Notes From the Field...
Funding and Donor News...
FilmAid Benefits and Events...
How You Can Help...
(Photo Courtesy of Hot Sun Foundation)
FilmAid has partnered with the inspiring Hot Sun Foundation to screen films to thousands in Africa’s second largest slum, called Kibera. Hot Sun works with Kibera youth to train them in filmmaking and to tell the stories of their lives in the slum. FilmAid provides the means to show these films broadly. On September 26th, we jointly hosted our second free screening to hundreds in Kibera, pulling the community peacefully together and projecting ideas of strength and empowerment on screen. Footage from the first screening is now available online here.
This month FilmAid launches a new and vital program in
partnership with Doctors of the World (DOW), an international health and human
rights organization. We will produce
three educational videos on maternal and neonatal health for the West Pokot
community, one of Kenya’s
poorest.
The health videos will be among the first produced in the Pokot language and created in a participatory manner with the local community. The purpose of this project is to synthesize entertainment and education as a part of a campaign to affect social behavior change.
To read more about the West Pokot District of Kenya, click here.
FilmAid Launches $500,000 "Reel Vision" Fund with $100,000 Gift
FilmAid has launched its first general funding campaign, called the Reel Vision Capacity Building Fund. Reel Vision will support FilmAid’s exploration and development of new programs in greater Kenya, East Africa and Southern Africa.“The Reel Vision Fund is critical to paving the way forward for FilmAid,” says David Alport, Strategic Development Director. “It will allow FilmAid to expand beyond its historic work in refugee camps, and pursue new program opportunities that strengthen and empower communities.” The Reel Vision Fund received an launch grant of $100,000 from a major New York City foundation. The Fund is now accepting donations in either cash or stock. Please contact David to discuss the Fund at dalport@filmaid.org or 212.529.1088 x27.
You may also contribute here.
FilmAid is planning its first group donor trip to Kenya, departing next summer. We will take a maximum of 15 people to see FilmAid’s work up close, including a site visit to one of the refugee camps where FilmAid operates. The trip will provide guests with a deep understanding of the challenges facing East Africa today, while providing a first-hand look at the amazing work of FilmAid and its on-the-ground partners. The journey will include a 3-day safari in Kenya’s astounding Masai Mara Game Reserve, planned to coincide with the annual crossing of the Wildebeests. Interested in joining us or learning more? Contact David Alport, at dalport@filmaid.org.
4th Annual Glamour "Reel Moments"
FilmAid was the non-profit
beneficiary of the annual Glamour Reel Moments Benefit held in Los Angeles on October 13th. Reel Moments is a series of three short films
inspired by Glamour readers' real life moments, with each story assigned to a
renowned Hollywood women to direct. This year’s directors were Demi Moore,
Courteney Cox and Kirsten Smith. The star-studded evening included a screening
of the films followed by cocktails at the Chateau Marmont. FilmAid Executive Director Steve Mendelsohn
was on hand to accept the generous donation from Glamour.
(Photo Courtesy of Wire Image)
FilmAid is the recurring beneficiary of the IN-House screening series, a
showcase
for important films chosen by a renowned actor, filmmaker or artist. On
October 7th, London's Electric Cinema was the locale for a screening of
the film "Un Coeur en Hiver," selected by Jeremy Irons and hosted by
Abercrombie & Kent. The event was attended by London's cinema and
art world elite. On October 28th, IN-House headed to Los Angeles for a
screening of "All About Eve," selected by Kate Beckinsale and Len
Wiseman and hosted by Martin + Osa. FilmAid extends its thanks to
Katrina Pavlos, producer and founder of the IN-House Series, for her
generous enthusiasm and support.
(Photo Courtesy of Wire Image)
FilmAid Partners with AFI Film Festival
FilmAid co-presented the documentary, THE WORLD WE WANT at this year's AFI Film Festival. The festival is one of the largest in the world, and is in its 22nd year. It featured 151 films from 38 countries.
THE WORLD WE WANT follows a number of passionate, dedicated teenagers who are creating sustainable systems, fighting institutional racism and building community in innovative ways.
FilmAid Executive Director Steve Mendelsohn attended the 2008 Clinton Global Initiative, providing an opportunity to connect with other organizations doing similar work. CGI is a forum for discussing ideas and solutions to the world’s greatest humanitarian challenges, including malaria, HIV/AIDS, water and sanitation, and the importance of educating girls to improve community well-being. Each of these issues is or has been addressed by FilmAid through its programs.
Computer and Camera Donations
You can make a direct difference in the lives of refugees by donating equipment for use in FilmAid’s programs. Some examples of the equipment needed are:
- Digital Video Camcorders
- Macintosh Laptops
- Digital Still Cameras
For a full equipment wish list, and how to donate, click here!
