New York International Independent Film and Video Festival selects two documentaries by Berkeley, California non-profit Pinch Me Films. This recognition follows on the network media coverage of the Pinch Me Films community education outreach event on May 5th called "Breaking the Silence of Sex". Diane Sawyer's producers have interviewed the producers and are interested in covering future events.
Berkeley, CA (PRWEB) June 21, 2004 -- After months of planning, organizing and mobilizing, Pinch Me Films hosted their first community education and outreach program titled "Breaking the Silence of Sex", timed to coincide with the May 5th National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, which featured "Silence Ain't Sexy" – Part I of a teen sexuality documentary series. Their efforts were rewarded with recognition from Mayor Tom Bates of Berkeley, network media coverage, thanks from the National Campaign and most importantly, praise from parents and teens who participated in the high-energy, information loaded evening. www.thesilenceofsex.com.
Results of the grass roots effort exceeded the non-profit group's expectations. Over one hundred people attended the Berkeley event, which was covered by a CBS affiliate from Los Angeles. Producer Lily Lee of KCAL interviewed attendees, Pinch Me Films producers, and teens who appeared in the Pinch Me Films documentary series "The Silence of Sex". Reporter Pat Harvey incorporated the story in her "Young Love" series that aired May 19th and 20th on KCAL9s 10 pm newscasts.
Encouragement for More
Following the film screening on May 5th, a panel of experts was on hand to answer questions from attendees. One panel member, adolescent psychologist and mother Maureen Katz, expressed her enthusiasm following the event, "This is exactly what's needed! Open, honest dialogue and a forum for parents and teens alike to ask questions. You should definitely do more of these."
"We have always wanted to initiate and organize events like this across the country," stated Nils Moe, Pinch Me Films Co-Founder. "We do plan on putting together more community outreach events wherever we can, but we need more sponsors and volunteers."
Another attendee wrote later, "I wanted to congratulate you on the film screening. Fabulous film. It was great to see sex/sexuality presented in a clear way that young people can relate to, that wasn't filled with guilt or 'If you have sex you will die' message. Kudos to you and Pinch Me Films." Cindy Tsai, mother.
Diane Sawyer Gets Interested
"The media coverage really helps raise awareness of a very important topic", said Julia Robertson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Pinch Me Films. "This is exactly why we founded our organization – to reach the public through entertaining educational media and create social change. A producer from the Diane Sawyer show saw the Los Angeles news story and called us for an interview. They really loved the video and are interested in future workshops and community events we organize. So its having a snowball effect."
A day after the Diane Sawyer show contacted them, Pinch Me Films received word that two of their documentaries had been accepted by the New York International Independent Film and Video 2004. "Congratulations! We are delighted that your films "Detention" (a Pinch Me Films SAVE project) and "Silence Ain't Sexy" have been officially selected for exhibition in the New York International Independent Film & Video festival 2004. We will be organizing a fantastic event featuring films and videos from around the world, including Canada, Spain, France, China, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, England and of course all over the U.S." wrote Renata Lorenc, Marketing & Admissions Director.
The Opening Gala celebration will be in Los Angeles at the Wyndam Belage Ballroom, West Hollywood on September 30, 2004. Representatives from Miramax, William Morris, MGM Fox Searchlight, Sony Pictures, LionsGate, New Line, Paramount, MTV & Greenestreet Films are expected to attend. Pinch Me Films is hoping to organize a Los Angeles community outreach event to coincide with this screening. Parties interested in sponsoring this or another Breaking the Silence of Sex event can contact Julia Robertson or Nils Moe.
About Pinch Me Films
Pinch Me Films (PMF) is a non-profit organization that promotes social change by creating and distributing entertaining educational media for youth. The organization's name was chosen to reflect Pinch Me Films' mission to help people wake up and talk candidly about important social issues that are obscured by silence, ignorance, or hype.
Director/Producers: Crescent Diamond, Julia Robertson and Nils Moe co-founders of PMF (Bios available at http://www.Pinch Me Films.org/bio.htm). Our Board of Advisors includes Barbara Huberman, founding board member of the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and current National Director of Education and Outreach Education for Advocates for Youth, Washington D.C.; Dr. Lynn Ponton, author of "The Romance of Risk: Why Teenagers do the Things They Do" and "The Sex Lives of Teenagers"; and Dr. Dale Rose, an expert in psychometric measurement and evaluation of educational programs. Part one of the "Silence of Sex" documentary series has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood. Part two is in production.
About the NYIIFF:
http://www.nyfilmvideo.com/sponsors/sponsor.htm
The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival is now the largest independent film festival in the world, showing films in New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami Cannes, Milan and Brazil. Founded in 1993 by filmmaker Stuart Alson, the festival is known as 'the voice for independent film'. Festival mission statement is to identify and develop new talent in the motion picture industry. The festival receives extensive coverage in all major publications, including: Variety, CNN, New York Observer, New York Times, LA Times, Hollywood Reporter, Fox TV, Time Out NY, E News, Daily News, and the New York Post. When you join the ranks of artists who have had their work screened at The New York International Independent Film & Video Festival, you become associated with a group of ground-breaking, talented artists. Many of the filmmakers and films that have participated in the festival have achieved great success.
CONTACTS
Pinch Me Films
Media Contact: Donna Lehman, 510-525-1474
dlehman@market-up.com
Julia Robertson and Nils Moe, 510-525-5078
Julia@pincmefilms.org, nils@Pinch Me Films.org
New York International Independent Film Festival
Renata Lorenc
Marketing & Admissions Director
NYIIFVF, Independent Film Quarterly, ITN Distribution
(p) 1212 777 7100 #13
(f) 1212 387 0873
www.nyfilmvideo.com
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