That over 50 filmmakers and screenwriters from Los Angeles as well as far-flung places like Lebanon, Scotland, Nepal, Australia, even Gaza chose to fly in and be included in executive director Jaret Martino’s Voices Rising Film Festival Celebrates Diversity, at the Bayway Arts Center in East Islip, is a roaring shout-out to the subject.
As for the late-October lineup, “We had a CNN correspondent, Arwa Damon, who produced a documentary, ‘Seize the Summit,’” Martino said (chronicling four young people aiming to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, all war survivors from different countries). “She has been spending a lot of time between Gaza and Lebanon. We had the prominent director from the U.K., Tor Kristoffersen, with ‘Direct Action,’ who is working with the U.N. on climate change. It’s the most powerful film I worked with. It’s a big deal; he reenacted protests in the street and brought so much attention to the subject. Then, ‘Bullet Wipe,’ a television pilot directed by Ken LaZebnik, the Long Island University director of the M.F.A program in Writing and Producing for Television. It’s a 12-part episodic series about gun control, and they reenact scenes that take place on Long Island, reeling from the aftershock of local school shootings. It’s like a crime show.”
Martino also related Suffolk County Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson H. Pigott’s discussion about redlining in Suffolk County. “There’s a federal case about redlining involving Suffolk County realtors, brokers, not allowing Blacks and Latinos into certain neighborhoods.”
“As for a compelling reaction, ‘I’m Okay We’re Okay,’ now on Amazon, by Adrienne Acevedo Lovette—an award-winning, New York-based director, actor, writer and producer—people were blown away,” Martino said.
Bayway Arts, which has 375 seats, was standing-room-only at the onset, Martino said. “We also had a dozen nonprofits, including The Retreat All Against Abuse, LGBT Network, HIV Stops With Me, Engage Long Island, mostly compris[ing] women who helped people with voter registration. We also had Community Action for Social Justice.”
Performances that kept the momentum going included BriannaghD (Dennehy), Bella Noche, U Gotta Dance and Sawtooth.
On an especially poignant note, Blind Miss Diva, Kiana V. Glanton, spoke. “There aren’t a lot of events for blind people,” Martino said. “She spoke and noted this event really illuminated true diversity.”
Thanks to Shandon Court and Dunkin’ Donuts, who pitched in pro bono meals and treats, the participants were well fed; The Marriott’s Residence Inn and the Courtyard Marriott provided discounts, so the group got a special link to book their rooms.
Because of its success, Martino said he’d just discussed a smaller version of the event, to allow more time for filmmakers in a Q & A, with Patchogue’s Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center executive director Catherine Oberg. “She’s excited about it,” he said.
-Linda Leuzzi.
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