Available on DVD

SYNOPSIS

RENEWAL is the first feature-length documentary to capture the vitality of America’s religious-environmental movement. In communities across America, people are rolling up their sleeves in practical and far-reaching ways. Offering a profound message of hope, RENEWAL shows people inspired by their spiritual and religious convictions, being called to re-examine what it means to be human and how we live on this planet. The film presents eight individual stories of Americans around the nation in different faith traditions, who are working to become better stewards of the environment.

Stories include: Evangelicals standing up against the devastation of mountaintop removal in Appalachia. GreenFaith, an interfaith organization in New Jersey that helps houses of worship take the first steps to ‘go green.’ An innovative childhood education program that helps Jewish kids discover the deep bond between their spiritual tradition and the earth.

Muslims in Chicago, supporting the sustainable organic raising of chickens and meat. Buddhists in San Francisco, working to persuade major magazines to publish on recycled paper. Hispanics, Anglos and Native Americans in Albuquerque, using religious ritual to organize their community to protect land and water. People of faith and scientists in Mississippi, coming together to confront decades of industrial-induced health problems, made worse since Hurricane Katrina. And finally, one nationwide program, Interfaith Power and Light, working with religious organizations to reduce energy consumption and move America toward 100% renewable energy.

RENEWAL provides an inspiring account of how religions today can bring people together through a common concern for the earth.

Directed and Produced by Marty Ostrow and Terry Kay Rockefeller.

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Available on DVD

SYNOPSIS

Our feature documentary reveals the history of camerawomen around the world, based on Alexis Krasilovsky’s book of the same title. For the past six years, we’ve followed the lives of camerawomen in Afghanistan, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Iran, Mexico, Senegal, the United States and other countries:
camerawomen who film underwater, in helicopters, in war zones, and on major sets in Hollywood and Bollywood. Our fifty interviews include top female Directors of Photography, such as Akiko Ashizawa, JSC (Japan), Joan Hutton, CSC (Canada), Brianne Murphy, ASC (USA), Vijayalakshmi (India), and the men and women who have been supportive of their struggles. Women Behind the Camera celebrates not only the survival of pioneer camerawomen in a male-dominated field, but a new generation of
camerawomen’s visions.
Directed, Produced and Written by Alexis Krasilovsky.
Plot Keywords: Feminism, Sociology, Anthropology, Women’s Studies, Cinematography, Film Studies, Film History, Videography, Videojournalists, War journalism, Hollywood , Bollywood, women filmmakers

Download EPK Here (59 MB) Includes High Resolution Images, Trailer, Press Kit and Contact Info

Available on DVD

SYNOPSIS

By issuing same-sex marriage licenses, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom uproots the status quo, attempts to change the way the United States of America looks at life, love, and marriage, and ignites what is our nation’s next great civil right issue.

PURSUIT OF EQUALITY is an emotionally charged film that puts a face on American citizens who strive for marriage equality. From the first frame of the film, even before the press is aware, this film crew is with Mayor Gavin Newsom’s senior staff as the nation’s first same-sex couple exchange their vows and ignites the most controversial civil rights topic in recent history.

The story continues on the streets, in the courtrooms, and on the steps of City Hall, where same-sex couples, finally validated on the happiest day of their lives, clash with church groups who declare that who they are and how they love is a sin.

In life changing moments, this film focuses on the compelling, human rights struggles surrounding same-sex marriage and captures the elation and despair of couples and families who are fighting for equal rights.

As the only film crew in the Mayors Chambers during the most crucial of times, this extraordinary film provides a telling ‘fly-on-the wall’ view of every turn as this historic event unfolds.

Directed by Geoff Callan & Mike Shaw

“A must-see documentary for anyone interested in marriage equality and the larger issue of civil rights in America today.” - Karen Ocamb, IN Los Angeles

“What is perhaps most remarkable about the film – and will doubtlessly titillate local political junkies – is the access the filmmakers had to the mayor during the height of the same sex marriage frenzy and in the fraught months that followed.” - Rona Marech, San Francisco Chronicle

“…a moving document that put a human face on committed gay and lesbian couples who sought — and are still seeking – equal treatment under the laws of the state and nation.” - Kinsey Lowe, LA TIMES

“Near-limitless access to San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s office –makes “Pursuit of Equality” a valuable behind-the-scenes chronicle of what may become a seminal U.S. historical moment.” - Dennis Harvey, VARIETY.com

“At turns romantic and sobering, Pursuit of Equality makes the eyes tear up and the blood boil.” - Critic’s Pick, SF Station

Download EPK Here (49 MB) Includes Trailer, High Resolution Images, Press Kit and Contact Info
Available on DVD

Synopsis

In 1998, Mario Rocha, a young Latino from East LA, was convicted of murder and attempted murder on the basis of one questionable identification and not a shred of physical evidence. Only 16-years-old at the time of his arrest, he was tried as an adult and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.

“Mario’s Story” unravels like a crime drama in reverse. Produced over a span of seven years, interweaving Mario’s life as an inmate in one of California’s toughest maximum-security prisons with the efforts of an unlikely group of advocates who have come together to win his freedom.

“Mario’s Story” raises serious questions about our criminal justice system as it follows the often discouraging, but determined efforts to win Mario’s freedom. The film is also a
hopeful and inspiring story of the unwavering efforts on the part of his family, his community, his attorneys, and the other allies who come together to overturn this injustice.

Thanks to the determination of Sister Janet Harris, the feisty and unstoppable former chaplain at Central Juvenile Hall, his case is taken on in 1999 by a team of pro-bono attorneys at Latham and Watkins. With all of his direct appeals exhausted, the only remaining legal recourse is a habeas corpus petition. It’s a long shot. Less than 1% of the approximately 30,000 habeas petitions filed each year are granted.

Given unprecedented access to film inside Calipatria State Prison in Imperial County, California, a short distance from the U.S.-Mexico border, “Mario’s Story” provides a rare “behind-the-scenes” look at the efforts of the legal team as they pursue a new trial for Mario.

“Mario’s Story” will have its World Premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival. The film is directed by Jeff Werner and Susan Koch. The producer is Susan Koch. The editor is Jeff Werner.

Download EPK Here (64 MB) Includes High Resolution Images, Trailer, Press Kit and Contact Info

Available on DVD

Synopsis

DREAMS ON SPEC takes an intimate look at how far people will go – and how much they will sacrifice – for the chance to pursue their dreams.

This feature-length documentary delves into the lives of three aspiring Hollywood screenwriters as they pour their hearts into their spec scripts, pitch their ideas to anyone who will listen, go to meetings, hold table reads, and work at low-level day-jobs – all in the hopes of one day seeing one of their beloved creations made into a movie.

David is a hip talent agent’s assistant with three scripts circulating around town. He’s plugged into “young Hollywood” – and when he’s not working or writing, he’s usually hanging out at the beach.

Joe is a middle-aged family man who has split his time over the last three years between caring for his autistic daughter and writing what he believes could be the Great American screenplay.

And Deborah is trying to become one of the few African-American women to ever write and direct a feature film, though she’s struggling just to pay her bills while she searches for money to produce her script.

These searing portraits of struggling screenwriters are intercut with wisdom from a Greek Chorus of superstar scribes like James L. Brooks, Nora Ephron, Carrie Fisher and Gary Ross to create a funny and compelling look at inspiration and creativity in the modern movie industry – all from the perspective of the writer.

It’s a look at Hollywood from the bottom up.

Critical Praise

“One of the best films of the year.”
–Paul Guay, Co-writer, LIAR LIAR

“DREAMS ON SPEC is – pardon the expression – pitch perfect.”
–Steven E. de Souza, Screenwriter, DIE HARD

“A definite must-have for your DVD collection.”
–Randy Barbato, Director, MONICA IN BLACK & WHITE

An “eye opening and provocative documentary. … It’s the first doco to examine the frustrating life of the lowly screenwriter.”
–Anne Brodie, Monsters & Critics