Film categories include but are not limited to: green and eco-friendly living, alternative fuel, veterans' issues, animal awareness, political topics, preserving nature, alternative healing options, stories of hope, healthcare issues, the arts, spirituality and much more. Two conveniently located venues will host the festivities: the Regent Showcase Theatre in Hollywood and the Macha Theatre in West Hollywood.
Stand-out documentary premieres include: Buffalo Girls, portraying rural children boxers in Thailand, Who Bombed Judi Bari?, the ongoing case involving the 1990 bombing of two forest activists, and Greedy Lying Bastards, an expose of the insidious domination of the fossil fuel industry (Daryl Hannah, executive producer). James Stenson's Kelly, Dave Rastovich's Minds in the Water, Tiffany Schlain's Connected, and a free screening of Tom Shadyak's I AM will attract diverse crowds.
While the documentaries highlight today's pressing issues, many narratives stand out as well. Award-winning Part Time Fabulous weaves stories about clinic depression. Dreams Awake, an LA Premiere, is a family drama that grows into a spiritual mystery and finally a mystical adventure. The festival closes on Sunday evening with a special screening of the award-winning documentary Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare, followed by an awards ceremony to celebrate the best of the best.
The festival opens with a red carpet benefit screening of 2012 Oscar-nominated documentary Hell and Back Again on Thursday, May 3, at Veteran's Memorial Auditorium in Culver City. A red carpet and a VIP reception will take place before the screening, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers along with a dessert reception. The benefit screening, presented by the Los Angeles-based non-profit Heal One World, will share the proceeds with U.S. Vets, a national non-profit organization that assists our returning troops and veterans with the transition into civilian life. Cementing this year's theme of raising awareness to veterans' issues, the festival will screen several veterans-themed films, including of A Brotherhood Reforged (World Premiere), Medal of Honor: Extraordinary Valor, and In Their Boots.
The festival is an annual fundraising event that primarily benefits the non-profit organization Heal One World. This Los Angeles-based foundation offers alternative treatments to low-income and underserved demographics. Heal One World seeks to educate people about preventative healthcare, non-traditional/complementary modalities, natural non-invasive treatments and self-help techniques for the body, mind and soul.
For media inquiries, call the event office at 818-994-4661. For tickets and info: www.awarenessfestival.org
