The First Movie (2011 SXSW Film Festival selection)

(Photo courtesy of Brent Calkin and Timo Langer)

It is one thing to know what war is like from a distance. As an American civilian, it’s hard enough watching or reading about the destruction of other countries or listening to stories about people who return from battle with parts of themselves left behind. But imagine if you were a child growing up in Iraq, with little to no possessions and the only memories you have are of loved ones who were killed by nuclear weapons. The one thing that all children have in common, regardless of their circumstances, is their imagination. The First Movie, a new documentary by Mark Cousins, will remind us all of that simple fact.

If you like what you're reading so far, please find the full article here at Society HAE: http://www.societyhae.com/profiles/blogs/the-first-movie

(Posted by Team SHAE @ SXSW on March 18, 2011 at 1:00am)

Elevate (2011 SXSW Film Festival selection)

(Art used courtesy of http://elevatethemovie.com)

Anne Buford makes her directorial debut with the film Elevate, a story that chronicles the lives of four Senegalese teens (Assane, Dethie, Byago and Aziz) with dreams of not only becoming NBA basketball stars, but more importantly, to improve the quality of life for those closest to them. On the surface, all of these men would appear to be any recruiter’s dream come true—they are all nearly seven feet tall with the exception of Byago who stands at 6’ 3”. And just like their native Wolof language, which contains a mixture of both Arabic and French, these men have many different layers to them. And thankfully, Buford’s camera work doesn’t interfere and allows them to share their unique stories—in their own words.

If you like what you're reading so far, please find the full article here at Society HAE: http://www.societyhae.com/profiles/blogs/elevate-1

(Posted by Team SHAE @ SXSW on March 16, 2011 at 6:30am)

Kumaré (2011 SXSW Film Festival selection)

Vikram Gandhi as Sri Kumaré. (Photo courtesy of Kahlil Hudson and Daniel Leeb)

Do spiritual leaders really exist? Well, it depends on who you ask. While some are quick to recommend their personal healers and shamans who promise life changing results, others will often shun the idea and simply say “hogwash” and dismiss these “healers” as nothing but con artists who prey on the vulnerable. I’m stuck in the middle. Though I love the notion that people can find inspiration in something (or someone) to keep going during tough times (e.g., Under the Tuscan Sun, Eat, Pray Love), that person or thing just helps you to tap into an inner strength that was inside the whole time. In the film Kumaré, director Vikram Gandhi embarks on a unique journey in order to examine the role of spiritual healers—by actually becoming one.

If you like what you're reading so far, please find the full article here at Society HAE: http://www.societyhae.com/profiles/blogs/kumare-1

(Posted by Team SHAE @ SXSW on March 15, 2011 at 4:00am)