The Scene

Global Social Change Film Festival Aims To Educate As Well As Entertain

Published on Tuesday, March 15 2011
Written by Katie Marzullo

So, what is the mission of the GSCFF? Simply, to spread awareness and consciousness and promote a drive toward responsible, inspirational filmmaking. Anyone can write the next Hollywood blockbuster. But how many people can make a film that truly moves and inspires the masses? And, furthermore, how many filmmakers can rouse their audience to action? To this end, the GSCFF has not only nurtured positive voices in the independent film industry, but they have also partnered with GlobalGirl Media, an initiative which gives underprivileged teenaged girls training in news media and a platform through which their voices – no less valuable than anyone else’s – can be heard. And that’s what the GSCFF is all about – providing folks with important messages an outlet.

The pre-event last night, sponsored by the Center for Conscious Creativity, was swarming with not your average Hollywood folk. Filmmakers, artists, executives, and everything in between, the people I encountered at this event all had a common goal: to go deeper. During a panel discussion later in the evening, Elevate Films CEO Mikki Willis described how he could perceive a shift in the typical movie-going audience – how, at one time, they attended movie screenings in order to “turn off”, disengage and escape. But now, he sees a willingness of more people to “tune in”, to be engaged and moved and educated. Even in the mainstream, he said, he could see this shift, and he even brought up the new Matt Damon flick, The Adjustment Bureau, as an example (to which I completely agreed!).

The evening’s program consisted of a VIP lounge (to which I was graciously invited by GSCFF Associate Director and filmmaking talent in her own right, Reesa Ryder), followed by a program of short films, a feature, and a panel discussion. The lounge included goodies from YOU by Crocs, Waialua Soda Works, and Sprinkles famous cupcakes. After getting our snack and drink on, we congregated into the Vortex Dome, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Inside the intimate, dimly-lit venue, images of swirls, stars, and spheres were projected onto the curved dome walls; think more planetarium than Arclight.

First on the viewing program was the short film Slap, written and directed by another corporate defector, Gayla Kraetsch Hartsough. The simple film, which has enjoyed massive success on the festival circuit, is an interesting take on the political discourse that permeates our country nowadays. The second item on the program was a sizzle real of the GlobalGirl Media campaign, showing us the smiling faces of the young women it has helped. Following this was a mind-altering performance by musician Constance Demby, who treated us to the cosmic sounds of her Sonic Steel Space Bass, an instrument of her own design, which could only be described as transcendental.

 

Constance and her Space Bass; also known as a "Transdimensional Communication Device"

 

The “headliner” of the evening was the feature documentary 9,000 Needles, which follows the journey of one family in the face of unexpected tragedy. In 2008, Doug Dearth was living his Hollywood dream, producing films and collaborating with John Cusack. Then, his younger brother, Devin – a bodybuilder and family man living in Kentucky – suffered a debilitating stroke. In the midst of this personal upheaval, Doug did what Doug does – he picked up a camera and starting filming. The result is this beautiful document of family bonds and open-mindedness. Hopelessness gives way to new opportunities when, after Devin’s insurance runs out, he is taken to China and is fully immersed in a unique – and effective – blend of Western and Eastern medicine. What could have easily become a politically-heated film aimed at American health care is really all about human compassion and family. I am a firm believer that bad things happen to good people because they are better equipped to persevere and teach and inspire others through their tenacity – Devin Dearth is one such hero. And he is damn lucky to have such a fantastic support system around him, like his brother Doug, who is one of the nicest and most sincere fellows you will ever meet!

 

 

(Be sure to check out their Website, where you can purchase DVDs and T-shirts; proceeds go toward the Devin Dearth Foundation!)

The initiatives and ideas brought forth by the Global Social Change Film Festival are exciting indeed, and I certainly look forward to what it has in store for the future. The Festival will take place April 13-17 in Ubud, Bali, and will feature eight films carefully selected for their demonstration of social advancement.

Cynthia Phillips told me that she felt in her gut that she was meant to do this. And when good people come together to do good work, nothing but good things can result. And that is good!

 

- Katie Marzullo, YH Staff Editor

@YHKatie