Colin Firth, Oscar winner for Best Actor in the film "The Kings Speech" went eco-friendly on the red carpet at the Academy Awards Sunday night.  Firth and his wife Livia wore environmentally friendly clothing in an effort to raise awareness that you can look red carpet fabulous and be eco-conscious. Livia is the founder of a Fair Trade boutique called Eco Age in London.  She wore a gown made from old dresses and told Britain’s The Sun,

The Power of Story, Film & Media in Social Change: A Benefit to Support Global Social Change Film Festival
March 14, 2011 @ LA Center Studios in downtown Los Angeles

I just stepped out from a screening of Sing Your Song at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. Wow!  I have never been so moved by a movie – alternating wanting to cry and clap.

This powerful film illuminates the life of Harry Belefonte, a man who is loved for his music, acting, personality and his humanitarianism.  He is a true global citizen who has been involved with creating positive change in the world his whole life.  From his beginnings in the Theater in Harlem the marvelous archival footage of him performing as an actor and singer to his role as voice for causes everywhere. 

Its quite awakening to see that a performer of Harry Belelfonte's stature was still subject to the racial segregation the divided our country.  This awoke in him a passion that lives to this day.  his fame and stature enabled him to connect with many leading politicians and thought leaders.  Not only did he lend his singing voice to the actions taking place, but reach leaders such as JFK and RFK and bring the messages of MLK.

One of the stories he tells in the film is how his mother told him to do one thing each day to fight injustice in the world.

His remarks after the screening were equally profound and articulate as those in the film.  His charm and warm enhance the clarity of his message and mesmerizes one.  He told how his mother observed him seaching for a pair of socks over and over in the same places and asked him if he ever thought that the answer lie in place had not yet looked.  It became a mantra that led him around the world seaching for wisdom and the next piece of the puzzle for mankind.

I also had the privilege to see Mr Belefonte in a panel discussion on Film and Movement and he was equally powerful and empowering.

It was quite interesting that the same day I saw this film which highlighted the non-violent part of the civil rights movement, there was also a screening of Black Power Mix Tape which features footage about the Black Power movement which was archived in Sweden and recently discovered.

I hope this movie encourages everyone to sing their song and create a global chorus – it has moved me to do so, never before have I wanted to write like this, to add my voice to this song!

Happy, Happy, Hell and Back Again, How to Die in Oregon and Like Crazy Earn Grand Jury Prizes Audience Favorites Include Buck, Circumstance, Kinyawaranda and Senna to.get.her Awarded Best of NEXT! Audience Award

Writer/Director Jennifer Siebel Newsom brings together some of America’s most influential women in politics, news, and entertainment to give us an inside look at the media’s message. Miss Representation explores women’s under-representation in positions of power by challenging the limited and often disparaging portrayal of women in the media. As one of the most persuasive and pervasive forces in our culture, media is educating yet another generation that women’s primary value lies in their youth, beauty and sexuality—not in their capacity as leaders.

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Today at 5:00 pm EST The Power of Story: How Docs Changed Time

Over the course of the independent film movement, there’s been a major transformation in the landscape of nonfiction filmmaking. We’ve seen the role documentary work can play: from changing societies and communicating diverse human experiences to addressing political and social issues and entertaining audiences with extraordinary and inspiring stories. Meet three figures who have been at the center of changing the face of documentary film, expanding its audience, and redefining its impact.

Nick Fraser has worked as a reporter and television producer and has been the commissioning editor of BBC's Storyville since it started in 1997. Storyville films have won more than two hundred awards, including several Academy Awards, Griersons, Emmys, and Peabodys as well as a Sundance Jury Prize.

Sheila Nevins, president of HBO Documentary Films, is a highly regarded producer credited with nearly one thousand documentary films, which have earned numerous Academy Awards, Emmys, Peabodys, and, most recently, a DGA Honor. During her long tenure at HBO, Nevins has cultivated many new talents and set the standard for cutting-edge documentaries.

Soledad O’Brien (moderator) is an anchor and special correspondent for CNN and has reported breaking news from around the globe in addition to producing award-winning, critically acclaimed documentary films.

Robert Redford is recognized the world over for the roles he has played and the projects he has directed or produced throughout a distinguished stage and film career. He is an environmentalist and advocate for social responsibility and political involvement and has nurtured countless innovative voices through his nonprofit Sundance Institute and Film Festival.

In the valleys of Appalachia, a battle is being fought over a mountain. It is a battle with severe consequences that affect every American, regardless of their social status, economic background or where they live. It is a battle that has taken many lives and continues to do so the longer it is waged. It is a battle over protecting our health and environment from the destructive power of Big Coal.

Keith Olberman's eloquent call all politicians, commentators, and activists to pledge that "Violence, or the threat of violence has no place in our democracy"

The annual Sundance Film Festival starts this week. The lineup of films selected to screen in the U.S. and World Cinema Dramatic and Documentary Competitions for 2011 have been announced Sundance Institute. The 2011 Sundance Film Festival runs January 20-30 in Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Sundance, Utah.

The Artivist Collective is pleased to announce the slate for this year's Artivist Film Festival, which takes place August 18-20 at the historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, screening independent, narratives, documentaries, shorts, and experimental films from around the globe. The festival concludes on with The 2011 Artivist Awards and the winning films of this year’s festival.