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Moondance Announces 2016 Film Program & Winners List!

You Can Make a Big Splash at the 2016 Moondance!

Photo by Clark Little

Photo by Clark Little

MIFF TEXT BANNER

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER/MASTER CLASS: VIC SARIN ON MAKING FILMS YOU BELIEVE IN!
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • LINKEDIN & STAGE 32 GET-TOGETHERS
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

CLICK ON THESE LINKS FOR DETAILS & MORE INFO:

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>>> GET YOUR ADVANCE FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS HERE!<<<

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Tickets for all events will also be available at the registrations & ticket sales table in the lobby of the St. Julien Hotel venue, on September 4th & 5th, starting at 10:AM each day.

We are very pleased to have secured the very best venue for the 2016 film festival and for screening Moondance films in historic, beautiful Boulder. The world-class St. Julien Hotel & Spa in downtown Boulder is one of the West’s most prestigious luxury hotels, and it stands at the forefront of special event spaces in the Rocky Mountain region.

Gazebo St. Julien

  • The 17th annual Moondance International Film Festival, featuring its distinct cinematic visions and bold film selections, has distinguished itself around the world as much more than a popular annual film festival! The Moondance is a unique community, a supportive, productive, and creative year-round collaboration between independent filmmakers and movie audiences, between writers, music composers and the world of top-quality filmed entertainment.
  • True to the spirit of the best of important and meaningful films, professional workshops, networking events, and so on, Moondance is supported and attended by those people who value the best in quality indie films, as well as the Moondance mission, and share a passion for the power of great films to entertain, inspire, encourage, educate and challenge peoples’ perceptions.
  • Moondancers are part of an amazing worldwide community; a unique collaboration of multi-talented writers, film score composers and filmmakers. The Moondance mission is to entertain, inform, inspire, encourage and educate. We honor those artists who, through their creative work, actively increase awareness, provide multiple viewpoints, address complex social issues, and strengthen ties between international audiences At Moondance, you can come together with other writers, directors and producers to create new opportunities, develop tools for success and forge new alliances within the international film and entertainment industry.
  • The uniqueness and integrity of The Moondance International Film Festival brand, its global reputation for the highest quality, as well as its important mission and goals, and now celebrating our 15th season, is a rare and unmatchable asset. Talented filmmakers, writers and composers from around the world submit their work to the annual Moondance competition; enthusiastic audiences attend the film festival’s screenings of the best indie films, its professional workshops and popular networking events.
  • Being fearless & bold, Moondance is a film festival where monotonous conformity is considered mediocrity, and extravagant individualism, innovation, uniqueness and experimentation is encouraged, awarded and applauded!

FilmFestivalSurvivalGuide

Volunteer-Signup

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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2016 MOONDANCE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

Dear Friends, Moondancers, Supporters, Donors & Sponsors, If you’d like to consider a unique sponsorship at Moondance, to further promote your company or product to our international audiences & event attendees, please take a look at our Sponsorship Categories, and contact our sponsorships coordinator, Alan Rogers, at: [email protected]

SPONSORSHIP CATEGORIES

SPONSORSHIP FAQ

BECOME A MOONDANCE PARTNER

FESTIVAL LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

FILM FESTIVALS ARE GOOD BUSINESS!

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Thanks a million for your interest in a mutually-beneficial working relationship with the 2016 Moondance International Film Festival!

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A MOONDANCER WRITES US:

“I found your critique of my screenplay valuable, personal and sincere. My imagination has already devised ways to incorporate some of your suggestions into thrilling and humorous ways, creating greater conflict for more nail-biting angst. Let the rewrite begin! I appreciate the time and consideration your have given this work. I received so much more value than I anticipated.“ Gratefully, Meredith Schatz, Germany

CLICK HERE FOR FEEDBACK SUBMISSIONS  

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MOONDANCER NEWS

ROME LITTLE THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR FRED PERRY’S THE ASCENSION OF TWYLA POTTS! RLT announces auditions for Fred Perry’s two act comedy The Ascension of Twyla Potts. This show has won widespread acclaim, including 1st place in the stageplay category at the 2015 Moondance International Film Festival, the 2013 London Film Awards and The Special Marquee Award at the 2013 American Movie Awards. The play is being produced and presented by special arrangement with Heartland Plays, Inc. (CoosaValleyNews.com, Rome, Georgia)

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SOMETHING TO CONSIDER:

By Lou Hamilton

DANCING BY THE OCEAN

Life is ebb and flow, there’s time for speed and a time to slow down. Think of a garden; you don’t plant a seed and expect to see a tree the next day. The art of patience allows for a natural pace, the need for speed forces artificial pressure on a creative process. Think of Genetically Modified Foods. They grow quick and taste of nothing. In the film industry we use the three pronged model: quick, cheap, good. You can only have two of the three. Quick and cheap, but not good. Quick and good, but not cheap. Cheap and good but not quick. “Even instant gratification takes too long” Carrie Fisher is quoted as saying. When you slow down you simply do things better. Eating, sleeping, making love, creating, inventing, designing all become better when slowness is your modus operandi. READ MORE:

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www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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The Moondance Summertime News & Festival Guide!

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MIFF TEXT BANNER

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

 SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Director Vic Sarin
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • LINKEDIN & STAGE 32 GET-TOGETHERS
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

Gazebo St. Julien

Awards ceremony & reception in the gardens.

Click here for 

 TRAVEL TIPS LODGING INFO

FilmFestivalSurvivalGuide

3 red tickets-small

>>> FESTIVAL TICKETS GO ON SALE SOON! <<<

Volunteer Signup

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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2016 MOONDANCE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

Dear Friends, Moondancers, Supporters, Donors & Sponsors,

If you’d like to consider a unique sponsorship at Moondance, to further promote your company or product to our international audiences & event attendees, please take a look at our Sponsorship Categories, and contact our sponsorships coordinator, Alan Rogers, at: [email protected]

 SPONSORSHIP CATEGORIES

SPONSORSHIP FAQ

BECOME A MOONDANCE PARTNER

FESTIVAL LOCAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

FILM FESTIVALS ARE GOOD BUSINESS!

MoondanceFilmFest

Thanks a million for your interest in a mutually-beneficial working relationship with the 2016 Moondance International Film Festival!

 

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MOONDANCERS WRITE US:

  • “How nice to get your note that you’ve received my screenplay. So often, nothing comes back, and we submitters are like tourists tossing pennies at a fountain… Your greeting was immediate, buoyant and gratefully taken in. Thanks for the “voice back”. I’ll subscribe to the blog and keep up-to-date, and look forward to meeting you at the 17th Moondance. Very glad you consider screenplays.” ~ Stephen Keep Mills
  • Thank you for considering us! We love your festival and your free-spirited theme.” ~ Carlos Antonio León

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Gromit, Aardman animation, UK

Gromit, Aardman animation

MOONDANCE E-ZINE

  • Don’t miss reading great filmmaking, writing & music articles written by the pros exclusively for Moondancers. Read about: how to win a screenplay competition; how to win a film festival competition; winning titles & loglines for films & scripts; screenplay submissions; movie script writing; writing character, dialog & action; how to get an agent; what Hollywood wants to see; directing indie films, documentaries, short films, animation; film scores; stage plays; short stories; TV MOW; TV pilots; kids films; music videos; radio plays, and more!

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MALE DIRECTORS ON RAMPANT SEXISM & GENDER BIAS IN HOLLYWOOD

http://girltalkhq.com

Female director

Directors Pedro Almodovar, Paul Feig and Duncan Jones are just a few of the male directors who have been fighting against the Hollywood establishment and its attitude toward women in film. Feig recently addressed the backlash against his all-female remake of “Ghostbusters,” while Almodovar talked about the importance of casting women of all ages to fight against the industry’s “diabolical sexism” at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this summer. Taking a stand and creating change in an industry that should be the standard-bearer for creative liberalism, but sadly isn’t just yet. But with all this important activism comes the realization that change isn’t going to happen with just half of the industry population working to create it. Men also have to join the fight and recognize what a benefit it is to filmmaking when everyone gets the same kinds of opportunities based on talent and merit, not skin color or gender. READ MORE:

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SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

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“The unexamined life is not worth living.” ~ Socrates

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Ernest Heminngway writing in Cuba

Ernest Hemingway writing in Cuba

“The world breaks almost everyone, and afterwards, many are stronger at the broken places.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

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“Blessed is the person who sees a need, recognizes the responsibility, and actively becomes the answer.” ~ William Arthur Ward

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SAILING SHIP-HIGH SEAS

“They are indolent discoverers who, upon seeing nothing but sea and sky, absolutely deny that there can be any land at all beyond them.” ~ Sir Francis Bacon

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMPATHY AND COMPASSION IS EVERYTHING

by Lori Chandler     •      www.bigthink.com

Elena Shumilova, photographer, Russia

Elena Shumilova, photographer, Russia

Compassion and mindfulness are two wings of the same bird, and we need both in order to live in a wise way. But what about compassion? What is compassion? How is it different from empathy? Empathy is a gateway to compassion. It’s understanding how someone feels, and trying to imagine how that might feel for you — it’s a mode of relating. Compassion takes it further. It’s feeling what that person is feeling, holding it, accepting it, and taking some kind of action.

Compassion is empathy in action. Compassion is all about realizing that we ultimately all want the same things out of life (love, safety, health, happiness), and responding in an appropriate way. With a little practice, we can all become more compassionate toward ourselves and others. It’s a bold, brilliant, and radical choice to go against the stream of self-interest and self-centeredness. READ MORE:

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

EU DECLINES TO BAN IVORY TRADE

BABY ELEPHANT RUNNING

In April, over $105 million worth of poached elephant tusks were set on fire in Kenya, calling for an end to international ivory sales. In May, France, announced a complete ban on ivory trade in the country. But the European commission REFUSED to support a global ban on the ivory trade. And without their support, we could lose the elephant forever. The facts say it all: In 2014, 20,000 African elephants were killed by poachers. Between 2009 and 2015, Tanzania and Mozambique lost over HALF of their elephant populations.

Now, the African Elephant Coalition is warning of a mass extinction of elephants on the continent within 25 years. By not taking action, the EU is endangering tens of thousands of elephants each year. Time is running out. We need the EU to act now.

Tell the EU to support a global ban on the ivory trade:

http://go.saveanimalsfacingextinction.org/EU-Ivory-Ban

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A mother and child rhino pause briefly before crossing the track.

Rhinos are one of the world’s most distinctive and beloved animals, but they are rapidly disappearing from the wild. Why? Demand for rhino horns as a status symbol and fake cure for cancer has skyrocketed. Coupled with a dramatic loss of habitat, all five species of rhinos are threatened with extinction. The public outcry over rhino poaching is growing. With your support, we can keep these species alive and thriving. If we don’t take action now, these precious animals could be lost forever. It’s up to us to step up and do something to protect these majestic animals.

Help us protect the rhinos today:

http://go.saveanimalsfacingextinction.org/Save-Rhinos

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100% NATURAL

ThankYouMIFFGreen

Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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Moondance Film Festival 2016 July news & info!

HORSE STAMPEDE

Thanks a million to all those talented filmmakers, writers & composers who submitted their fine projects to the 2016 Moondance competition!

 The final, extended 2016 call-for-entries deadline was June 30th 

Moondance founder & director, Elizabeth English, with 8’ white python, at Kok River, in Thailand, January 2013

Moondance founder & director, Elizabeth English, in Thailand,

Previews, judging, selecting and programming are in the works now!

 Announcements will be made in this news-blog, and on the MIFF website in August!

STAY TUNED!

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www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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WHAT’S IN THIS NEWS-BLOG?

  • Thanks for all the 2016 competition submissions
  • 2016 film festival info & events
  • Festival volunteer info
  • Moondancers endorse us
  • Travel tips
  • Lodging info
  • Film festival survival guide
  • Moondance E-Zine
  • Boulder news
  • Moondance recommendations
  • Some things to think about

MIFF WAVY BANNER LGE

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Film Director Vic Sarin
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • LINKEDIN & STAGE 32 GET-TOGETHERS
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Awards Ceremony & Reception venue

TRAVEL TIPS   •   LODGING INFO

FilmFestivalSurvivalGuide

3 red tickets-small

>>> FESTIVAL TICKETS GO ON SALE SOON! <<<

Volunteer Signup

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MOONDANCERS ENDORSE US!

Free hugs B&W

  • “As a Screenwriter I feel it’s very important to support film fests! Moondance is one to watch and participate in. It’s events like this that allow true talent to shine through.” ~ Stacey Arcangel
  • Elizabeth is an amazingly creative and energetic individual! The Moondance Festival exists because of her initiative and continued enthusiasm. I was an award-winner at Moondance twice for my screenplays and another time for a short story. I attended two festivals, once in Boulder and once in Hollywood! Unforgetable!” ~ Bonnie Maffei
  • I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Elizabeth – she is a consummate professional, whose passion and unique vision inspires others to excel.” ~ Marina Albert
  • “Moondance…! It is a remarkable blog. It is chance to reach your dreams.” ~ Kvachenyuk-Boretsky Alexander
  • “Elizabeth English is Executive Director for one of the best film festivals around, the Moondance Film Festival. Since she’s been at the helm, the festival has grown tremendously. She makes herself readily accessible and disseminates information thoroughly and in a timely fashion. She’s great at coordinating and a team leader.” ~ Sonya Alexander
  • Thank you very much for your consideration and for all that you are doing to make the world a better place by showcasing meaningful films.” ~ Paige Morrow Kimball

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CHECK OUT THE MOONDANCE E-ZINE

Lou Hamilton - Take-the-plunge-low-res

Illustration by Lou Hamilton

Don’t miss reading articles on great filmmaking, writing & music, written by the pros exclusively for Moondancers. Read about: how to win a screenplay competition; how to win a film festival competition; winning titles & loglines for films & scripts; screenplay submissions; movie script writing; writing character, dialog & action; how to get an agent; what Hollywood wants to see; directing indie films, documentaries, short films, animation; film scores; stage plays; short stories; TV MOW; TV pilots; kids films; music videos; radio plays, and more!

Gromit, Aardman animation, UK

Gromit, Aardman Animation, UK

MOONDANCE E-ZINE

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Kids on path

I am very passionate about creating films that will make a difference in this world. I understand that the purpose of movies is entertainment, but I also believe that we have the responsibility to create content that will not influence future generations in a negative way.” ~ Jonathan Matamoros, President and CEO at The Truth Television

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GREAT FILM DIRECTORS ON CINEMA & PEACE

“Nonviolence, pacifism, that’s the greatest thing that I think the human species must aspire to, because otherwise, we’re not going to be around.” ~ Martin Scorsese

CLASSIC MOVIE THEATER WIDE

“Going to the cinema is like returning to the womb; you sit there, still and meditative, in the darkness, waiting for life to appear on the screen.” ~ Federico Fellini

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THE MOVIE AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE

“The movie-going experience is like going on a first date, and ending possibly “with benefits”. You see an advertisement for a film, read or hear promotions about it from others, become interested in seeing it, find out where it’s playing, go to the theater, pay for your ticket, get some popcorn, candy & a soda, find your best seat, wait in the dark, in anticipation, but unsure if it’ll be to your liking, or not. The film starts, you begin watching it, and soon have a sense of recognizing the scenes, of being in the story, of being involved, one of the characters and in a situation you can relate to. The film score music puts you in the mood, and you gradually experience an almost total suspension of disbelief.

Depending on the plot & storyline, you begin to care about the characters, the outcome, you worry or are scared or are happy with the action, you think you know what will happen, you look forward to a good ending. Finally, the hoped-for climax arrives, you feel satisfied, the lights come on, you are back to the real world, you go outside & maybe have a cigarette, and discuss the film’s merits or deficiencies with others. “ ~ Elizabeth English

AIRPLANE!

“Airplane!”, Paramount Pictures

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BOULDER NEWS:

BOULDER NAMED U.S. EARTH HOUR CAPITAL

By John Bear, Daily Camera Staff Writer

BOULDER FLATIRONS & TRAIL

Boulder Flatirons Trail

June 29, 2016. Boulder has been designated the 2016 U.S. Earth Hour Capital by the World Wildlife Fund, a year-long challenge to encourage and recognize cities working to reduce their carbon footprint and respond to climate change threats. Boulder was chosen from 16 other US cities this year, according to a news release. The Earth Hour City Challenge included 21 countries this year.

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

~ NATURE’S TRUTH ~

Beautiful, powerful images & sadly true.

Click on image below to view slide show:

ELEPHANTS & MT. KILIMANJAROnatures-truth

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AMAZON RAINFOREST

You can’t replace old-growth rainforest lost to development. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. What took decades and generations to grow can be destroyed in a single afternoon — and this devastation is happening around the world, every day. Rainforests are home to more plants and animals than just about anywhere else on the planet. But more than half of these forests have already been destroyed. Forests that once seemed limitless have been devastated — cleared and charred to make way for farms, mines and roads, illegal logging and unsustainable development.

MACAWS IN RAINFOREST

Rainforests aren’t the only natural treasure at real risk of disappearing. Today’s threats to nature are like none we’ve ever seen before in history. Every minute of every day we see habitat eroded, wild animals threatened, and the resources we need to survive disappearing. We all have a responsibility to preserve this planet not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren, before it’s too late.

We must save what’s left, while there’s still time. 

There are no second chances for our planet, and there is no second nature.

NATURE CONSERVANCY LOGO

It’s up to people like you and me who cherish our natural world to take action.

PLEASE DONATE NOW.

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GREENPEACE LOGO

Greenpeace Australia Pacific

AMAZON KID WITH ANIMAL ON HEAD

Until very recently not many people had heard of the Munduruku People. Now, over 1 million people from around the world are standing with them to protect the heart of the Amazon. That’s a phenomenal surge of support! When the Munduruku reached out to us asking us to help save their homes and the Amazon from a destructive mega-dam, we never imagined the amazing response we’d get.

Volunteers came to help them push for formal recognition of their land. Major newspapers published stories about this new threat to the Amazon. If the project goes through, thousands of amazing species of birds, mammals, fish and reptiles will be in grave danger. Few places in the world are as bio-diverse as the Amazon rainforest. It’s our responsibility to speak out for its protection. Building this dam would flood an enormous area the size of New York City, releasing huge amounts of carbon and methane into the atmosphere. That’s unacceptable. Speak out now.

GREENPEACE AUSTRALIA PACIFIC is part of a global movement of people taking action for a green and peaceful future. We are 100% independent and don’t accept any money from business or government. So, we rely entirely on voluntary donations to carry out our campaigns. If thousands of us around the world take a stand with the Munduruku, we can send a clear message – the Brazilian government must protect the heart of the Amazon. The best way to help us keep fighting climate change, defending our oceans and protecting ancient forests is to make a donation. Thank you!

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SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

CATS & PIGEON copy

“The thing always happens that you truly believe in; and the belief in that thing makes it happen.” Frank Lloyd Wright

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Dominique Browning photo

Dominique Browning photo

“While you are dreaming of the future, and regretting the past, the present, which is all you have, slips away from you and is gone.” ~ Hillaire Belloc

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WIZARD OF OZ

“The Wizard of Oz”, MGM Studios

“Whatever you want to do, do it now. There are only so many tomorrows.” ~ Pope Paul

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MOON QUARTER + CLOUDS

”It may be that when we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and that when we no longer know which way to go, we have found our real journey.” ~ Wendell Berry

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100% NATURAL

ThankYouMIFFGreen

Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

CONTACT US TYPEWRITER

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

D-3 RECYCLE LOGO

Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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Moondance Film Festival Thanks & Latest News!

dancing-animals animated

The final, extended call-for-entries deadline was June 30th

and we are no longer accepting new submissions.

Thanks a million to all those talented filmmakers, writers & composers who submitted their fine projects to the 2016 Moondance competition!

Previews, judging, selecting and programming are in the works now.

 Announcements will be made in this news-blog, and on the MIFF website in August!

STAY TUNED!

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9 BIRDS ON A TWIG

Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

MIFF WAVY BANNER LGE

SUNDAY & MONDAY ~ SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETWORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • CELEBRITY KEYNOTE SPEAKER
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

3 red tickets-small

>>> FESTIVAL TICKETS GO ON SALE SOON! <<<

Volunteer Signup

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Celebrity Appearance & Keynote Speaker

Moondance 2016

*  V I C  S A R I N  *

VIC SARIN

A passionate and diverse filmmaker, Vic Sarin‘s career includes award-winning feature films, documentaries and television movies.

We are very proud to announce that the US premiere of Sarin’s feature documentary film, The Boy from Geita, will be screened at Moondance, along with his award-winning feature narrative film, A Shine of Rainbows. READ MORE!

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Happy Independence Day to all of our American Moondancers!

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SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

RED POPPIES IN FIELD

“If you break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.” ~ by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae

Each one of those 888,246 poppies represented a drop of blood from a brave man or woman who lost their lives in World War I. The Battle of the Somme was launched on July 1st, 1916, one hundred years ago today. The fighting was also in Holland, France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, the Balkans, at sea, and outside Europe, as well. Historical statistics relate that over one million men & women were killed or wounded, but how can we imagine the lost & maimed sons, husbands and brothers, mothers, wives & sisters? 400 British surgeons were also killed in the first few days of the Battle of the Somme – what a terrible loss of knowledge & healing skills, which could have helped so many others! ~ Excerpted & edited from Lady Carnarvon’s blog at Highclere Castle, UK (Downton Abbey)

  • The Moondance International Film Festival actively promotes, inspires & encourages non-violent conflict resolutions through film, television, radio, writing & music, and the coveted Columbine awards, with recognition of alternatives presented to international & local audiences and annual event attendees.
logo-kid.com

logo-kid.com

“I’m convinced of this: good done anywhere is good done everywhere.” ~ Maya Angelou

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MANDALA

“Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakes,” ~ Carl Jung

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TREES MIST RAYS

“Artists…notice the things that engage the mind’s private and idiosyncratic interior, that area where the life of the senses mingles with the life of the spirit…” ~Annie Dillard, from An American Childhood

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To Kill a Mockingbird

Robert Duvall & Mary Badham, Universal Pictures

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It’s when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and you see it through, no matter what.” ~ Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, (Atticus to Scout)

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www.mommyish.com

www.mommyish.com

“Don’t be discouraged by a failure. It can be a positive experience. Failure is, in a sense, the highway to success, inasmuch as every discovery of what is false leads us to seek earnestly after what is true, and every fresh experience points out some form of error which we shall afterwards carefully avoid.” ~ John Keats

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DANCING BY THE OCEAN

“I choose…to live by choice, not by chance; to make changes, not excuses; to be motivated, not manipulated; to be useful, not used; to excel, not compete. I choose self-esteem, not self-pity. I choose to listen to my inner voice, not the random opinions of others. ~ Author Unknown

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Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

NEWS-BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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Moondance 2016: This is Your Last Chance to Win!

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2016 FINAL CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

~ June 30th DEADLINE FOR LATE ENTRIES! ~

For your best chance to win, send in your entry RIGHT NOW!

WWW.MOONDANCEFILMFESTIVAL.COM

See our many Submission Categories HERE!

(Films, written works & music)

See our coveted Awards Categories HERE!

Entries may be submitted by writers, filmmakers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, composers, actors or distributors.

  • Our festival attendees, over the years, and our filmmakers, writers & composers who have submitted great projects, in all genres and categories, have come from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Denmark, Dubai, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Madagascar, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tasmania, Tibet, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Republic, the UK, the US, Venezuela, and more!

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Moondance now offers feedback & professional critiques on screenplays, stage plays, and TV pilots that are submitted for the 2016 competition, for only $50!  Select the FEEDBACK option on the FilmFreeway entry form, or the Moondance entry form. Meet our professional reader, Jasmine Sahu, at: https://moondancefilmfestival.com/meetouradvisoryboard/

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DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

~September 4th & 5th, Boulder, Colorado, USA~

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

BOULDER FLATIRONS & WILDFLOWERSBoulder’s famous Flatirons Peaks & Greenbelt, less than a mile from downtown!

WANT TO HELP OUT DURING THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL?

See our list of volunteer opportunities & download the sign-up form HERE

Our dedicated volunteers help make this event so successful!

Volunteers can earn free tickets to films & workshops, based on volunteer hours

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SUBSCRIBE NOW to the popular Moondance news-blog for info, updates, articles, creative inspiration, & announcements: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

If you’ve already submitted your project to the 2016 competition,

& have subscribed to the news-blog, thanks a million!

Check out the website for more info:

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

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MOONDANCERS WRITE US!

  • Elizabeth English, founder & executive director of the Moondance International Festival, went above and beyond to help me on my screenwriting journey.  She called, not only to tell me my script was a finalist, but also to give me detailed suggestions for revising both the script, title and the logline.  Her generous support came at a crucial time and kept me going on a challenging project.  When I asked her why she was helping me so much, with all she had to do, she answered, “Because your story needs to be told.”  I am thrilled to say that my script, now called Scandalous, has been optioned by Painted Saint Entertainment.  A big thanks to Elizabeth and Moondance! ~ Kate Danaher Parks, USA
  • Why don’t more film festivals recognize film scores and composers? You have the imagination to recognize film scores and composers at your festival, and this is amazing. Every touch you give to your festival, from the logo to the philosophy, is a gift to artists. And this is so rare to find something positive. Thank you, Elizabeth, for the chance you give me, but also and mostly for your sincerity and positive energy. ~ Anthony Cedric Vuagniaux, composer, Switzerland

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BOULDER NEWS OF INTEREST

 

The Dalai Lama greets Tibetans waiting for his arrive in Boulder. His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives at the St Julien Hotel in Boulder on Wednesday afternoon. He will be speaking at the Coors Events and Conference Center tomorrow at CU. Cliff Grassmick Staff Photographer June 22, 2016

The Dalai Lama greets Tibetans waiting for his arrival  in Boulder. His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrives at the St Julien Hotel in Boulder on Wednesday afternoon.  Cliff Grassmick, Dailycamera.com Staff Photographer June 22, 2016

The Dalai Lama made his long-awaited appearance in Boulder at the University of Colorado, on June 23rd, 2016, as the Tibetan leader led two teachings at the university’s Coors Events Center in Boulder. A large crowd, many of whom were local Tibetans, greeted His Holiness when he arrived at the St. Julien Hotel in downtown Boulder on Wednesday, where the 17th annual Moondance International Film Festival will also take place in September.

The 80-year-old Tibetan leader, who is the 14th Dalai Lama, last visited Boulder in 1997. When CU opened the doors to the Coors Event Center for the first teaching, a long line had formed outside the arena with people from Boulder, and beyond, eager to see and hear the Dalai Lama teach. During a two-hour morning session, the spiritual leader spoke on “Eight Verses of Training the Mind” to members of the public. Then, in the afternoon, he spoke to CU students, employees and alumni about “Educating the Heart and Mind”. Altogether, some 18,000+ people heard the Dalai Lama speak.

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SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

New Yorker magazine cartoon, by Isaac Littlejohn Eddy

By New Yorker cartoonist, Isaac Littlejohn Eddy

“A pessimist is one who always finds difficulties in opportunities; an optimist is one who always finds opportunities in difficulties.” ~ Anonymous

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ELEPHANT IN CAR

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than anything else.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

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MATCHES

Be courageous and bold. Make a difference. Stay true to your principles, but live passionately and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved.” ~ Author Unknown

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UNREAL SCENES IN MOVIES & TV! 

(25 Things I don’t understand)

  1. CAR CHASES: Why must they always, at some point, crash into trash cans or fruit & vegetable carts?
  1. DARK ROOMS: Why do the cops always investigate dark rooms or basements with flashlights, instead of just turning on the lights?
  1. DOORWAYS: When someone runs away from a house or room, why does the remaining person stop at the doorway, calling the person’s name, and not go any farther out from the doorway?
  1. TV NEWS: How is it possible that when someone needs to see something on the news, when they turn on the TV, it’s exactly what they wanted to see?
  1. RAIN: Why does “rain” run right down the windows in a house or building? In reality, there are roof eaves & overhangs to stop rain from flowing down windows.
  1. PURSES: Why don’t women ever carry a purse? How can they go out all day with no car or house keys, no cell phone, no billfold/money/credit cards, no ID, & etc.? Is it to make women seem helpless, instead of independent & in control, & in need of a man’s assistance?
  1. PURSES II: Why is it that the only women who carry purses are either older women, bag ladies or prostitutes?
  1. PARKING: Why do cars always park immediately in front of office buildings downtown, with no other cars parked nearby & no parking meters?
  1. PARKING II: Why do people park their car 100 yards away from a house they are visiting or investigating, and then walk all the way, when there is a driveway right up to the place & plenty of parking closer?
  1. SEX: Why, after a wild sex scene, does the man immediately get out of bed wearing undershorts?
  1. SEX II: Why, after a wild sex scene, does the woman wrap the covers around herself, get up, and drag them off the bed, so the man can’t see her naked?
  1. SHOWERS: Why are showerheads always on the middle of the ceiling in the shower, causing the bather to be almost drowned, & blinded by shampoo in his or her eyes?
  1. SHOWERS II: Why, when a woman is in the shower, is there never a towel nearby, & she has to ask someone to bring her one? Doesn’t she know she’ll need to dry off?
  1. DAILY NEEDS: Why do people in movies rarely eat, sleep or use the bathroom?
  1. FEMALE COPS: Where do the handcuffs, guns, cell phones, flashlights & other gear come from, when needed, since they are always wearing skin-tight uniforms, with no bulky gear apparent?
  1. CSI & FORENSICS: Why do the women techs in these movies & TV shows always wear tight, revealing clothes, high-heel shoes, long, painted fingernails, with their long hair hanging loose, and no safety glasses or face-masks? Wouldn’t they contaminate a crime scene like that?
  1. DRIVING: Why don’t people wear seatbelts in movies or TV shows, unless they are a family with kids in the car?
  1. COFFEE: Why don’t people ever put cream or sugar in their coffee, and steam doesn’t waft up from the cup? Does everyone in movies & on TV drink their coffee black & cold? Or is it because they’re really pouring cold Coca-Cola in those cups?
  1. DANGER: Why do women always stand and stare at whatever dangerous happens, covering their mouths and screaming, waiting for the man to tell them to run away, or dragging them away, crying & protesting that they want to stand there (& be hurt or killed if not rescued)?
  1. FIGHTING: Why don’t people being attacked use their hands or legs & feet to fight back? Why do they just stand there, arms hanging down, feet on the floor, being attacked & hit?
  1. POLICE STATION: Why are there always two cops shoving three prostitutes through the back of the squad room in these scenes? Why are those three people always one fat, older blonde in a bad wig, one stumbling, stoned Latina & one tall African-American transvestite? (All 3 with big purses, BTW)
  1. GUESTS: Why, when someone opens the door & sees a visitor they didn’t expect, do they always say, rudely, “What are you doing here?”
  1. MORNING: Why, in a bedroom scene, when the alarm clock rings. Does the actor always fumble trying to shut it off, & knock the clock to the floor? Hasn’t he or she ever heard the alarm ring before now?
  1. TV: Why aren’t there televisions in most living rooms? Don’t people watch TV?
  1. COWBOY MOVIES: Why don’t the older people & elderly Indians ever need glasses, or do they all have perfect 20/20 vision, even when ancient?

Do you have more? Email me to add to the list!

[email protected]

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS

SAVE THE TIGER!

Sumatran-Tiger copy

Tigers have been hunted, killed, poached, and pushed out of their habitats by humans. We humans have contributed to the rapid decline of these beautiful big cats, and now only 3,200 tigers remain in the wild. It is our responsibility to protect what is left of the tigers and allow them to reclaim their place in the wild. Together we can do it! It starts with supporting the right organizations. That’s why Moondance supports the Wildlife Conservation Society, which has more boots on the ground protecting tigers than any other organization in the world. Will you join us?

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HELP SAVE THE LAST 300 DESERT ELEPHANTS OF MALI

MALI DESERT ELEPHANT

The Gourma region of central Mali, Western Africa, is home to one of the very last herds of desert elephants. Mali’s special elephants are the remains of a population that makes the longest annual migration to find water and food of all elephants. But like other elephants in Africa, they’re disappearing at an alarming rate, due to global warming and extensive poaching, and Mali’s desert elephants could go extinct much sooner than others. Poachers killed more than 80 desert elephants in 2015, for their ivory tusks, with 16 more killed just since January this year. These very special elephants could be extinct in only three years unless the Malian government does more to protect them from poachers. Poachers have taken advantage of the political unrest and violence in the lawless north to step up their ivory trafficking. THE SITUATION IN MALI IS URGENT! If people like you take a stand on the elephants’ behalf, we have an opportunity to save this herd for future generations. Your message to the Environment Minister will help save Mali’s desert elephants.

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Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

CONTACT US TYPEWRITER

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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Moondance Film Festival: Your Stepping Stones to Success!

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2016 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

~ June 30th DEADLINE FOR LATE ENTRIES! ~

For your best chance to win, send in your entry RIGHT AWAY!

WWW.MOONDANCEFILMFESTIVAL.COM

See our Submission Categories HERE!

(Films, written works & music)

See our Awards Categories HERE!

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Entries may be submitted by writers, directors, producers, editors,

cinematographers, composers, actors or distributors.

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We have provided a way for you to submit via mail, our own online submission form above or through WAB or Film Freeway. If you prefer submission by mail please download form above and print out the form below and print out the 2016 MOONDANCE RELEASE FORM, clearly fill in the info required, and enclose a check or money order in US $ for the entry fee (regular: $50 to May 31st, extended: $75 to June 1st- 15th, late: $100 to June 16th – June 30th), plus your submission, and mail or courier it to: MOONDANCE FILM FESTIVAL – 970  9th STREET –BOULDER, CO 80302 USA

Moondance now offers feedback & professional critiques on screenplays, stage plays, and TV pilots that are submitted for the 2016 competition, for only $50!  Select the FEEDBACK option on the FilmFreeway entry form, or the Moondance entry form. Meet our professional reader, Jasmine Sahu, at: https://moondancefilmfestival.com/meetouradvisoryboard/

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“Your festival looks great! I love your festival’s mission of celebrating bold and fearless work.” ~ James Raue, filmmaker, UK

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DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

~September 4th & 5th, Boulder, Colorado, USA~

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!STARFISH SIZE FOR BLOG

Boulder has been named the official “TREE CITY USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation, for the 32nd year, and is often called The Emerald City, due to all the green trees and vistas of our town’s surrounding green open-spaces natural habitat!

BOULDER FLATIRONS copy

Boulder’s famous Flatirons Peaks & Greenbelt, less than a mile from downtown!

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WANT TO HELP OUT DURING THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL

See our list of volunteer opportunities & download the sign-up form HERE

Our dedicated volunteers help make this event so successful!

Volunteers can earn free tickets to films & workshops, based on volunteer hours

STARFISH

SUBSCRIBE NOW to the popular Moondance news-blog for info, updates, articles, creative inspiration, & announcements: www. moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

If you’ve already submitted your project to the 2016 competition, & have subscribed to the news-blog, thanks a million!

Check out the website for more info:

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

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Our hearts go out to the families, friends, loved ones, the world LGBTQ community, the survivors, and the victims of the terrible, senseless tragedy in Orlando, Florida.

Image by www.pxleyes.com

Image by www.pxleyes.com

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INSIDER TIPS

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO EFFECTIVE NETWORKING

by Melissa Cassera, Stage32.com blogger

2 PENGUINS ON ICE copy

If you’re a screenwriter, producer, actor, film director, etc. then you need to have a “network.” What is a “network,” exactly? It’s the web of relationships that allows you to do the work you love and get paid for it. Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Tolkien and Lewis all understood the value of building a strong professional network. Their careers wouldn’t have flourished in the same way if they’d locked themselves away in their offices, never attending parties, never introducing themselves to influential figures of the day, never forming friendships. They understood that nobody works “alone.” Everyone needs a tribe. It’s up to you to build your tribe, work your connections, and use your storytelling skills to create an online presence that says, “I’m somebody you definitely want to know.” READ MORE:

MOONDANCE BLOG EDITOR’S NOTE:

Attend important film festivals, like Moondance, for productive networking opportunities!

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(VIRTUALLY) EVERYTHING STORY

The response to (Virtually) Everything Story has been INCREDIBLE! Thanks to everyone who has written, sharing how much value they have gotten out of watching the free interviews in the Future of Storytelling Library! These the absolute TOP names in the industry sharing CUTTING EDGE information, which is going to put you years ahead of your competition. This is what storytelling is going to look like in the future! ~ Ken Lee, Michael Wiese Books

Here’s just some of what’s going to be happening & when…

Wednesday, June 15th

John Truby ~ Novels: The Number One Screenwriting Strategy Today: Why Being a Novelist is Your Ticket to Hollywood Success

Michael Hauge ~ Crafting Transformative Characters: Taking Your Characters From Identity to Essence

Friday, June 17th

Jen Grisanti ~ Writing A TV Pilot That Sells: Setting Up The Structure

Carole Kirschner ~ The Unwritten Rules of Hollywood: What They Don’t Teach You in Film School

Sunday, June 19th

Pamela Jaye Smith ~ Creating Our Next Mythologies

Thursday, June 23rd

Michael Jorgensen ~ Power Narrative: the Secrets of Documentary Storytelling

Friday, June 24th

Chris Vogler ~ E-Motion Pictures: How to Channel the Power of Emotions in the Body

“YES, I WANT TO REGISTER FOR (VIRTUALLY) EVERYTHING STORY!” CLICK HERE

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THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TODAY

LIFE’S LITTLE LEAPS: THE NEW “NO”!

Learn how to banish toxic ‘people-pleasing’ from your life 

By Lou Hamilton

A kid who brings an apple to the teacher has a mission. Get the teacher to like him or her and mark his or her grades higher. The manipulation is obvious and we scorn such tactics. And yet as we grow older many of us adopt such people pleasing poses. Not me, you say. But have you ever wanted to avoid conflict or tried to second-guess other people’s behaviours or reactions? Do you have a tendency to give up on your own desires and thoughts in deference to others? Does imagining that someone will get angry change the course of your actions? Is disapproval unbearable?

The trouble is people start to expect it when you hand out ‘yes’ like free candy. Like a drug addict you have to give more and more away to receive less and less appreciation. And the anger, resentment and bitterness grows like a fire-ball in your throat. Nice You on the outside is a thin veneer to the seething pit of snakes spitting venom on the quiet. People-pleasing depletes your energy and your reserves. You begin to feel that you have nothing left to give, but still people keep taking, because you let them.

So you decide enough’s enough. You take a stand. You start to say No. You start to value your time, your space and your self-worth. And what do you gain with your New No? You gain self-respect. You gain time. You gain rest and energy. You gain the ability to say yes to the things that you want to say yes to. You gain self-confidence. You gain the right to be direct and authentic. You gain space to breathe. You gain power over your own destiny. You gain inner strength. You will open the flood gates for your creativity, and when you do that your life will start to flow.

Lou Hamilton is a Creative Coach & she will help you get over your people-pleasing tendencies, so that you can get on with living the life you want. Email for a free consultation [email protected]

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HIKING IN NATURE

The benefits of nature-walking, picnicking, hiking, climbing trees, observing wildlife, wildflowers and natural environments, seeing spectacular vistas, running and being out on your own in Nature or with friends or family works in subtle, ways. Such activities help maintain body, mind and spirit, and give a sense of belonging, of being grounded and one with the Earth. It is of huge benefit, enjoyed in no other way, and so, we need to do all we can ensure that these open spaces and unspoiled, native areas will be there for future generations to enjoy, too!  

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CAN YOU SEE ME?

 

 “Can You See Me?” doc film, Lou Hamilton, director, UK

“Can You See Me?” short documentary film, Lou Hamilton, director, UK

Take a look at this poignant & thought-provoking 10-minute short film by multiple-award-winning Moondance filmmaker, Lou Hamilton, UK (scroll down to 3rd one shown): Can You See Me? 100 West End stars transform London’s Trafalgar Square into a Flashmob aimed at raising awareness about child sex trafficking at: https://createlabproductions.com/films-2/

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

GIVE WHALES AND OTHER OCEAN LIFE SOME PEACE AND QUIET!

By Tatiana Schlossberg, New York Times, June 3, 2016

Wild Atlantic dolphins photo by Atmo, Bimini, http://www.WildQuest.com

Wild Atlantic dolphins photo by Atmo, Bimini, http://www.WildQuest.com

The ocean is loud: Ship propellers, sonar, oil and gas drilling and other industrial work make sounds, even if, like the proverbial tree falling in the forest, no one can hear it. But marine animals can, and all that noise has been shown to interfere with their behavior, since many of them, from whales to invertebrates, use sound for all kinds of activities, including to communicate, to find food or each other, to avoid predators and to migrate.

And while the ocean was never a quiet place — full of natural rumblings, clickings and chatterings — the problem has grown worse over the last 100 years or so, and significantly increased over the last 50 years in some places, much of it from commercial shipping, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

DOLPHINS BEACHED

This whale and dolphin stranding was proven to be the direct result of sonar abuse.

So the agency, which manages and protects marine life in United States waters, released on Wednesday a draft for a strategy to reduce the effects of ocean noise, and invited public comment. The Ocean Noise Strategy Roadmap draft is an early step in a 10-year plan to quiet the oceans and reduce some of the harmful effects on aquatic species. The public comment period will end July 1, and a more concrete plan will be put in place in the coming months. READ MORE:

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NO OCEAN, NO US!

By Kristen Krumhardt, Guest Opinion, Daily Camera, June 8, 2016

Ph.D. candidate in environmental studies at CU Boulder

Have you thanked the ocean lately? In celebration of World Ocean Day (June 8), I want to remind everyone that, as distant as the ocean may seem, it sustains us and we impact it. Not only does the ocean provide one billion people with protein everyday (90 % of those who live in developing countries and have no alternatives), but also microscopic plants living in the ocean provide more than half of the oxygen we breathe. The ocean contains tremendous biodiversity, both valuable and beautiful. Coral reef ecosystems are especially diverse, providing millions with food, medicine, storm protection, as well as revenue from tourism. The neurological, psychological, and emotional changes that occur when we are near water are scientifically documented.

“We have an enormous impact on the ocean, not only through the physical connection of our watersheds, but also through the interconnectedness of Earth’s ecological systems as a whole,” says Vicki Nichols Goldstein, founder of the Colorado Ocean Coalition. Her motto is, “You don’t have to see the ocean to protect it,” Indeed, runoff from our cities & farms goes directly into streams, rivers, and, ultimately, to the ocean.

Not only are we connected to the ocean via rivers and streams, but also through the atmosphere. We can add “climate change modulator” to the list of services the ocean provides, as it absorbs both heat and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Thanks to the ocean, the world is cooler than it would otherwise be, given the amount of excess carbon we humans have pumped into the sky through the burning of fossil fuels. As the Global Ocean Commission frames it: “no ocean, no us.” READ MORE: (Excerpt & edit by EE)

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DEFEND THE (SMALL, BUT) MIGHTY KRILL!

Antarctica & whale taile

Krill are the bees of the seas. Small creatures that play a giant role in our web of life. Without krill, the future would be bleak for Antarctica’s penguins, seals, and whales. But the fish oil industry has it out for krill. They are sucking up krill by the millions from Antarctica’s Southern Ocean, with some nations planning to expand their operations by seven-fold.

You’d think super-food krill would be safe from human interference in the frigid, distant waters around Antarctica. But the most biologically-productive section of the Southern Ocean has seen an 80% drop in krill, likely owing to climate change & the krill industry’s increased catch making a rebound even less likely. Fish oil supplements are surging in popularity. They’ve also contributed to the collapse of forage fish like herring and anchovies in some regions. 

The most sustainable option for our oceans & the survival of marine life is to use vegetarian and vegan options — of which there are many.

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 SPOTTED DOLPHINS OF THE BAHAMAS!

Video by Conch Salad TV

DOLPHINS SPOTTED BIMINI

Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, photo by http://picscompany.com

SWIM WITH WILD DOLPHINS OFF BIMINI!

The Best Place To Swim With Dolphins In The Wild

www.wildquest.com

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Thank you

Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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CONTACT US!

EMAIL: [email protected]m

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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June Moondance: Better Late Than Never!

BE THE GIRL ON THE RIGHT

MOONDANCE ENCOURAGES, INSPIRES AND AWARDS INDEPENDENCE, INNOVATION AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION!

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MOONDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2016 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

~ June 15th DEADLINE FOR LATE ENTRIES! ~

For your best chance to win, send in your entry RIGHT NOW!

 See our Submission Categories HERE!

See our Awards Categories HERE!

[table id=87 /]

Moondance now offers feedback & professional critiques on screenplays, stage plays, and TV pilots that are submitted for the 2016 competition, for only $50!  Select the FEEDBACK option on the FilmFreeway entry form, or the Moondance entry form. Meet our professional reader, Jasmine Sahu, at: https://moondancefilmfestival.com/meetouradvisoryboard/

JASMINE SAHU PIC

Jasmine Sahu

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The Moondance International Film Festival, featuring its distinct cinematic visions and bold film selections, has distinguished itself around the world as much more than an annual film festival! The Moondance is a unique community, a supportive, productive, and creative year-round collaboration between independent filmmakers and movie audiences, between writers, music composers and the world of top-quality filmed entertainment.

DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

~September 4th & 5th, Boulder, Colorado, USA~

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

SUBSCRIBE to the popular Moondance news-blog for info, updates, articles, creative inspiration,  & announcements:

www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

If you’ve already submitted your project to the 2016 competition, & have subscribed to the news-blog, thanks a million!

Check out the website for more info:

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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INSIDER TIPS:

WHY “GOOD ENOUGH” IS THE ENEMY TO SCREENWRITING GREATNESS

By Art Holcomb

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You must be great. Your first script must be great in order to sell. Why? Because it has two challenges that it must meet. First, it must be better than the mass of other submissions from first-timers. Luckily, this may not be so difficult if you do a good job. Second, your work must be strong enough to shoulder its way through the ranks of established writers to find a place in the production budget. If the producer or agent who has just read it doesn’t want to give you a contract to purchase the piece, then your work, as it stands at that moment, simply isn’t good enough. In the end, you have to wow them. Anything less leads to a failure.

Screenplays-pile

You must understand this. There is no middle ground, for there are only two types of scripts. A work is either: 1. Great-and-wonderful and anyone who reads it wants to buy it, or 2. Not good enough and it gets rejected. It sounds like a near impossible task, but time and time again, I have seen new writers embrace what is necessary to succeed. So I know it is inside each one of you to make your script great. READ MORE:

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ENDANGERED SPECIES MURAL PROJECT

Art takes nature as its model. ~ Aristotle

MonarchMuralByRogerPeet

Monarch butterfly mural in Minneapolis, Minn., by Roger Peet and Barry Newman

Just as nature inspires art, art inspires actions to defend wild places and the wild creatures that live in them. With this in mind, the Center for Biological Diversity is launching an Endangered Species Mural Project, teaming up with local artists to bring endangered wildlife onto the streets through art in cities and towns around the country. Spearheaded by Portland artist Roger Peet, the mural project will feature wildlife species that are special to their regions, promoting an affinity for the natural world and the diverse species that help define it.

• “Everywhere on Earth is unique, with qualities that distinguish it from other places both near and far. One of those qualities is the biodiversity of a place — the plants and animals that call it home and may not be found anywhere else. Those species embody an area’s natural history and contribute to what makes it irreplaceable. They also have something to say about the future, as many are in danger of going extinct. And when we lose species, the places and lives we live become poorer and shallower places as a result. To help bring these species into the light, we decided to paint them on the walls.

Mountain caribou mural in Sandpoint, Idaho, by Mazatl & Joy Mallari

Mountain caribou mural in Sandpoint, Idaho, by Mazatl & Joy Mallari

“The goal of this project is to create murals in towns and cities around the United States that focus on endangered species, fostering connections between people and the other forms of life that surround them. Whether that’s a fish in a river, a butterfly flitting from plant to plant, or a caribou chewing lichen off a tree trunk, we’re bringing together artists and communities to create big, bold images that will become part of the neighborhoods where they’re created, making it a little easier for people to care about the native species struggling to survive in their midst.” ~ Roger Peet

ArcticGraylingMural

Arctic grayling mural by Roger Peet in Butte, Montana

START A MURAL PROJECT IN YOUR TOWN!
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SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT TODAY

Stepping-Stones-With Kids

“Good or bad, each of life’s events is a steppingstone to a greater tomorrow.” ~ Juanita Foster

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Boulder has been named the official “TREE CITY USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation, for the 32nd year, and is often called The Emerald City, due to all the green trees and vistas of our town’s surrounding green open-spaces & natural riparian habitat!

Boulder Creek

Boulder Creek

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

DRILLING FOR OIL OFF OUR COASTS PUTS US ALL AT RISK

Offshore Drilling RIg

When Shell Oil dumped nearly 90,000 gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico a few weeks ago, it was just the latest in a long line of reminders of what happens when we allow Big Oil to drill for oil off our coasts. Everywhere you look, oil companies are spilling crude wherever they operate. Meanwhile, month after month and year after year, we’re experiencing record high temperatures, which will bring the devastating impacts of climate disruption to our doorsteps, no matter where we live.

Scientists are warning us that up to 80 % of fossil fuel reserves must be kept in the ground, unburned, to prevent the worst effects of climate disruption, so ending offshore drilling is critical to protecting current and future generations. And given the greater difficulty of cleaning crude oil from coastal ecosystems — and the serious harm that pollution causes — ending risky offshore drilling is a no-brainer.

If you agree it’s time to move beyond dirty fuels, and keep them safely in the ground, take action today to make sure we start by putting an end to dangerous offshore drilling!

We all know the problems caused by dirty energy: Air and water pollution undermine our quality of life. Yet we have the solution. Clean energy saves money, creates good-paying jobs, and protects our health and climate.

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THE GREAT BARRIER REEF IS IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY

coral bleached

Scientists have just announced that 93% of the Reef is now ‘bleaching’ due to warming watersa direct result of carbon pollution from mining and burning fossil fuels. And coal is the most polluting of them all. Together, we can bring an end to dirty coal. The evidence is black and white. Coal pollution destroys the things we love. So we will build a world without it. Clean air and water, free from coal pollution. Protected natural wonders and a thriving Reef. Clean politics, free from fossil-fuelled corruption. And a fair deal for the coal workers who deserve a just transition.

That’s why we’re building an unstoppable wave of global citizens who are willing to stand up for a world that puts people first, instead of coal. Now the world has promised to move on from toxic energy – and it’s up to us to hold leaders to their word. Will you take the next step with me and join the Coal Free movement?

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Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

CONTACT US TYPEWRITER

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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Last Chance for 2016 Moondance Regular Entry fees!

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~ MAY 31st DEADLINE FOR REGULAR ENTRIES! ~

MOONDANCE 2016 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

For your best chance to win, send in your entry RIGHT NOW!

 See our Submission Categories HERE!

See our Awards Categories HERE!

Click on the links below for entry forms:

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If you’ve already submitted your project to the 2016 competition, & have subscribed to the news-blog, thanks a million!

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

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PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE 17th ANNUAL

MOONDANCE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 4th & 5th

BOULDER, COLORADO USA 

2016 FESTIVAL EVENTS

TRAVEL TIPS

LODGING RECOMMENDATIONS

SUBSCRIBE NOW to the popular Moondance news-blog for info, updates, articles, creative inspiration, insider tips, & announcements:

www. moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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MOONDANCERS WRITE US

“I am a first time film-maker, and I have just completed a very passionate piece about alcoholism and recovery. To be accepted to the Moondance International Film Festival would be amazing, because your mission statement is hands down the most positive and encouraging message I have seen. Not only that, but as someone who spent 8 years in Colorado, I would be honored to bring my inspiring film back to the state I love so much.” ~ Ryan Slattery

“In recent years, I’ve been inspired by the number of women who have spoken up about gender discrimination in the industry, and I’m very excited and grateful that Moondance exists to champion women’s voices. Thank you for providing a forum for diverse filmmakers! There’s been a lot of great work lately by women’s activists to make our storytelling more diverse. Because nearly 60% of women 15-50 are mothers, we believe that parenting should be a part of the conversation.” ~ Mathilde Dratwa www.momsinfilm.org

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INSIDER TIP:

MAKING A GREAT PROMOTIONAL TRAILER

By Elizabeth English

DIRECTOR'S CHAIR

Do you want to have a really good 2-3-minute trailer to send to producers, studios, film festival competitions, for your website & in social media ? Haven’t quite finished post on your film yet, but want to promote it now? How about making a trailer for your screenplay to help sell it, or to promote donations on a crowd-funding website for film production?

Great trailers are in a special class of their own; little polished gems that showcase your film, and make people want to see more! But film trailers can be more difficult to make really well than the entire film, itself.  It can be more time-consuming, judicious editing must be a main concern, you have to tell the main story, theme & concept quickly, harder scene decisions need to be made, and you need to sell your film in three to five minutes, max!

Can you tell the main story, introduce the lead characters, show the main conflict, and give the viewer a visual, memorable impression in under three to five minutes? And, remember, you need to hook the viewer in the first few seconds! You probably don’t even have a full 5 minutes to do the job, unless the first 30-60 seconds are fantastic. READ MORE!

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Geena Davis believed “Thelma & Louise” would change film for women

Photo-Pathe-Entertainment

Photo-Pathe-Entertainment

Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis says she genuinely expected the incredible success of “Thelma & Louise” 25 years ago to bring about real change for women in film. However, reflecting on the media’s reaction at the time, Davis said: “I totally believed it. As time wore on, I realized — so every few years a movie comes out starring women and does great. … Twenty-five years later, it’s astounding to realize that things have not changed in any way.” READ MORE:

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

DOCTORS W:O BORDERS LOGOlogo

Medical aid where it is needed most. Independent. Neutral. Impartial.

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org

At its core, the purpose of our humanitarian action is to save the lives and ease the suffering of people caught in acute crises, thereby restoring their ability to rebuild their lives and communities. In the countries where Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works, one or more of the following crises is occurring or has occurred: In conflict zones, MSF does not take sides. We provide medical care based on needs alone. With more than 40 years experience, MSF are experts in rolling out emergency disaster response.

DOCTORS W-O BORDERS PIC LARGE

A large part of our work focuses on providing care to people caught in hidden emergencies. We work around the world to help provide people fleeing their homes with the medical care they need. In many places, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is able to have an impact beyond its immediate activities, reaching populations or pioneering the use of practices in ways that have far-reaching and lasting consequences.

Find out how you can support MSF’s lifesaving work.

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CAN CITIZENS SUE THE GOVERNMENT OVER CLIMATE CHANGE?

NYT-logo-185x26 May 23, 2016

POLAR BEAR ON ICE FLOE

To protect the world they will inherit, youth advocates have begun suing the government for more aggressive action on climate change. Their arguments are often unconventional, but some suits are making progress. In Oregon, a judge allowed a lawsuit filed on behalf of 21 teenagers and children to proceed against the federal government, and in Massachusetts, youth advocates and nonprofits successfully sued the state for not living up to its 2008 restrictions on greenhouse gases.

“No issue is more important than the threat to the planet posed by climate change. The courts must ensure that the government takes essential action to prevent it as much as possible. The public trust doctrine requires that the government protect the nation’s natural resources; the failure to control carbon emissions imperils those resources in a truly unprecedented way. Ocean acidification, melting icecaps and ice sheets, biodiversity loss and extreme weather events — caused in part by man-made carbon emissions — all impact essential public resources that United States officials have a duty to protect for the sake of successive generations.” ~ Erwin Chemerinsky

“Young people worldwide have decided to stop waiting for the “adults” to look past personal political interests and immediate financial arrangements and address climate change. And the litigation they pursue could influence better policy. More broadly, we are seeing citizens take up the fight of climate justice, which frames climate change and pollution as an ethical and societal issue, as opposed to purely environmental. Environmental degradation is a social injustice because it almost always falls more heavily on marginalized groups across the globe — the young, poor, racial and ethnic minorities and indigenous communities. The good news is that groups unfairly disadvantaged through environmental degradation are fighting back. ~ Carlton Mark Waterhouse

“Litigation has always been an essential tool for solving social problems. And the science behind this social problem is clear: We must transition to 100 percent renewable energy and virtually eliminate greenhouse emissions in just a few decades to avert horrific harm to the planet’s most vulnerable people and our very web of life. Groundbreaking legal action is, and will be, especially crucial in combating climate change. That’s why lawsuits brought by young people to force more ambitious action are so important.” ~ Kassie Siegel

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SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:


dove copy

“”There are many things worth living for; there are very few things worth dying for, but there is nothing worth killing for.” ~ Tom Robbins

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Photo: www.southernhighschool.weebly.com

“Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it.” ~ Doug Larson

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Thank you

Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

  QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

CONTACT US TYPEWRITER

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event! 

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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May 31st Moondance Film Festival Deadline for Regular Entries!

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“Master Bedroom” Andrew Wyeth

Don’t miss out!

~ MAY 31st DEADLINE FOR REGULAR ENTRIES! ~

MOONDANCE 2016 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

For your best chance to win, send in your entry RIGHT NOW!

See our Submission Categories HERE!

See our Awards Categories HERE!

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The Moondance International Film Festival, featuring its distinct cinematic visions and bold film selections, has distinguished itself around the world as much more than an annual film festival! The Moondance is a unique community, a supportive, productive, and creative year-round collaboration between independent filmmakers and movie audiences, between writers, music composers and the world of top-quality filmed entertainment.

OUR HOST HOTEL & FILM FESTIVAL EVENT VENUE:

ST. JULIEN LOGO

St Julien Hotel and Spa

900 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80302

720-406-9696

http://www.stjulien.com

RESERVATIONS

The 4-star St Julien Hotel & Spa is within walking distance of more than 200 shops and 80 restaurants, just steps from the historic Pearl Street Mall, the beautiful University of Colorado campus, miles of hiking and biking trails nearby, and the winding, tree-lined Boulder Creek path, plus a the fabulous views of the magnificent foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

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DON’T MISS THESE PLANNED EVENTS AT THE 2016 FILM FESTIVAL:

  • INDIE FILM SCREENINGS (documentaries, animation, music videos, foreign, feature & short films)
  • PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR FILMMAKERS, WRITERS & COMPOSERS
  • PRODUCTIVE NETORKING PARTIES & EVENTS DAILY
  • CELEBRITY APPEARANCE & PHOTO-OPS
  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER
  • PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE PROS
  • Q&As WITH THE FILM DIRECTORS
  • AFTER-PARTIES EACH EVENING
  • GALA AWARDS CEREMONY & BANQUET RECEPTION!

SUBSCRIBE NOW to the popular Moondance news-blog for info, updates, articles, creative inspiration,  & announcements: www. moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

If you’ve already submitted your project to the 2016 competition, & have subscribed to the news-blog, thanks a million!

Check out the website for more details & info:

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

EMAIL: [email protected]

Top-quality Indie film screenings (documentaries, animation, music videos, drone films, feature & short films); professional workshops for filmmakers, writers & composers; productive networking cocktail parties & events daily; celebrity appearances & photo-ops; private consultations with the pros; industry keynote speakers; Q&As with the film directors; after-parties each evening; gala awards ceremony & reception, and more!

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MOONDANCERS WRITE US:

“I consider Moondance one of the best festivals in the USA, and it will be a pleasure for me to submit my film, hoping to be considered and making it to the final selection. I think it is important to give voice to the people who don’t have one. I want to share this story with as many people I can, and I hope we could have a window at your prestigious festival.” ~ Giulio Poidomani (Italy)

“It is an honor to submit for your consideration The Lipiński. Director Nate Townsend has for many years had a fruitful relationship with Moondance, having won in 2013 with the short film “The Painter”. Having attended in the past, we are aware of the incredible experience offered to filmmakers. We appreciate the opportunities that Moondance has provided us in the past. An acceptance to Moondance would be a wonderful honor and an exciting new chapter in an already wonderful relationship.” ~ John Hayden, producer (USA)

“I’m really keen on participating in your fabulous festival, as an independent female filmmaker from Iran. I am truly proud of my culture and history but as the matter of fact, almost all filmmakers from my hometown are faced with adverse conditions, especially, in terms of submitting their artworks to international festivals. All things considered, I believe that Iranian filmmakers do incredible work, despite all these limitations, and your prestigious film festival is a promising window for filmmakers.” ~ Tahereh (Iran)

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

FLORA & FAUNA INT'L LOGO

FAUNA & FLORA INTERNATIONAL‘s work spans across the globe, with over 140 projects in over 40 countries, mostly in the developing world. We proudly stand up for biodiversity and aim to show just how relevant it is to all of those who share the planet.

OUR VISION: A sustainable future for the planet, where biodiversity is effectively conserved by the people who live closest to it, supported by the global community.

OUR MISSION: To act to conserve threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take into account human needs.

TREE FROG

Photo credit: www.neenicreations.com

Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is making a real difference to the planet’s biodiversity. By finding where we are needed most and forming successful partnerships, we have managed to save some of the world’s most beautiful, fascinating and threatened wildlife and ecosystems. In total FFI is directly influencing the conservation of over 13.5 million hectares of important conservation lands and sea. Our support for habitat protection around the world is helping to create safe havens where biodiversity can flourish. Here are some key success stories:

http://www.fauna-flora.org/explore/

http://www.fauna-flora.org/support/donate/

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LION PORTRAIT BLOG SIZE

SaveAnimalsFacingExtinction.org

Lions have long been considered the kings of the jungle — but their reign may be coming to an end. The population of African lions is less than HALF of what it was just 30 years ago, and their populations have been wiped out across much of Africa. Experts say that unless something changes, African lions could be extinct in the wild by 2050. We can’t stand idly by while poachers drive lions into extinction. But if we don’t take action, soon there will be none left. Sign Your Name: Demand an end to lion poaching and help protect this species from extinction >> The public outcry over lion deaths is growing. With your help, we can & will send a message to poachers around the world that their actions come with severe consequences.

Add your name here: http://go.saveanimalsfacingextinction.org/Save-Lions

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SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

open-door

“If you’re not happy every morning when you get up, leave for work, or start to work at home, if you’re not enthusiastic about doing that, you’re not going to be successful.” ~ Ronald M. Kendall

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ROCKING CHAIR PORCH B&W

Photo credit: www.aftonvillage.com

“All manner of lessons were learned on the front porch. When the front porches disappeared, so did the stories and the wisdom with them.” ~ Philip Gulley

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doorknob

“A sense of curiosity is nature’s original school of education.” ~ Dr. Smiley Blanton

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Thank you

Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

CONTACT US TYPEWRITER

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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Moondance Merry Month of May Call-For-Entries & News!

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COLUMBINE FLOWER : BLUE

Blue Columbine, official Colorado state flower

MOONDANCE 2016 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

MOONDANCE 2016 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

MOONDANCE 2016 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES!

For your best chance to win, send in your entry RIGHT NOW!

REGULAR SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MAY 31

See our Submission Categories HERE!

See our Awards Categories HERE!

Entry Forms HERE!

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DON’T MISS THESE EXCITING EVENTS AT OUR 17th ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL

~ SUNDAY & MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 4TH & 5TH • BOULDER, COLORADO USA! ~

Top-quality Indie film screenings (documentaries, animation, music videos, drone films, feature & short films); professional workshops for filmmakers, writers & composers; productive networking cocktail parties & events daily; celebrity appearances & photo-ops; private consultations with the pros; industry keynote speakers; Q&As with the film directors; after-parties each evening; gala awards ceremony & reception, and more! 

"Flatirons-Moonset", view from Boulder, Colorado / Photo by Charles Pfeil www.ArrowPhotos.com

“Flatirons-Moonset”, view from Boulder, Colorado / Photo by Charles Pfeil www.ArrowPhotos.com

The Moondance International Film Festival, featuring its distinct cinematic visions and bold film selections, has distinguished itself around the world as much more than an annual film festival! The Moondance is a unique community, a supportive, productive, and creative year-round collaboration between independent filmmakers and movie audiences, between writers, music composers and the world of top-quality filmed entertainment.

THE MOONDANCE MISSION: 

Through top-quality indie films, writings and music, the Moondance International Film Festival promotes non-violent conflict resolution and inspires equality for women and girls, as well as encouraging awareness and action to resolve vital environmental issues and global humanitarian crises. We honor filmmakers, writers & composers who actively increase awareness, provide multiple viewpoints and address complex social issues.

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to the popular Moondance news-blog for info, updates, articles, creative inspiration,  & announcements:

www. moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

If you’ve already submitted your project to the 2016 competition, & have subscribed to the news-blog, thanks a million!

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2016 MOONDANCE VENUE ANNOUNCEMENT: Moondance 2016 will be held in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. We look forward to meeting new friends & colleagues, as well as seeing old friends again, as we celebrate the 17th annual Moondance International Film Festival, on Sunday & Monday, September 4th & 5th. Our fabulous event venue & host hotel, where we’ll be screening our films, holding workshops, as well as the awards ceremony & gala reception, is the luxurious 4-star St. Julien Hotel & Spa, located right in the heart of Boulder’s historic downtown.

ST. JULIEN LOGO

St Julien Hotel and Spa

900 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80302

720-406-9696

http://www.stjulien.com

The luxurious 4-star St Julien Hotel & Spa is within walking distance of more than 200 shops and 80 restaurants, and just steps from the historic Pearl Street Mall, the beautiful University of Colorado campus, miles of hiking and biking trails nearby, the winding, tree-lined Boulder Creek path, and fabulous views of the foothills of the magnificent Rocky Mountains!

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~ SUNDAY & MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 4TH & 5TH • BOULDER, COLORADO USA! ~

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SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

VINTAGE ENVELOPE & STAMP

The Ice House Cover, with a Lincoln stamp from 1869, Photo credit: Robert A. Siegel Auction Galleries Inc., via Associated Press

“Consider the lowly postage stamp: its usefulness consists of the ability to stick to one thing until it gets there.” ~ Josh Billings

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2 chairs:spiderweb:D. Browning

Photo credit: Dominique Browning

“When will our consciences to grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than create it?” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

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DANCING BY THE OCEAN

“Strength in numbers is the delight of the timid. The valiant in spirit, however, glory in fighting alone.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

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MOONDANCE SUPPORTS & RECOMMENDS:

SIERRA CLUB LOGO

Last Chance to Protect Yellowstone’s Grizzlies!

GRIZ & CUB @ RIVER

Thanks to vigorous conservation efforts, grizzly bears are once again part of Yellowstone National Park’s identity. But efforts to stabilize the region’s grizzly population have been jeopardized by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to strip Endangered Species protections from Greater Yellowstone’s grizzlies. Management would be handed over to the states of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho — all three of which plan to start trophy hunts of grizzlies, while denying them access to prime, biologically suitable habitat on public lands.

Tell the Fish and Wildlife Service that grizzlies in the Yellowstone region are still vulnerable, and it’s too soon to delist!

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Defenders of Wildlife logo

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

OSPREY-animals.nationalgeographic.com

Osprey, photo: National Geographic

Anti-wildlife interests are using our National Defense bill to pass provisions that would dismantle protections for imperiled wildlife, despite the fact that these measures have absolutely nothing to do with national defense! This is a grossly inappropriate action by members of Congress who are completely preoccupied with pushing special interest agendas, no matter the cost. Have they no shame?

To state the obvious, these provisions don’t belong in a National Defense bill and both the Department of Defense and the White House oppose them!

Urge your senators to vote against any and all anti-wildlife measures in the National Defense Authorization Act!

Congress is grossly overstepping its bounds by advancing political agendas at the expense of imperiled species. We knew the 114th Congress would be anti-wildlife, and it has exceeded our fears with more than 100 attacks on the Endangered Species Act. This newest attack is just another blatant example of Congress substituting politics for science. Help keep anti-wildlife politics out of our National Defense bill!

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Thank you for your interest in the Moondance International Film Festival!

Please forward this news-blog to your creative artist colleagues!

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

CONTACT US TYPEWRITER copy

EMAIL: [email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

D-3 RECYCLE LOGO

Moondance has always been, and continues to be, a “Green” event!

No trees or natural habitats were harmed in the creation of this news-blog!

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