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Upcoming Events
The festival offers an exciting lineup, including a mix of short and feature-length films from across the globe. Attendees will have the chance to join discussions with directors, watch student-produced works, participate in Q&A sessions with filmmakers after screenings, and enjoy a special gala and awards night. Mark your calendars and come back on July 1 to view the full schedule and buy your tickets.
FILM FESTIVAL DIRECTOR’S TALK
July 26 | 4:15 PM | Former Downtown Independent Theatre
What does it take to catch the eye of film festival directors and judges? How can a successful run at a festival catapult your film into the spotlight for distribution opportunities? Navigating the film festival circuit can be a game-changer for filmmakers. It's all about understanding what festival directors are scouting for and mastering the art of leveraging your film's acceptance to its fullest potential. Gain insights into the impact of festivals on distribution prospects, uncover strategies for optimizing your film festival experience, and explore the current trends in film festival selections at the Festival Directors talk. Connect with the masters of the festival scene at the Film Director's Panel, where you'll hear from:
Anabelle
and sej
Executive Directors
Lisa
Crosato
City of Angels Women's Fest
Laurel
Adler
NewsFest
SUNIL
SADARANGANI
Producer and Writer
ERMAN
BARADI
Storyteller and Director
TABLE READ WITH BARNET BAIN:
THE LOGIC OF LOVE
July 27 | 11:30 AM | Former Downtown Independent Theatre
A teenaged boy struggles with Jazz and mathematics to prove that he is lovable.
Casting by Alexander Moreno (The Flow Project)
About the writer, and Academy Award winning Producer: Barnet Bain has a long history of spiritually oriented filmmaking. Notable film credits include 'Jesus' [aka The Jesus Film] (writer), Milton's Secret'(director, writer) starring Donald Sutherland and Michelle Rodriguez based on the novellette by Eckhart Tolle; The Lost & Found Family'(director, writer); Oscar-winner 'What Dreams May Come'(producer) starring Robin Williams; Emmy-Award nominee, Outstanding TV Movie, 'Homeless to Harvard' (executive producer); and 'The Celestine Prophecy' (writer, producer). Documentaries include Chasing Einstein (consulting producer) and When I Was Young I Said I Would be Happy (producer).
In addition to filmmaking Barnet served as a core faculty member at Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University, the first Ivy League masters concentration in spirituality and psychology. He is the author of 'The Book of Doing and Being: Rediscovering Creativity in Life, Love and Work' (Simon & Schuster); and 'The Third Story: Awakening the Love that Transforms'.
ENTERTAINMENT THAT UPLIFTS WITH
GURUDEV SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR
July 27 | 7:30 PM | The Art of Living Center
Film is one of the most powerful mediums of communication. It can impact the minds and lives of people. It can inspire and uplift the spirit, yet it can also have disastrous impact on our consciousness. Hear wisdom and insights from Gurudev on how films can unite people from all walks of life and create much-needed unity in diversity. Experience a profound meditation guided by Gurudev that uplifts the spirit.
Gurudev
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a global humanitarian, spiritual master, and ambassador of peace whose vision of personal and social transformation has ignited a global movement in 180+ countries, impacting over half a billion people.
Through a myriad of programs and teachings and a network of organizations including the Art of Living and the International Association for Human Values, Gurudev has created impactful programs that empower and transform individuals to tackle challenges at global, national, community and individual levels.
Gurudev has been an invited speaker at the United Nations, the European Parliament, the World Economic Forum, and the Vatican, as well as universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and the University of Southern California.
Join us for an unforgettable panel discussion where the timeless tradition of storytelling comes alive. Dive into the narrative depths with Emmy nominated director Gil Junger (10 things I Hate About You), writer/director Sebastian Siegel (Grace and Grit), and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage with Native American storyteller and actor Vernon Foster.
In this exclusive session, you will learn how the sacred practice of storytelling can elevate your films, creating a profound impact that resonates with audiences. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from these master storytellers and enhance the power of your cinematic voice.
Storytelling Panel
July 28 | 1 PM | The Art of Living Center
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Vernon
Foster
Vernon Foster, a Klamath Modoc Native American from Oregon, grew up among the Lakota and Ojibwe tribes. Their traditions deeply influenced his upbringing, grounding him in cultural and spiritual practices. As a spiritual guide and healer, Vernon advocates for Native American rights and shares his heritage as a public speaker and storyteller. By traveling the globe, Vernon imparts ancient wisdom and healing methods, aiming to integrate these enduring teachings into modern life. His artistry in painting and traditional crafts beautifully reflects his cultural legacy, as he continues to promote and preserve the rich Native American way of life.
Gil
Junger
Award nominated Director, Gil Junger. “If you want to learn what a director is looking for in an audition, shouldn’t you learn it from a director?” Drawing on his prolific career; 250 episodes of TV including the iconic COMING OUT episode of ELLEN, plus 5 feature films including the seminal hit 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, Junger explains why 9 out of 10 actors sound the same in an audition and how to unleash your unique creative genius. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your auditions, career and your life!
Sebastian
Siegel
British-American director Sebastian Siegel’s feature adaptation of Ken Wilber’s true story "Grace And Grit" opened theatrically at The Chinese Theatre IMAX, is currently one of the top-watched movies on Netflix in Latin America, and in the US, streams on Apple, Amazon, and Showtime. Previously Sebastian wrote, produced, and directed original documentary ("Awakening World" opened to the largest audience in the 20-year history of the Sedona International Film Festival), and wrote, produced, and directed acclaimed festival trailers and commercials.
“Sebastian Siegel is a dexterous and original director; his movie is transcendent storytelling at its best.” - Alex Grey .
“Grace and Grit is an epic love story. Sebastian’s adaptation of this powerful book stays true to the source... this movie is a testament to the transformative powers of love.” - Marianne Williamson
Environmental Panel
July 28 | 11 AM | The Art of Living Center
The film industry has a starring role in creating a sustainable future, given each production leaves behind a carbon footprint of about 3,370 metric tons. With eyes of the world increasingly focused on ecological responsibility, it’s high time we prioritize reducing waste and lessening our environmental impact.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Amber
Peoples
Dominic
Gill
Meet Amber Peoples, a passionate advocate for eco-friendly filmmaking. She wears multiple hats as a filmmaker, podcast host, and the visionary behind Earth Archetypes. Alongside her, join Dominic Gill, the creative force behind the insightful documentary "The Symphony of Tiny Lights."
Together, they’ll share their experiences and discussions on how our creative endeavors can harmonize with the planet. Your choice in film can shape the world – let’s make it count for the environment!
Register for 3 different experiences at the Earth Archetypes booth
Join an intimate group to explore what an hour long simulation is like compared to...
The week long adventure we'll experience while filming each episode.
Join an intimate group to explore what an hour long simulation is like compared to...
The 30 day outdoor adventure we'll experience during filming.
Just like the Earthmates Podcast interviews and Earth Archetypes Membership, you will get 1:1 and group support to discover...
The deeper meanings of your type and how to apply it to your relationships with planet, self, and others.