories inspire, awaken, activate and propel us into action. At least this is the hope held by filmmakers sharing compelling stories of what is being done globally to forward human rights, animal advocacy and environmental conservation and caretaking. Throughout the four days, 45 documentaries, narratives, shorts and experimental films from the four corners of the Earth.
These films are eminently accessible, since sponsors (including Petrobras) have supported the Artivist Simulus Package whereby people can order two free tickets for each screening. Get ready to take a seat and find inspiration with a stellar slate of unique films, including:
ReGeneration: on Wednesday, December 1, the festival opens with this feature documentary examining issues facing today’s youth through following three diverse groups of people combined with noteworthy interviews that shed light on what’s created the status quo – and what we can do to affect change.
How Weeds Won the West: Cannabis is used for medical conditions with greater safety and efficacy than many prescription drugs, and whether its use is criminalized or legally sanctioned has significant economic impacts. This film reveals the story of this famous weed in California.
Climate Refugees: This compelling and thought-provoking documentary tells the story of refugees forced to flee their homes as a result of environmental changes. Beautifully shot, it asks us to examine more deeply the link between people and place and what that means on a global scale. The cinematic film’s music was composed by longtime LA YOGA contributor Michael Mollura. This screening will be held for teachers and students of LAUSD.
Play Again: What happens when a group of media-savvy teens are extricated from their wired world and delivered to the wilderness? This film includes interviews with a variety of interdisciplinary experts who explore our connection with nature.
Maasai at the Crossroads: Modernization, education, living on the land, drought and encroaching civilization are some of the opposing forces the Maasi need to negotiate as they are living life straddling the crossroads, a journey depicted in this powerful documentary.
Founded by Diaky Diaz, this trail-blazing socially-conscious film festival is the place to be in early December. For a full schedule and to place ticket orders, visit: artivist.com.
By Felicia M. Tomasko, RN
Karen Henry is an Associate Editor at LA YOGA who volunteers in a variety of capacities for nonprofit organizations and artists around Los Angeles. She practices yoga as a counterbalance to her daily impact sports and is a mother of four grown children who also practice yoga . Now, she’s working on teaching yoga and joy of life to the grandkids!