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A Powerful Noise is now showing on Hulu. Click here to watch and share with your friends and family!
16 November 2010
20 August 2010
Check out our new enhanced 2-disc educational DVD!
Packed with exciting tools for the classroom, A POWERFUL NOISE, is now enhanced for educators in a new 2-disc special edition. Disc one features the complete documentary film, short videos, facts and trivia, and downloadable discussion guides, as well as a panel discussion with Ann Curry, Madeleine K. Albright, Christy Turlington Burns, Nicholas Kristof, Natalie Portman and Helene Gayle. Disc two includes a complete downloadable curriculum for advanced placement high school and college courses, as well as modular versions of the film's stories for integrating into the lessons. Subject areas covered are: Women's Studies, Cultural Studies, Gender Equality, Sociology, African Studies, Asian Studies, Human Rights, Global Issues, AIDS, Health, Peace/Conflict Resolution, Child Labor, Eastern Europe, Education, and Vietnam.Color/ 80min (plus 167 min of bonus materials including downloadable PDF)
Click here for your copy today!
"An empowering documentary."
- Good Morning America
"The documentary offers hope for the future. Highly recommended."
- Video Librarian
23 February 2010
Celebrate 2010 Intl Women's Day with HALF THE SKY
Building on the success of the 2009 International Women’s Day event, A Powerful Noise LIVE, CARE is planning to bring together tens of thousands of people in theaters across the country to celebrate, learn and take action to empower women and girls in the fight against global poverty in 2010.
On Thursday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m., CARE will present HALF THE SKY, a one night event in movie theaters nationwide. Inspired by the best-selling book "Half the Sky" from Pulitzer-prize winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, HALF THE SKY will celebrate International Women’s Day with musical performances, celebrity commentary and the world premiere of "Woinshet," a powerful short film co-directed by Academy Award® Winner Marisa Tomei.
As featured on Oprah, CNN, and Dateline NBC, "Half the Sky" remains a New York Times bestseller and a critical favorite across the globe. With HALF THE SKY, the one night event, you can watch the pages of "Half the Sky" come to life onscreen as Woinshet chronicles the struggles of a young Ethiopian woman who ultimately triumphs over sexual violence and discrimination.
Screening in about 500 theaters across the United States and Canada, this one-night event - featuring Kristof and WuDunn, as well as Dr. Helene Gayle of CARE, Rachel Mayanja of the United Nations, Marisa Tomei, Maria Bello, Sarah, Duchess of York, Michael Franti and musical performances by India.Arie, Angelique Kidjo and Diane Birch – will motivate you to participate in the growing movement to empower women and girls in the fight against global poverty. Visit halftheskylive.com to find your local theater and purchase tickets today!
On Thursday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m., CARE will present HALF THE SKY, a one night event in movie theaters nationwide. Inspired by the best-selling book "Half the Sky" from Pulitzer-prize winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, HALF THE SKY will celebrate International Women’s Day with musical performances, celebrity commentary and the world premiere of "Woinshet," a powerful short film co-directed by Academy Award® Winner Marisa Tomei.
As featured on Oprah, CNN, and Dateline NBC, "Half the Sky" remains a New York Times bestseller and a critical favorite across the globe. With HALF THE SKY, the one night event, you can watch the pages of "Half the Sky" come to life onscreen as Woinshet chronicles the struggles of a young Ethiopian woman who ultimately triumphs over sexual violence and discrimination.
Screening in about 500 theaters across the United States and Canada, this one-night event - featuring Kristof and WuDunn, as well as Dr. Helene Gayle of CARE, Rachel Mayanja of the United Nations, Marisa Tomei, Maria Bello, Sarah, Duchess of York, Michael Franti and musical performances by India.Arie, Angelique Kidjo and Diane Birch – will motivate you to participate in the growing movement to empower women and girls in the fight against global poverty. Visit halftheskylive.com to find your local theater and purchase tickets today!
04 February 2010
Check out and download our new widget!
Simply click on the "Get and Share" at the bottom and add it to Facebook, MySpace, your blog, your web site and more! Thanks for adding your voice to the movement!
01 February 2010
A Powerful Noise in Tens of Millions of Homes!
A Powerful Noise debuted today in tens of millions of homes across the United States.
Over 100 operators and digital destinations will be showing the film including the following:
Time Warner Cable
Cox
Cablevision
Charter
Verizon
AT&T
RCN
Insight
Mediacom
Bresnan
Suddenlink
Apple iTunes
Amazon VOD
Check it out today!
23 November 2009
Help A POWERFUL NOISE Succeed on Netflix!
A POWERFUL NOISE is now listed on Netflix, and will become available for rent after the holidays. But we need your help to make a real impact! The sooner people add the film to their queues, the more successful we can be.
Please add the film to your Netflix queue today and tell your family and friends to do the same!
A POWERFUL NOISE takes viewers inside the lives of three extraordinary women who each overcome insurmountable odds to bring lasting solutions to their countries. Hanh is an HIV-positive widow from Vietnam. Nada, a peacemaking survivor of the war in Bosnia. And Madame Urbain, a crusader for girls' rights in Mali.
An official selection of over 12 major film festivals, A POWERFUL NOISE has been called "An empowering documentary" by Good Morning America. The Chicago Tribune writes "It is an inspiring documentary depicting the plight of women and girls in impoverished nations," and CBS Radio says it's "A real-life tale needing to be told... a film needing to be seen."
Click here to add A POWERFUL NOISE to your Netflix queue TODAY!
11 November 2009
Shop at Gap stores, Help fight poverty!
Just in time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping - Gap, Inc. has chosen A Powerful Noise partner CARE once again for the GAP Give and Get promotion.
Now you can save money AND help fight poverty and empower marginalized women at the same time!
Between November 12-15, whenever you present this coupon and shop at Gap stores (Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Stores and Old Navy) you’ll receive a 30% discount on in-store purchases – and Gap, Inc. will donate 5% of the purchase to CARE!
Visit http://www.gapinc.com/giveandget/care and print your coupon now!
Share some early holiday cheer, tell your family and friends, and support our partner CARE’s work around the world!
Now you can save money AND help fight poverty and empower marginalized women at the same time!
Between November 12-15, whenever you present this coupon and shop at Gap stores (Gap, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic, Banana Republic Factory Stores and Old Navy) you’ll receive a 30% discount on in-store purchases – and Gap, Inc. will donate 5% of the purchase to CARE!
Visit http://www.gapinc.com/giveandget/care and print your coupon now!
Share some early holiday cheer, tell your family and friends, and support our partner CARE’s work around the world!
21 August 2009
Kudos for Kristof!
We are very excited that our ally and panelist on A POWERFUL NOISE Live, Nicholas Kristof, is shaking the tree and making lots of noise about the empowerment of women and girls around the world. Thanks to Mr. Kristof, this Sunday’s New York Times magazine is dedicated to international women’s issues. The magazine’s premiere article, The Woman’s Crusade, also mentions our main A POWERFUL NOISE partner CARE in the second paragraph. This will certainly go a long way in placing women’s issues and CARE’s great work at the center of a national dialogue. The catalyst for this issue is Kristof’s upcoming book, Half the Sky, which will be released September 8th. The book is an inspiring call-to-arms against the oppression of women and girls in the developing world. I encourage everyone to check out this extraordinary issue of the New York Times magazine and to purchase your copy of Half the Sky. Both will challenge and motivate you to make a real difference in the lives of women and girls everywhere.
10 March 2009
Americans Unite in 450 Theatres, Support Women in Fight against Global Poverty
We are so thankful and humbled by the tens of thousands who attended A POWERFUL NOISE Live last Thursday night and continue to send messages about it. It was a magical night!
People across America, linked by a satellite feed and a desire to end global poverty, flocked to their local cinemas Thursday, and connected with a movement to empower the world’s poorest women and girls.
The evening featured a one-time showing of our documentary A Powerful Noise, followed by a town hall discussion simulcast live from New York City into 450 participating theatres. A POWERFUL NOISE Live was presented by philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson with the international poverty-fighting organization CARE and National CineMedia’s (NCM) Fathom, in partnership with ONE and the UN Commission on the Status of Women. The event was among the largest ever staged in America to honor International Women’s Day. Our goal: expose how women and girls can turn the tide against global poverty.
Ms. Johnson, the film’s executive producer, set the stage from New York’s Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, expressing her hope that, in the glow of big screens, the world would grow smaller. “It’s so easy to set the problem of poverty aside,” said Ms. Johnson, an entrepreneur and CARE global ambassador. “We can tell ourselves that the problem is too big or that one person cannot make a difference. But after watching ‘A Powerful Noise,’ these excuses don’t work. Because you see what one person can do.”
Moviegoers were then transported into the lives of a girls’ education crusader from Mali, an HIV-positive widow from Vietnam and a peacemaking survivor of the war in Bosnia. After the credits rolled, big screens from Savannah to Seattle came to life with an inspiring discussion – moderated by Today show anchor Ann Curry -- on how to unleash the potential in women all over the developing world. The panelists were former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright; author and CARE maternal health advocate Christy Turlington Burns; Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof; actress and activist Natalie Portman; and CARE president and CEO Dr. Helene Gayle.
Dr. Gayle told audiences around the country that while we can’t wipe out global poverty overnight, women and girls offer hope for long-term solutions. She urged those watching to join CARE and other humanitarian organizations working to empower women both economically and politically. “The countries that have the highest percentage of women in their legislatures,” she said, “have the greatest social advancement.”
Mr. Kristof said investing in women is critical during the economic crisis because they tend to pump what they have back into their families. “At desperate times,” he said, “it becomes particularly important to use your resources effectively.”
Ms. Portman marveled at the success of microloan projects that allow women to start small business around the world. And she lauded innovative aid programs that don’t give families fuel rations, for instance, unless they send their daughters to school. Dr. Gayle cited CARE’s use of a similar strategy in Guatemala, where mothers who send their daughters to school qualify for loans.
Dr. Albright stressed the important role the U.S. government plays, calling America the world’s “indispensible nation.” And Ms. Turlington Burns urged Americans to write lawmakers or knock on their legislator’s door during CARE’s national conference May 5-6 in Washington, D.C. Do it for the world’s poor, she said, who often face discrimination and oppression in their own countries. “They don’t have the access we do.”
Our hope is that the conversation ignited by A POWERFUL NOISE Live gains momentum within community associations and university clubs, faith groups and families.
That’s why Ms. Johnson ended the night with a challenge. Don’t let poverty just happen, she said. Engage in the movement to help women and girls strike at its roots. “Our leaders are only half the equation,” she said. “We need you!”
Join our movement by visiting www.apowerfulnoise.org or www.care.org.
People across America, linked by a satellite feed and a desire to end global poverty, flocked to their local cinemas Thursday, and connected with a movement to empower the world’s poorest women and girls.
The evening featured a one-time showing of our documentary A Powerful Noise, followed by a town hall discussion simulcast live from New York City into 450 participating theatres. A POWERFUL NOISE Live was presented by philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson with the international poverty-fighting organization CARE and National CineMedia’s (NCM) Fathom, in partnership with ONE and the UN Commission on the Status of Women. The event was among the largest ever staged in America to honor International Women’s Day. Our goal: expose how women and girls can turn the tide against global poverty.
Ms. Johnson, the film’s executive producer, set the stage from New York’s Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, expressing her hope that, in the glow of big screens, the world would grow smaller. “It’s so easy to set the problem of poverty aside,” said Ms. Johnson, an entrepreneur and CARE global ambassador. “We can tell ourselves that the problem is too big or that one person cannot make a difference. But after watching ‘A Powerful Noise,’ these excuses don’t work. Because you see what one person can do.”
Moviegoers were then transported into the lives of a girls’ education crusader from Mali, an HIV-positive widow from Vietnam and a peacemaking survivor of the war in Bosnia. After the credits rolled, big screens from Savannah to Seattle came to life with an inspiring discussion – moderated by Today show anchor Ann Curry -- on how to unleash the potential in women all over the developing world. The panelists were former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright; author and CARE maternal health advocate Christy Turlington Burns; Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof; actress and activist Natalie Portman; and CARE president and CEO Dr. Helene Gayle.
Dr. Gayle told audiences around the country that while we can’t wipe out global poverty overnight, women and girls offer hope for long-term solutions. She urged those watching to join CARE and other humanitarian organizations working to empower women both economically and politically. “The countries that have the highest percentage of women in their legislatures,” she said, “have the greatest social advancement.”
Mr. Kristof said investing in women is critical during the economic crisis because they tend to pump what they have back into their families. “At desperate times,” he said, “it becomes particularly important to use your resources effectively.”
Ms. Portman marveled at the success of microloan projects that allow women to start small business around the world. And she lauded innovative aid programs that don’t give families fuel rations, for instance, unless they send their daughters to school. Dr. Gayle cited CARE’s use of a similar strategy in Guatemala, where mothers who send their daughters to school qualify for loans.
Dr. Albright stressed the important role the U.S. government plays, calling America the world’s “indispensible nation.” And Ms. Turlington Burns urged Americans to write lawmakers or knock on their legislator’s door during CARE’s national conference May 5-6 in Washington, D.C. Do it for the world’s poor, she said, who often face discrimination and oppression in their own countries. “They don’t have the access we do.”
Our hope is that the conversation ignited by A POWERFUL NOISE Live gains momentum within community associations and university clubs, faith groups and families.
That’s why Ms. Johnson ended the night with a challenge. Don’t let poverty just happen, she said. Engage in the movement to help women and girls strike at its roots. “Our leaders are only half the equation,” she said. “We need you!”
Join our movement by visiting www.apowerfulnoise.org or www.care.org.
03 March 2009
Women Unite To Make A Powerful Noise
What if for one night you could make a difference by going to the movie theater? Now you can by seeing the break out film, “A Powerful Noise" this Thursday, March 5. Just by purchasing a ticket, you can galvanize a movement to eradicate global poverty and reverse centuries of injustice for women everywhere.
Join Natalie Portman, Madeleine Albright, Nicholas Kristof, Christy Turlington-Burns, and Dr. Helene Gayle of CARE this Thursday, March 5th, for A POWERFUL NOISE Live, an unprecedented ONE-NIGHT ONLY EVENT. In 450 movie theaters nationwide, these experts and advocates for empowering women will participate in a live town hall simulcast following the screening of the film.
“A Powerful Noise" takes a provocative look at three women from different countries who overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to bring great change to their society. If our sold out festival screenings are any indication, you will leave the theater inspired and determined to join forces with these women to make a lasting difference.
Filming with these women for three months truly changed my life and taught me the real meaning of courage, strength, and perseverance. Now I want them to change your life forever. Please support these women this Thursday night!
A POWERFUL NOISE Live begins at 7:30pmET/6:30pmCT/5:30pmMT/8:00pmPT (tape delayed). Come support this important film and the incredible movement it’s igniting - the movement to empower women and girls to fight global poverty! Click here to find a theater near you and buy tickets now.
Join Natalie Portman, Madeleine Albright, Nicholas Kristof, Christy Turlington-Burns, and Dr. Helene Gayle of CARE this Thursday, March 5th, for A POWERFUL NOISE Live, an unprecedented ONE-NIGHT ONLY EVENT. In 450 movie theaters nationwide, these experts and advocates for empowering women will participate in a live town hall simulcast following the screening of the film.
“A Powerful Noise" takes a provocative look at three women from different countries who overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to bring great change to their society. If our sold out festival screenings are any indication, you will leave the theater inspired and determined to join forces with these women to make a lasting difference.
Filming with these women for three months truly changed my life and taught me the real meaning of courage, strength, and perseverance. Now I want them to change your life forever. Please support these women this Thursday night!
A POWERFUL NOISE Live begins at 7:30pmET/6:30pmCT/5:30pmMT/8:00pmPT (tape delayed). Come support this important film and the incredible movement it’s igniting - the movement to empower women and girls to fight global poverty! Click here to find a theater near you and buy tickets now.
18 February 2009
23 December 2008
A POWERFUL NOISE in theatres nationwide March 5, 2009
“A Powerful Noise” is much more than just a film. It is a catalyst for change and a compelling reminder that the solution to global poverty and injustice lies in the ability of women and girls to have a voice in their societies. This is why Tom and I made “A Powerful Noise” and we are extremely pleased that it is helping ignite such an important movement.
Now is your chance to join us in recognizing the millions of powerful women like Hanh, Nada and Jacqueline who lead daily battles to improve their communities. On Thursday, March 5, 2009, in honor of International Women’s Day, please encourage every woman – and man! – you know to attend A POWERFUL NOISE Live in movie theatres across the United States. This special one-night event will feature our documentary, “A Powerful Noise,” followed by a town hall discussion with leading experts and celebrity activists simulcast live from New York to 440 movie theatres nationwide.
“A POWERFUL NOISE Live is more than a night out at the movies, it’s a movement coming of age,” says Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of the global poverty-fighting organization CARE. “You’ll be entertained but more importantly, when the lights go on, you’ll be energized with a better understanding of what you can do to empower women and girls around the world.”
A POWERFUL NOISE Live is presented by CARE, ONE and NCM Fathom during the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women. Tickets go on sale January 30th. Click here for participating theatres and ticket information. Join your voice with thousands of others at this event and together our message that women are the solution will be heard loud and far.
Now is your chance to join us in recognizing the millions of powerful women like Hanh, Nada and Jacqueline who lead daily battles to improve their communities. On Thursday, March 5, 2009, in honor of International Women’s Day, please encourage every woman – and man! – you know to attend A POWERFUL NOISE Live in movie theatres across the United States. This special one-night event will feature our documentary, “A Powerful Noise,” followed by a town hall discussion with leading experts and celebrity activists simulcast live from New York to 440 movie theatres nationwide.“A POWERFUL NOISE Live is more than a night out at the movies, it’s a movement coming of age,” says Dr. Helene Gayle, president and CEO of the global poverty-fighting organization CARE. “You’ll be entertained but more importantly, when the lights go on, you’ll be energized with a better understanding of what you can do to empower women and girls around the world.”
A POWERFUL NOISE Live is presented by CARE, ONE and NCM Fathom during the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women. Tickets go on sale January 30th. Click here for participating theatres and ticket information. Join your voice with thousands of others at this event and together our message that women are the solution will be heard loud and far.
17 September 2008
Equality for All: The Importance of Women's Commissions
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Bonnie Coffey, the President of NACW, National Associations of Commissions for Women. In 1961, President Kennedy commissioned a study on the status of women headed by Eleanor Roosevelt. The result is a network of 220 state commissions that work as advocates for equality and justice for women and serve their local communities in a myriad of ways. As president, Bonnie focuses on providing the resources necessary to allow women's commissions to thrive.
I became aware of the power of women's commissions this June at our Silverdocs screening. Both the Washington D.C. and Montgomery County commissions came out in droves to support the film screening. Their enthusiasm for the film and the film's message is empowering to us as filmmakers and is the type of solidarity we continue to build amongst women in this country for the eradication of global poverty. Now we have another great partner to support our efforts as we role the film out at festivals across the country and to theaters nationwide this spring.
It has been great to learn more about what the commissions do. Bonnie told me that they battle legislatures who believe the commissions are past their prime, but her counter argument is that without commissions there are a lack of advocates for the underrepresented. In New Mexico, they are working with young women to film stories of the struggles girls face around the state. In Montgomery County, the commissions provide vital counseling services. It is this type of activism that shows the health and economic needs for women and girls in this country.
Bonnie truly feels that women's voices are vital to family and children in the communities. By empowering women, the commissions make sure that equal pay, healthcare, education, and childcare issues are brought to the legislative table. Without commissions in communities around the country, government tends to forget about the necessity for these basic family needs. In this country, women make up 51% of the population, yet they are underrepresentated in leadership roles in private sector jobs and government. Around the world, women work two-thirds of the world's working hours, yet earn only 10% of the income. This is a key message in the film. There is an inequality when it comes to women, but it is women who tend to be the protector and fighter for families and communities.
Bonnie really made an impression on me in her determination to fight for women around this country. We connected in our desire to strengthen the common bond among women to help a world in need. At the end of the conversation, Bonnie told me that you really "judge the success of a nation by how it treats women and the underprivileged." As filmmakers we took a similar stand that it will be the solidarity and strength of women around the world that ensures the underpriveleged are taken care of and global poverty eradicated. Bonnie seconded that notion at the end when she told me, "Women cry when they hear of injustice because the value of women is not where it needs to be. We are woven from a common cloth and hold up half the sky." I could not agree more.
I became aware of the power of women's commissions this June at our Silverdocs screening. Both the Washington D.C. and Montgomery County commissions came out in droves to support the film screening. Their enthusiasm for the film and the film's message is empowering to us as filmmakers and is the type of solidarity we continue to build amongst women in this country for the eradication of global poverty. Now we have another great partner to support our efforts as we role the film out at festivals across the country and to theaters nationwide this spring.
It has been great to learn more about what the commissions do. Bonnie told me that they battle legislatures who believe the commissions are past their prime, but her counter argument is that without commissions there are a lack of advocates for the underrepresented. In New Mexico, they are working with young women to film stories of the struggles girls face around the state. In Montgomery County, the commissions provide vital counseling services. It is this type of activism that shows the health and economic needs for women and girls in this country.
Bonnie truly feels that women's voices are vital to family and children in the communities. By empowering women, the commissions make sure that equal pay, healthcare, education, and childcare issues are brought to the legislative table. Without commissions in communities around the country, government tends to forget about the necessity for these basic family needs. In this country, women make up 51% of the population, yet they are underrepresentated in leadership roles in private sector jobs and government. Around the world, women work two-thirds of the world's working hours, yet earn only 10% of the income. This is a key message in the film. There is an inequality when it comes to women, but it is women who tend to be the protector and fighter for families and communities.
Bonnie really made an impression on me in her determination to fight for women around this country. We connected in our desire to strengthen the common bond among women to help a world in need. At the end of the conversation, Bonnie told me that you really "judge the success of a nation by how it treats women and the underprivileged." As filmmakers we took a similar stand that it will be the solidarity and strength of women around the world that ensures the underpriveleged are taken care of and global poverty eradicated. Bonnie seconded that notion at the end when she told me, "Women cry when they hear of injustice because the value of women is not where it needs to be. We are woven from a common cloth and hold up half the sky." I could not agree more.
06 September 2008
Los Angeles Premiere Excitement
Audience response has been encouraging to our message about empowering women and how that is working to eradicate global poverty . To continue the momentum, we are very proud to be a part of the 5th Annual Artivist Film Festival in Los Angeles. It will be our biggest venue to date--the 650 seat Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. We will be screening on Friday, October 3 at 7 PM so we hope for the women of Southern California to come out in solidarity and support the women featured in the film.
It is exciting to be a part of a festival that has the same goals we had in making the film. All along we felt that we could make a cinematic, visually-engaging film that influences the global consciousness about providing basic human rights for marginalized women and girls around the world. Being accepted into Artivist reinforces the fact that we are meeting our goals.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our other upcoming screenings. On September 18th and 20th, we will be screening in the Orlando area at the Global Peace Film Festival. Another great festival promoting social issue films, and most importantly, getting audiences in a discussion on how to make a difference in their world. And we continue getting festival acceptances this fall, including Hawaii, St. Louis, and Mexico. We will update the blog with screening times as soon as we have confirmation on dates.
Please take a moment to sign-up for updates from A Powerful Noise. We can notify you as film festivals accept us to screen in your area. Additionally, we are getting closer to finalizing plans for theatrical events and house parties and we are going to need your support. So get involved now!
It is exciting to be a part of a festival that has the same goals we had in making the film. All along we felt that we could make a cinematic, visually-engaging film that influences the global consciousness about providing basic human rights for marginalized women and girls around the world. Being accepted into Artivist reinforces the fact that we are meeting our goals.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our other upcoming screenings. On September 18th and 20th, we will be screening in the Orlando area at the Global Peace Film Festival. Another great festival promoting social issue films, and most importantly, getting audiences in a discussion on how to make a difference in their world. And we continue getting festival acceptances this fall, including Hawaii, St. Louis, and Mexico. We will update the blog with screening times as soon as we have confirmation on dates.
Please take a moment to sign-up for updates from A Powerful Noise. We can notify you as film festivals accept us to screen in your area. Additionally, we are getting closer to finalizing plans for theatrical events and house parties and we are going to need your support. So get involved now!
21 August 2008
Student Success
It was a great honor for me to have the opportunity to screen our film at my alma mater, Florida State University. The film was projected at the new Student Life Center and I have to say I was jealous to see the state of the art digital theater the students can take advantage of now. Wow! The film looked and sounded fantastic.
This was the first time to screen the film with a predominantly younger audience, and I felt it had the same energy as previous screenings. After the film we had a panel of myself, Terry Coonan, who is the Director of The Center for Advancement of Human Rights, and Robin Goodman, Professor of English, who specializes in feminist literature.
There seemed a real genuine interest to engage with our panel, and we did have some provocative discussion. The students wanted to understand more about who supports and what drives these women to be so selfless in their endeavors. Then we addressed whether it was successful that girls in Mali would gain assistance, but then end up back in the arms of domestic servitude. I pointed out that some of these girls do not go back to the system, like Kadia who becomes a seamstress apprentice by film's end. Many girls are like Kadia who get training in a skill to get out of the system. And if they do stay in the system, Madame Urbain from Mali says at graduation that these girls will make sure their kids go to school. And that is the important and meaningful change that empowered women bring. A system will not change overnight, but incremental change is quite powerful.
Terry Coonan was an amazing champion for the film. He said this film was quite honest in how it portrayed what he sees out in the field, and that women truly are the catalysts for change in their communities. Most importantly, he was impressed on how the film brought emotion to the concept of women's empowerment. Check back soon for Terry's complete review of the film on our blog!
All in all it was a success. Terry was very interested in using the film in the classroom and was excited to hear we already had a college-level curriculum built. And students were excited to talk to me afterwards both about the filmmaking and the issues presented in the film. It was a great thrill to return with a successful feature and I was happy to see that the film made a big impression on younger viewers.
This was the first time to screen the film with a predominantly younger audience, and I felt it had the same energy as previous screenings. After the film we had a panel of myself, Terry Coonan, who is the Director of The Center for Advancement of Human Rights, and Robin Goodman, Professor of English, who specializes in feminist literature.
There seemed a real genuine interest to engage with our panel, and we did have some provocative discussion. The students wanted to understand more about who supports and what drives these women to be so selfless in their endeavors. Then we addressed whether it was successful that girls in Mali would gain assistance, but then end up back in the arms of domestic servitude. I pointed out that some of these girls do not go back to the system, like Kadia who becomes a seamstress apprentice by film's end. Many girls are like Kadia who get training in a skill to get out of the system. And if they do stay in the system, Madame Urbain from Mali says at graduation that these girls will make sure their kids go to school. And that is the important and meaningful change that empowered women bring. A system will not change overnight, but incremental change is quite powerful.
Terry Coonan was an amazing champion for the film. He said this film was quite honest in how it portrayed what he sees out in the field, and that women truly are the catalysts for change in their communities. Most importantly, he was impressed on how the film brought emotion to the concept of women's empowerment. Check back soon for Terry's complete review of the film on our blog!
All in all it was a success. Terry was very interested in using the film in the classroom and was excited to hear we already had a college-level curriculum built. And students were excited to talk to me afterwards both about the filmmaking and the issues presented in the film. It was a great thrill to return with a successful feature and I was happy to see that the film made a big impression on younger viewers.
22 July 2008
The Power of Local Women's Organizations
Today will be my maiden post about organizations that are part of the growing women's empowerment movement that are working towards helping the world's poor. I want this blog to become a knowledge center for audiences to learn more about how they can take action and make a difference in their hometown. It is amazing to me how many organizations are out there working to create positive change. Now this blog can connect all these groups and direct people to how to get involved.
The first organization I am featuring is called Women's Empowerment International based in San Diego. Founders Win Cox and Leigh Fenly started their organization in December 2003 to provide microcredit loans to women in Sonora, Mexico, just south of their hometown. They began the group with the core values of maintaining communication with the women they assisted and keep the lowest absolute overhead as possible. As they embarked on creating this organization, many people felt they could not stay true to these values. As of today, they have proudly succeeded in not spending any donated money on overhead while never losing contact with someone they have helped start a business.
The started the group with 35 close friends and in five years have a total membership of 550 people. To start a business in Sonora, they need $96 and all of that money goes directly to the individual since WEI is a an all volunteer organization. Win Cox said, "We quickly learned that empowerment was a two-way street. When I started, I felt we would be empowering women in Mexico, but when you visit these women there is a feeling of community and pride you receive in return." This really struck me as a powerful comment in our conversation. It described the exact emotion I hoped the film would achieve for viewers. I wanted audiences to not only experience the power of these women, but to actually take away power from watching them fight throughout the film for their communities.
Women's Empowerment International has expanded recently to helping women in Honduras and Benin. Leigh explained that they choose these countries after an exhaustive search of over 3000 countries. They hope to help the indigenous people of Honduras fight malnutrition and high mortality rates. In Benin, they are working to set-up banks to fund hunger projects that are the epicenters of local villages.
Additionally, WEI has been helping out in San Diego. Two years ago they started the WE Center for STAR (Support, Training, and Assistance to Refugees) and have help 57 women start local businesses. This is obviously a tremendous success and I was very impressed. I asked how they did it and Leigh said it best, "A little money can do big things. Many people believe only rich people are philanthropists, but if you don’t buy that pair of shoes one week then you can provide a loan for someone to change their lives."
In the future, they hope to expand the countries they reach and support. Much like we discuss in the film, they felt it was important to stress how women make sure their financial success directly benefits their children's health, education, and overall well-being. They see communities benefiting from these loans as they create an unbreakable bond and strength amongst the women in the area. When asked why empowering women has such benefits in turning around people's lives, they felt women in these areas are far less damaged due to the effects of poverty, and at the end of the day, they have the moxie to build and grow their families and community.
If you are in the San Diego area contact them at (858) 486-6466 and become part of the solution.
The first organization I am featuring is called Women's Empowerment International based in San Diego. Founders Win Cox and Leigh Fenly started their organization in December 2003 to provide microcredit loans to women in Sonora, Mexico, just south of their hometown. They began the group with the core values of maintaining communication with the women they assisted and keep the lowest absolute overhead as possible. As they embarked on creating this organization, many people felt they could not stay true to these values. As of today, they have proudly succeeded in not spending any donated money on overhead while never losing contact with someone they have helped start a business.
The started the group with 35 close friends and in five years have a total membership of 550 people. To start a business in Sonora, they need $96 and all of that money goes directly to the individual since WEI is a an all volunteer organization. Win Cox said, "We quickly learned that empowerment was a two-way street. When I started, I felt we would be empowering women in Mexico, but when you visit these women there is a feeling of community and pride you receive in return." This really struck me as a powerful comment in our conversation. It described the exact emotion I hoped the film would achieve for viewers. I wanted audiences to not only experience the power of these women, but to actually take away power from watching them fight throughout the film for their communities.
Women's Empowerment International has expanded recently to helping women in Honduras and Benin. Leigh explained that they choose these countries after an exhaustive search of over 3000 countries. They hope to help the indigenous people of Honduras fight malnutrition and high mortality rates. In Benin, they are working to set-up banks to fund hunger projects that are the epicenters of local villages.
Additionally, WEI has been helping out in San Diego. Two years ago they started the WE Center for STAR (Support, Training, and Assistance to Refugees) and have help 57 women start local businesses. This is obviously a tremendous success and I was very impressed. I asked how they did it and Leigh said it best, "A little money can do big things. Many people believe only rich people are philanthropists, but if you don’t buy that pair of shoes one week then you can provide a loan for someone to change their lives."
In the future, they hope to expand the countries they reach and support. Much like we discuss in the film, they felt it was important to stress how women make sure their financial success directly benefits their children's health, education, and overall well-being. They see communities benefiting from these loans as they create an unbreakable bond and strength amongst the women in the area. When asked why empowering women has such benefits in turning around people's lives, they felt women in these areas are far less damaged due to the effects of poverty, and at the end of the day, they have the moxie to build and grow their families and community.
If you are in the San Diego area contact them at (858) 486-6466 and become part of the solution.
14 July 2008
12 July 2008
Reaching the Audience
Television executives tell doc filmmakers at every seminar or film festival conference to "know your audience." Pretty pat advice, but obviously it is true. But sometimes it feels like execs do not understand how powerful your film's audience truly is unless it fits into the vaunted 18-35 year old category.
Last week, we talked with BlogHer about their initiatives this year. They were excited that our film speaks to their core audience of women and might be helpful in launching a screening series they have in the works. If it happens, this is a great synergy for both of us as they speak to the audience we want to reach and our film can be an entertaining, informing, and inspiring evening for their core audience. Their website speaks to nearly 9 million female visitors a month. These are informed women who care about social issues and would be drawn to watching our film. They are not all in the vaunted TV demographic, but if the BlogHer crowd watches the film on TV then it would be a powerhouse ratings night for a broadcaster.
Additionally, we are beginning to hear from other non-profits. I reached out to Women's Empowerment International and heard back from them within an hour. They were excited that a film spoke to their work in providing microfinance options to women in Mexico, Benin, and Honduras. We will be speaking later this week and this is the beginning of getting additional non-profit partners on board to prove the power of women.
It is an exciting time as people begin to hear about the film and understand the value of partnership. This network of women will be the reason the mass public is aware of the movement and help it grow stronger.
Here's to hearing from you and how we can reach everyone about the film and the solution to stopping the marginalization of women and girls around the world.
Last week, we talked with BlogHer about their initiatives this year. They were excited that our film speaks to their core audience of women and might be helpful in launching a screening series they have in the works. If it happens, this is a great synergy for both of us as they speak to the audience we want to reach and our film can be an entertaining, informing, and inspiring evening for their core audience. Their website speaks to nearly 9 million female visitors a month. These are informed women who care about social issues and would be drawn to watching our film. They are not all in the vaunted TV demographic, but if the BlogHer crowd watches the film on TV then it would be a powerhouse ratings night for a broadcaster.
Additionally, we are beginning to hear from other non-profits. I reached out to Women's Empowerment International and heard back from them within an hour. They were excited that a film spoke to their work in providing microfinance options to women in Mexico, Benin, and Honduras. We will be speaking later this week and this is the beginning of getting additional non-profit partners on board to prove the power of women.
It is an exciting time as people begin to hear about the film and understand the value of partnership. This network of women will be the reason the mass public is aware of the movement and help it grow stronger.
Here's to hearing from you and how we can reach everyone about the film and the solution to stopping the marginalization of women and girls around the world.
02 July 2008
Film Affects Social Issues?
It is an interesting question and one that I may have answered too idealistically in the past. From the very beginning, I felt Scott's idea was visionary and risky. Both have proven to be the case. Audiences are genuinely enthused, entertained, informed and inspired at our screenings. People bombard Scott, Sheila, and myself after the screening, take our card, and promise to be in touch with their ideas on helping to make a difference. This is where life sets in and very little action happens. I must admit, I have been this person in the past and it angers me. I would say we have gotten 10-15% of realistic action from viewers at this point. Some gains have been significant, but at the end of the day, they are wildly inconsistent.
So is the film "A Powerful Noise" making a difference? In the end, I think it will happen. We have several private screenings being planned by viewers to increase meaningful awareness politically and financially. In terms of distribution, there are champions for this film out there and we are reaching them one by one. But without a higher profile deal in place, we lack the ability to affect a serious number of people. Having a feature length film opens many doors for telling these stories that did not exist in the past, but it is also an additional barrier for entry onto mainstream broadcast channels. In my heart, this is the best film we could have made and it is the right length to absorb the complexity of character and their situation. And in my heart, I see it having a huge impact by the time its life cycle is over and carriage on a major network.
So is the film "A Powerful Noise" making a difference? In the end, I think it will happen. We have several private screenings being planned by viewers to increase meaningful awareness politically and financially. In terms of distribution, there are champions for this film out there and we are reaching them one by one. But without a higher profile deal in place, we lack the ability to affect a serious number of people. Having a feature length film opens many doors for telling these stories that did not exist in the past, but it is also an additional barrier for entry onto mainstream broadcast channels. In my heart, this is the best film we could have made and it is the right length to absorb the complexity of character and their situation. And in my heart, I see it having a huge impact by the time its life cycle is over and carriage on a major network.
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