Artists,activists unite in Earth Day Celebration

Opening film, which addresses the unhealthy practices of fast food giants and the consumerist society that gobbles it up.

The staggering hardships faced by children today, while revealing the suprising strength, hope and consequences they possess.

Closing film tackles the dehumanizing structure of corporate entities and the risks that they pose to individuals.

POPaganda: Art and Subversion of Ron English profiles billboard and pop culture "Artivist."

Photos courtesy of Artivist Film Festival

By Tamra Schott
On-line Forty-Niner

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to attend an event that brings together influential activists and artists who are committed to global change. The First Artivist Film Festival was created by executive producer and founder, Diaky Diaz and is a 7-day event, which involves filmmakers whose mission is to create an artistic, activist awareness of global issues.
"The first festival dedicated to addressing social, global, political, animal rights and environmental issues through visual arts and music. Our mission is to strengthen the voice of international activist filmmakers and artists (artivists) while raising public awareness and funds for global social causes.

Art can be a powerful medium for social change by bringing people together, raising awareness, instilling hope, and inspiring action," Diaz said. "We seek to unite the entertainment industry, the corporate world, and non-profit organizations toward a common goal of giving exposure and support to socially aware artivists. The time has come to direct the power of art, media and entertainment."

Sponsors of the festival include: Greenpeace, The Humane Society of the United States, The Child Welfare League of America and Witness. Each day is dedicated to certain themes such as, environmental preservation, Thursday, animal awareness and rights, Friday, international human rights, Saturday, children's advocacy, Sunday, and art, activism and spirituality, Monday.

Evening forums are held every day and include discussions and question and comment opportunities for the audience. In addition, the film of the day is presented along with further discussion. Live musical guests will perform in the Egyptian Theatre's main courtyard after each evening forum.

The Artivist Film Festival premiers on nationally recognized Earth Day, today, and runs through Monday April 26. The 2004 Artivist Awards will be held Tuesday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 28 there will be screenings of the artivist's 2004 award winning films with additional events to be announced. Tuesday's awards event will be held at the Egyptian Lloyd E. Rigler Theatre on 6712 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028.

For more information on this event please visit the following Web site: www.artivistfilmfestival.org.