Davids and Goliath, Leon Lee (USA) – Powerful, life-changing and shockingly potent, Nobel Peace Prize nominees David Matas and David Kilgour investigate the horrific organ harvesting trade from living Falun Gong practitioners and uncover one of the world’s worst crimes against humanity. A profoundly impactful film leaves the viewer forever changed. Trailer: http://www.davidsandgoliath.com/

 

Lucent, Chris Delforce (Australia) – What’s done in the dark will be brought to the light… Lucent is a feature-length documentary about the vast yet largely unseen suffering inherent in the pig farming industry. An outstandingly well researched project, the producers intend to shed light on horrendous practices that are standard in the industry. Horrible conditions and inhumane practices are prevalent and overlooked by the public who really don’t want to know. Narrated by Lindsay McDougall it is a must-see for everyone who wants to take a stand and live with compassion. Trailer: https://aussiefarms.org.au/pigs/lucent

Love Thy Nature, Sylvie Rokab (USA) – Narrated by Liam Neeson, this documentary feature takes viewers on an awe-inspiring journey into the beauty and intimacy of our relationship with the natural world. And while our environmental crisis threatens the very survival of our own species, a renewed connection with nature holds the key to a highly advanced new era in human evolution. This beautifully crafted film leaves viewers with a sense of hope. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L2HDXdN5YA

 

Generosity of Eye, Brad Hall (USA) – Julia Louis-Dreyfus narrates the story of a major art collection transforming into education for kids in the Harlem Children’s Zone. It is the very personal tale of discovering how her father William’s passions for art, justice and education collide in a single act of generosity that will leave a lasting legacy for kids in need for years to come. Entertaining, heartwarming and impactful. Trailer: http://vimeo.com/95933738

 

Know How, Paul Griffin (USA) – An uplifing story and musical written and acted by youth in foster care.  A film about finding redemption in a broken system that creates terrible experiences, all told through the actual kids that have spent their life there. Moving and thought provoking the film gives hope. Trailer: http://www.knowhowmovie.com/movie_trailer

 

I’ve just had a dream, Javi Navarro (Spain) – A film short. Two girls. Two cultures. Two visions.  The same dream.  For one it is a blessing, for the other a nightmare.  It is a graceful, subtle and beautifully executed gift of perspective and humanity for every viewer as it holds a mirror to our own perceptions about gratitude. Trailer: http://vimeo.com/88111530

 

State of Incarceration, 90th Parallel Productions (Canada) – a searing, thought-provoking look at a highly contentious issue as Canada’s criminal justice system undergoes a major refit that may not be either effective or affordable, and might even be taking a major step backward.  Exceptionally well researched, laid out and compelling.  Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q_HhyqTt-s

 

Sins Invalid, Patty Berne (USA) – celebrates artists with disabilities and communities who have been historically marginalized. It explores the themes of sexuality, embodiment and the disabled body. A cutting-edge work where normative paradigms of “normal” and “sexy” are challenged and challenges the viewer to examine their own paradigms about these communities. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gjP0Wtlrpg

 

Project: Shattered Silence, Colleen Hamilton (USA) – in-depth look at the remarkable real life stories of 46 courageous teenagers. Of struggle and survival, rejection and acceptance, and unwavering hope. Using humor and tragedy, they tackle topics of adoption, immigration, depression, sexual identity and death. An eye-opening film shows true healing begins when we speak about what make us unique. Trailer: http://video.wedu.org/video/2365143536/

 

Backup Butembo, Elien Spillebeen (Belgium) – The story of some extremely strong women in Eastern Congo. The region has been disrupted by a bloody conflict for more than 15 years. In the town of Butembo, a positive resistance is steadily growing. The people try to regain control over their lives and destiny. When the violence in and around Butembo suddenly escalates the citizens take action, even when their own lives are at stake. Trailer: http://vimeo.com/86709017

 

Food Patriots, Jeff Spitz (USA) – This documentary film and public engagement campaign has a goal of getting everyone to improve their buying and eating habits by 10%. That’s 10% more fresh fruits and veggies, more organics, more locally grown – 10% from wherever you are on the continuum. As consumers demand better food we will pressure both policy and supply changes in our food system. Trailer: http://www.foodpatriots.com/

 

Sustaining Life, Robert Hess (USA) – A riveting look into the lives of the leading scientists, researchers and humanitarians working to transform the lives of the poor. Stunning animation and visuals showcase the landmark United Nations research study, the Millennium Project, to diagnose and address why 1/6th of our population lives on less than one dollar per day. Seen in the Millennium Villages – an ingenious concept that proves poverty can be overcome. It exposes the problem, provides the solution and lets everyone know how we can help. Trailer: http://www.sustaininglife.org/film/trailer.asp

The Aryans, Hanfgarn & Ufer Film & TV Produktion & MA Motion Filmproduction (Germany) – Filmmaker Mo Asumang sets out for a tour de force into the abyss of the political evil in Germany and the US. She travels to places where the real Aryans originally came from an area which is now part of Iran. THE ARYANS is a personal journey into the madness of racism during which she meets German neo-Nazis, the US leading racist, the notorious Tom Metzger and Ku Klux Klan members in the alarming twilight of the Midwest. Trailer: http://www.the-aryans.com/en/trailer.php