FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A SHOW FOR A CHANGE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES APRIL 2020 AWARD WINNERS FOR SOCIAL IMPACT FILMS

Los Angeles, CA – May 13, 2020 – A Show For A Change today announced several winners for its monthly global film festival, celebrating social impact films from around the world. The awarded films include projects from around the world and were created by numerous celebrated filmmakers.

“We’re proud to recognize these powerful films that advance the social causes of our time,” said Jared Milrad, founder and president of A Show For A Change. “Our festival continues to attract a strong diversity of socially conscious films from around the world. This month’s awarded films address timely causes, including the environment, criminal justice, and mental health.”

This month’s winners include:

● Social Impact Award: Behind the Bhangra Boys Directed by Nance Ackerman. A joyous look at culture, immigration, activism and community through the experience of the Maritime Bhangra Group - a Bhangra dancing team of five Sikh immigrants on Canada's East Coast - who dance to fundraise for charities. Going beyond the dance and viral videos, we follow the group as they seek connections in First Nations communities to raise awareness for Climate Change and our planet. Watch the trailer here!

● Creativity Award: Dysthymia Directed by Kody Christiansen. A 360-degree immersive and interactive look inside the mind of someone dealing with depression.

● Storytelling Award: Run For His Life Directed by Sebastian Sdaigui. At first glance, Pete Monsanto Jr lives a glamorous life; a celebrity photographer who works with Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, etc. But look deeper and you will see a man with a ad-sized hole in his life. Pete was just five years old when his father was sentenced to life without parole for racketeering. Pete is now the same age his dad was when he was sent away. During his incarceration, Pete’s father runs every day in the prison yard, keeping his mind and body sharp. Inspired by his dad, Pete decided to run the NYC marathon. Pete’s personal story, the special bond he shared with his incarcerated dad and his experience with the 26-mile race are the subject of RUN FOR HIS LIFE. Watch the trailer here!

● Cinematography Award: Pascoal Directed by Matt Jarvis. The eastern coast of Mozambique is notorious for riptides and drownings. For the people who live here, the ocean is their livelihood, but also a dangerous place, and nobody is taught how to swim.

Pascoal is an outreach officer for Love The Oceans, who are supporting swimming classes and marine biology lessons in Guinjata, the local village. We follow Pascoal's story of overcoming his fear of the sea, and how he is passing forward his knowledge and advice to future generations in order to breed a new wave of local marine conservationists. Watch the trailer here!

“We are all really honoured to have gotten this recognition from A Show For A Change! Behind the Bhangra Boys was created as a tonic, an uplifting, hopeful antidote to what the world was throwing at us, even before the crisis. We are grateful that it makes an impact, makes people smile and understand that there is a lot that can be fixed with love and laughter....” Nance Ackerman - Director/Producer // Behind the Bhangra Boys

“A team of four students from multiple global campuses of NYU was asked to come together to make a virtual reality/immersive film for our January-term class in London. We knew we wanted to create an experience with meaning and purpose - one that could open the eyes of the viewer to a way of life that was not like their own. Through our immersive film, we were able to create a greater sense of empathy for people dealing with chronic depression by allowing the viewer to become the person who suffers. We are so honored to receive this award and hope our project may help many people to better understand the world around them - with compassion towards their fellow human beings." – Dysthymia Team

"I’m so proud of Run For His Life and the intimate access that I was entrusted with and granted with the Monsanto family. I’ve had the pleasure of directing many projects, whether flashy music videos or more gritty portrayals. What makes this documentary so special for me is the honesty, vulnerability and love shown by Pete, his friends and family.” - Sebastian Sdaigui - Director // Run For His Life

“I was possibly faced with the worst weather of the whole year when I arrived in Mozambique, so to win the cinematography when left with just 4 days to film means an awful lot! Most of all however, I just hope this short brings recognition to the importance of connecting communities with the oceans in order for their mutual protection. Specifically it would be great for the community of Guinjata to have a new swimming pool built where all the local children can learn to overcome their fear of water, and be safe in the sea.” – Matt Jarvis - Director // Pascoal

A Show For A Change invites filmmakers who share a passion for changing the world through the power of storytelling to submit to our monthly film festival. We seek diverse, engaging stories that address societal, environmental, and cultural issues. To apply for our next film festival, filmmakers can submit their projects by May 30, 2020 using this link: https://filmfreeway.com/ashowforachange

About A Show For A Change Film Festival

With 350+ global submissions, A Show For A Change has awarded some of the most creative, groundbreaking, and inspiring stories highlighting social issues since launching its monthly festival in December 2017. The company’s mission is to celebrate socially impactful films through the art of storytelling and advocate for enduring social change. It embraces films that challenge the status quo and stand up for urgent causes like human rights, animal rights, and the environment.

Learn more about our current projects and monthly global film festival at ashowforachange.com

Website: A Show For A Change

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