The Social Impact Media Awards is an annual international documentary and educational impact media competition, honoring members in the independent film and global humanitarian industry. Our objective is to champion and promote the stories of independent filmmakers, activists and grassroots change-makers that too often remain overlooked, and to provide a springboard for creative media that exemplifies excellence in its potential to inspire change.

Women lead environmental justice around the world in Arise. Exquisite cinematography and music are enhanced by Daryl Hannah’s evocative narration. These voices for change may be new to you.

Arise emphasizes women’s wisdom and spiritual connection with the Earth as they live sustainably. Mother and daughter Lori Joyce and Candice Orlando direct.

In this era of ecological peril, women across cultures are stepping forward. Arise finds beauty and hope even in extreme poverty. Reverent vignettes of art, scenery, music and poetry read by Hannah shine in this well edited production.  The filmmakers told The Huffington Post that they persevered for seven years to bring these important stories to the screen. Each leader displays compassion, intelligence, conviction and active commitment. Among those featured are:

While the spring was busy, that was just the start as the season is really heating up with some film festivals dedicated to transformational media and others featuring some great new films and AwareGuide favorites.  The SF Green Film Festival is becoming one of the top places to find films about important environmental issues, so hope to see  you there! And first time festival Albuquerque Film & Media Experience scores a major win with a special evening with Robert Redford. 

SF Green Film Festival 5/30-6/5

• Rebels with a Cause
• Bidder 70
• Trashed
• In Organic We Trust
• Watershed

March Against Monsanto has announced that on May 25, tens of thousands of activists around the world will "March Against Monsanto." Currently, marches are being planned on six continents, in 36 countries, totaling events in over 250 cities, and in the US, events are slated to occur simultaneously at 11 a.m. Pacific in 47 states.

Tami Monroe Canal, lead organizer and creator of the now-viral Facebook page, says she was inspired to start the movement to protect her two daughters. "I feel Monsanto threatens their generation's health, fertility and longevity. I couldn't sit by idly, waiting for someone else to do something."