2014 HUMANITARIAN AWARD WINNERS
The Humanitarian Award honors filmmakers who are bringing awareness to issues of Ecological, Political, Social Justice, Health and Wellness, Animals, Wildlife, Conservation and Spiritual importance. Congratulations to this year’s illustrious winners who are committed to making a difference in the world. To read more about the award click here:
Of Many, Linda G. Mills – Producer, Chelsea Clinton – Executive Producer (USA)
Of Many, Linda G. Mills (USA)- Chelsea Clinton is executive producer of this moving film set against the dramatic backdrop of violence in the Middle East and the tension between Jewish and Muslim students on college campuses. It focuses on the transformative relationship between an orthodox Jewish rabbi and a Muslim imam, both university chaplains in New York City. Through a series of voyages to communities struck by catastrophe, young religious Jews and Muslims come together. An inspiring and hopeful narrative in the face of a seemingly irreconcilable conflict it takes the viewer on a deeply personal journey by turning a global crisis into a search for our own morality – as it forces us to examine our own beliefs and our own roles in keeping separation between ourselves and others.
I Married My Family’s Killer, Emily Kassie (Canada) -Beatrice and Purudenci were childhood sweethearts. They planned to be wed. The only problem was, it was 1994 in Rwanda and Beatrice was being hunted and Purudenci’s family were the hunters. This film documents three couples that married from killer and victim families. The trauma these couples experience is exceptional, and so is the power and resilience of their love for one another. An amazing story of transcendence and how a community consciously decides that forgiveness is the only path for a future. Update – won the student Academy Award! Congrats Emily
Natsanat – Cheryl Halpern (USA) – ‘Natsanat’ (Freedom) documents the heroic stories of young female freedom fighters in Ethiopia during the 20th century. These women left their families to join the struggle to bring freedom, peace and democracy to their country. They serve as role models for leadership and courage for women and played a pivotal role in shaping their country.
The Other Dreamers, Roy Zafrani (Israel) – The Other Dreamers is a short documentary about a group of disabled children. For a year, the film follows four disabled children who start a journey, on the way to fulfill their dreams. They won’t let their disabilities interrupt them, even if they are the only ones who believe that it’s possible. A true lesson of inspiration for viewers everywhere.
Modern Nature, Craig Leon (USA) – By the year 2050, approximately 10 billion people will inhabit Earth. Filmed around the globe, this award-winning documentary brings the spectator on a worldwide odyssey where the viewer is challenged to find answers. Includes philosopher Noam Chomsky, street farmer Ron Finley and environmentalist Vandana Shiva.
Morning Announcements, Brad Etter (USA) – A teenage boy delivers an incredible message to his rigid school during morning announcements. Surprising, touching, poignant this film is a moving tribute for everyone who believes paradigms can change when people care.
Alegria – A Humanitarian Expedition, Christoph von Toggenburg (Switzerland) – tells the story of an epic solo bicycle expedition across the Himalayas that changed the lives of hundreds of people in need. Supporting leprosy patients and mentally destitute women. Crossing Nepal during the Maoist unrests, conflict stricken Kashmir, Christoph encountered wonderful hospitality, found new friends and touched lives.
Olla Rae, Suzanne Hargrove (USA) –Olla Rae is a heart-felt story of compassion and selflessness, community and love for our fellow man. Set in Alexandria, Louisiana, this movie revolves around 85 year old Olla Rae, the woman who has been helping to feed the community for over twenty years, and the volunteers who work alongside her. Inspiring and heart-warming.
Cancer Village, Now TV (China) – Cancer Village exposes the plight of over 200 villages across the country that have suffered disproportionately from cancer by eating and drinking contaminated fish and water expelled by chemical printing and dyeing factories. A shocking expose on the unsafe agricultural and industrial practices that are harming the very population that they aim to serve.
National Sports System, Nov TV (China) – This informative documentary, reveals how China’s medal-winning athletes are seriously deformed during training and how much-needed prize money is often withheld for up to ten years. As many as 4,000 athletes still wait for financial settlements from their country, condemning many to poverty.
Baja, Erick Higuera (Mexico) – “BAJA” was produced to share with the world the amazingly beautiful creatures that inhabit the waters around the Baja and to increase the awareness and importance of preserving the marine life that still exists, especially those most threatened. Stunning visuals guide this documentary.
Wind Power – A New Course for Heligoland, Christian Jaburg – DW Duetsche Welle (Germany) – Three huge wind farms are being set up off the island of Heligoland — to become the world’s “first offshore service island” and serve as a base for people involved in the construction and maintenance. Many residents say the money would be better invested in promoting tourism, their main source of income. This series looks at the controversial changes taking place on the picturesque island and the implications on the human population.