The film festival that premiered “Supersize Me” is back on campus with a new lineup of progressive short films and documentaries.
The Artivist Film Festival toured eight cities and will wrap up tonight at Columbia’s Miller Theatre with free screenings at 6 p.m., including documentaries “From Farm to Fridge” and “Vegucated.” The 8 p.m. presentation will consist of a special, interactive screening of “Zeitgeist: Moving Forward,” a documentary directed by Peter Joseph, followed by Artivist’s “Best Animal Advocacy” short “Together: Dancing with Spinner Dolphins.”
Through screenings of international narrative and documentary films, the festival brings attention to social issues. At the end of each movie, viewers are connected to various global and local nongovernmental organizations whose work is relevant to the films’ themes.
“It’s about linking up the energy and inspiration that movies can deliver with the practical side, and it’s about being inclusive—holistic,” said Artivist Festival founder Diaky Diaz.
The festival, which was started in 2003, has since screened over 400 films in more than 60 countries. It makes an effort to showcase films that push for progressive reform, addressing issues like animal rights, mental health advocacy, environmental concerns, and child labor abuses.
Five shorts were shown yesterday, all of which won the Artivist award for “Best Short” in their respective categories. Following these films, the festival honored Sonia Sanchez—an eminent poet, activist, and professor. According to Diaz, Sanchez, a tireless advocate for the black arts movement, typifies Artivist.
An activist of the civil rights movement, Sanchez is the poet laureate of Philadelphia and an American Book Award winner. Her poems grapple with the struggles of African-Americans and meld poetic forms with musical styles such as blues and jazz.
“She really is an inspiration, especially for us women; she blazed a path,” said Diaz.
The night concluded with a screening of “Shake Loose Memories,” directed by Columbia film professor Jamal Joseph., which revolves around interviews with Sanchez and features an eclectic musical tribute to Sanchez’s impact on the Afro-American community.
To Diaz, the festival’s holistic approach to content and participants sets it apart. “One problem is that the activist community is often very one-sided,” she said.
In particular, she highlights the festival’s partnership with progressive Brazilian ethanol powerhouse Petrobras. “You can’t say everyone is invited except the corporations. We’re all on the same ship.”
Tickets for tonight’s showings may be reserved online at ARTIVIST-NYC4.eventbrite.com.
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