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Happy Chinese New Year from Moondance!

The Year of the Rooster will be a very powerful one, with no middle-of-the-road when it comes to moving forward. The rooster is the sign of the long-awaited dawn and awakening, triumph and success!

MOONDANCE 2017 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES:

Accepting submissions January 1 through June 30, 2017

Take advantage of our Early-Bird discounted entry fee: $25, through January!

PLEASE VISIT THESE PAGES ON THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO:

LINK TO SUBMISSION CATEGORIES LIST

• Narrative feature, short, documentary, drone & animation films •  Feature & short screenplays  •Film scores • Short stories, stageplays & radio plays •TV pilots, episodics…and many more!

LINK TO AWARDS CATEGORIES LIST

LINK TO SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

LINK TO OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

LINK TO AWARDS BENEFITS

LINK TO MOONDANCE SUCCESSES

LINK TO THE MOONDANCE MISSION STATEMENT

Moondance is also accepting submissions at:

No Moondance 2017 submissions at Withoutabox.com!

WAB is not prepared for listing online film festival events.

Moondance 2017 is very pleased to announce that the entire film festival this season will be online-only! All submissions to be entered online, and all winning & selected films will be screened online. Now your film will have the opportunity for an audience of many thousands of viewers to preview it, on a computer or any mobile device, for a long time to come, instead of maybe an audience of 50-100 or so, screened only once at a local film festival’s theatrical venue.

This is truly today’s preferred, state-of-the-art & most important global networking, promotional & networking advantage! 

Writing & music selected winners all submission categories will also have their winning work listed online. Winners will have their titles, loglines & links posted on the website.

All selected 2017 Moondance films will be available online-only at Vimeo, with a private, dedicated Moondance pass-code for people accessing the winning & selected festival films to view them, and will not be available to the general public. It’s not a form of distribution. No film will be available for viewing until September, when all selected films are posted.

 MOONDANCERS WRITE US:

I really admire what your film festival puts out and your commitment to supporting woman filmmakers and social awareness.” ~ Kristian Comer (US)

It’s a pleasure to participate in this festival!” ~ Lucas Milhomem, (Brazil & Poland)

I really enjoy the photos that you put in the blogs, along with the articles and quotes. They are well-crafted and an interesting read!” ~ Cassia Hendrickson (US)

MOONDANCERS COME FROM AROUND THE WORLD!

In our continuing success of promoting top-quality original filmmaking, writing and music composition by talented artists from around the world, the Moondance International Film Festival is very pleased to announce that our annual festival competitions have brought in great submissions, in all genres and categories, from Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Dubai, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxemburg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Poland, Russia, Serbia/Montenegro, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, UAR, Ukraine, the UK, the US, Venezuela, and more! Please do join us!

Pictures From Women’s

Marches on Every Continent!

 

MARCHERS EVEN IN ANTARCTICA!

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/01/21/world/womens-march-pictures.html?_r=0

MOONDANCE RECOMMENDS:

Moondance award-winning music video by  Lou Hamilton, UK


What is Holistic Nonviolence? Watch this

TWO-MINUTE VIDEO

Introducing this new path for personal transformation and social evolution.

To support the efforts of people inspired to take on this ambitious challenge, Tribe of Heart is developing a new path for personal transformation and social evolution we call Holistic Nonviolence. It is based on an ever-deepening commitment to regard and treat all others, however they may differ from ourselves, with care and respect.

“Peaceable Kingdom” film

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” ~ Barack Obama


 

Photo by Nasrin Mohammadi

“The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have.” ~ Anna Quindlen


 

“Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

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

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

[email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

 

 

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* Moondance Film Festival 2017 Call for Early-Bird Entries!

MOONDANCE NEWS FOR 2017!

Moondance 2017 is very pleased to announce that the entire film festival this season will be online-only! All submissions to be entered online, and all winning & selected films will be screened online. Now your film will have the opportunity for an audience of many thousands of viewers to preview it, for a long time to come, instead of maybe an audience of 50-100 or so, screened only once at a local film festival’s theatrical venue.

This is truly today’s preferred, state-of-the-art & most important global networking, promotional & networking advantage!

Writing & music selected winners all submission in all categories will also have their winning work listed online. Winners will have their titles, loglines & links posted on the website.

All selected 2017 Moondance films will be available for viewing online at Vimeo, with a private, dedicated Moondance pass-code for people accessing the winning & selected festival films to view them, and will not be available to the general public. It’s not a form of distribution. No film will be available for viewing until September, when all selected films are posted.

MOONDANCE 2017 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES:

Accepting submissions

January 1 through June 30, 2017

Take advantage of our Early-Bird discounted entry fee: $25, through January!

PLEASE VISIT THESE PAGES ON THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO:

LINK TO SUBMISSION CATEGORIES LIST

LINK TO AWARDS CATEGORIES LIST

LINK TO SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

LINK TO OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

LINK TO AWARDS BENEFITS

LINK TO MOONDANCE SUCCESSES

LINK TO THE MOONDANCE MISSION STATEMENT

Moondance is also accepting submissions at:

No Moondance 2017 submissions at Withoutabox.com! 

WAB is not prepared for listing online film festival events.

MEET THE 2017 MOONDANCE TEAM!

HOW WE PREVIEW & SELECT FILMS FOR THE MOONDANCE:

We judge films by considering all of these elements: Story, first, then directing, production values evident, acting, editing, film score, framing, focus, lighting, sound, costuming, locations, dialog, ambience, relatability (to the story, dialog & characters), wide interest, uniqueness, audience appeal, and appropriate running time for telling the story on film. We look for a unique story, well-told, visually.

THE MOONDANCE MISSION & GOALS:

The Moondance International Film Festival’s mission and goals include the following ideals: All people, regardless of gender, gender identification, ethnicity, racial heritage, disability, religion, location, age, sexual orientation and/or socio-economic status shall be treated equally and equitably, with respect, dignity and justice for all. 

By bringing people together online to view winning & selected films from around the world, we strive to provide an outlet and support for those talented people to express themselves on film, in written works and with music. We advocate for women and defend marginalized members of our society, preserving and protecting our natural environment, and promoting peaceful, non-violent alternatives to conflict resolutions. We endeavor to serve as a proactive model of peaceful demonstration, via our films, written works and music. 

PLEASE SUPPORT THE MOONDANCE FILM FESTIVAL!

Good movies always make the most immediate and lasting impact on audiences; more so than books, lectures, conferences, sermons, seminars, or articles in newspapers and magazines, etc. Therefore, an investment in this important and meaningful film festival that has a mission and message will make more of a difference in the world, change ingrained perceptions, and encourage and inspire people to take action, more than any other media or efforts.

With this internationally well-respected film festival, we aim to provide multiple viewpoints, address complex social issues, provide a forum for deliberation, and strengthen ties between a wide variety of local, regional, national and international audiences. Our mission is to present vibrant and memorable, accessible, relatable stories on film, which is an ideal means for communication across perceived boundaries of race, culture, place, and situation or circumstance, as well as age and gender.

Invest in the Moondance International Film Festival, become a festival co-producer, and see your financial support make a lasting difference!

Please click this link for more info: 

https://moondancefilmfestival.com/sponsor-info/

MOONDANCE RECOMMENDS:

WAYSEER MANIFESTO

WATCH THIS JOYFUL & INSPIRING VIDEO!

http://wayseermanifesto.com

by Garret John

ATTENTION: All you rule-breakers, you misfits and troublemakers – all you free spirits and pioneers – all you visionaries and non-conformists… Everything that the establishment has told you is wrong with you – is actually what’s right with you.

You see things others don’t. You are hardwired to change the world. Unlike 9 out of 10 people – your mind is irrepressible – and this threatens authority. You were born to be a revolutionary. You can’t stand rules because in your heart you know there’s a better way. You have strengths dangerous to the establishment – and it wants them eliminated, So your whole life you’ve been told your strengths were weaknesses – Now I’m telling you otherwise. READ THE REST…

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~~ BUWUNDO ~~

BEADS & CRAFTS

BUWUNDO BEADS & CRAFTS are artisans from Buwundo Village, Uganda, who create necklaces, earrings, bracelets and purses from recycled magazine paper and local materials, in order to help women provide for the needs of their families, the education of their children, and Buwindo Village development. www.buwundo.com

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Gloria Steinem shared these words about Hedgebrook:

“It has always been crucial that Hedgebrook  put women’s voices — marginalized for so long and at such cost to the truth — in the center of the human narrative, but in this dangerous time, I think it may be literally lifesaving. We’ve been sitting around campfires for millennia, telling stories, so our minds are organized by narrative, not facts or statistics. Only stories help us to break through old roles that normalize domination, and Hedgebrook is a global campfire.” HEDGEBROOK INFO

Hedgebrook is on Whidbey Island, about thirty-five miles northwest of Seattle. Situated on 48-acres of forest and meadow facing Puget Sound, with a view of Mount Rainier, the retreat hosts writers from all over the world for residencies of two to six weeks, at no cost to the writer.

Six writers are in residence at a time, each housed in a handcrafted cottage. They spend their days in solitude – writing, reading, taking walks in the woods on the property or on nearby Double Bluff beach. In the evenings, they gather in the farmhouse kitchen to share a home-cooked gourmet meal, their work, their process and their stories. The Writers in Residence Program is Hedgebrook’s core program, supporting the fully-funded residencies of approximately 40 writers at the retreat each year.

Hedgebrook also offers a variety of ways for women writers to create and connect: Writers in Residence, Master Class Retreats, Vortext Weekend Workshop, One-Day Writing Salons & more!

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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“The first sep toward getting somewhere in life is to decide that you are absolutely not going to stay where you are.” ~ Source Obscure

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“It is better to fail with originality than to succeed by imitation.” ~ Herman Melville

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“Amelia”, photo by SKV

“The bravest thing you can do, when you are not feeling brave, is to profess courage, and act accordingly.” ~ Cora Harris

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Ernest Hemingway, writing in Cuba

“A computer lets you make more big mistakes faster than any other invention in human history…with the exception of handguns and alcoholic beverages.” ~ Mitch Ratcliffe

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

  QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

[email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Happy New Year & Moondance 2017 Call-for-Entries!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MOONDANCE!

Out with the old, in with the new: may you be happy, the whole year through!

New beginnings, fresh starts, re-affirmations and promises for a brighter future all come to mind as we ring in the New Year around the world. A new year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hands. This is your chance to write a beautiful new story for yourself. Right ahead, lies a new beginning. Make it a memorable experience. Let this New Year be the one when all your dreams come true. Wishing you a happy, peaceful, successful and prosperous New Year!

 

AND NOW, THE BIG NEWS FOR 2017!

Moondance 2017 is very pleased to announce that the entire film festival this season will be online-only! All submissions to be entered online, and all winning & selected films will be screened online. Now your winning film will have the opportunity for an audience of many thousands of viewers to preview it, for years to come, instead of maybe and audience of 50-100 or so, screened only once at a local film festival’s theatrical venue.

This is truly today’s preferred, state-of-the-art & most important global networking, promotional & networking advantage!

Writing & music selected winners all submission categories will also have their winning work listed online. Winners will have their titles, loglines & links posted on the website.

MOONDANCE 2017 CALL-FOR-ENTRIES:

Accepting submissions

January 1 through June 30, 2017

Take advantage of our Early-Bird discounted entry fee: only $25, through January!

PLEASE VISIT THESE PAGES ON THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO:

LINK TO SUBMISSION CATEGORIES LIST

• Narrative feature, short, documentary, drone & animation films •  Feature & short screenplays  •Film scores • Short stories, stageplays & radio plays •TV pilots, episodics…and many more!

LINK TO AWARDS CATEGORIES LIST

LINK TO SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

LINK TO OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM

LINK TO AWARDS BENEFITS

LINK TO MOONDANCE SUCCESSES

LINK TO THE MOONDANCE MISSION STATEMENT

Moondance is also accepting submissions at:

Click on the FilmFreeway logo above to go to the Moondance submission form there

NO Moondance 2017 submissions at Withoutabox.com

(WAB is not prepared for listing online film festivals)

THE SECRET TO OUR INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS:

The secret to the Moondance brand’s international success and longevity can be directly attributed to upholding our founding principles, goals, integrity, values and mission. We continually strive to inspire talented filmmakers, writers, composers and audiences, locally and globally. Maintaining the Moondance reputation for top-quality indie films, writing & music is always the festival’s first priority. Our valued sponsors, donors, supporters, friends of the Moondance, as well as our competition entrants, are an integral element of our long-term success.

INSIDER TIPS FOR FILMMAKERS:

When judges preview films for film festival competitions, or when distributors look at films they may decide to screen in theaters, or during Academy Award nomination season, or when a talent agent may decide to take you on as a client, or when a production company or film studio is watching your demo reel or trailer, and considering you to direct a film, the actors’ performances are one of the most important elements they look for in the film. You may have a unique story, the best cinematographer, incredible editing, memorable film score, interesting locations, fabulous action scenes, great dialog, and impressive production values, but…if any of the actors, not just the lead actors, fluff a scene, or are wooden, over-act, are amateurish, or are simply unremarkable in their roles, you’ve just lost all credibility as a film director, and you may not ever get a second chance. READ MORE:

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The power of music in film! Music is the non-verbal, unspoken dialog in a film. A feature film needs at least 30 to 40 minutes of music, which is one of the most important elements in a successful film. Take a look at: 1. A film score can be artfully used to…2. The major categories of a film score are…3. Along with a good screenplay, and great dialog, music is what makes a film memorable! All of these vital crafts and elements contribute to making the “Dream Factory” world of the film believable & memorable to movie audiences! READ MORE:

Don’t miss reading all the other great filmmaking & writing articles in the MOONDANCE E-ZINEwritten by entertainment industry pros, exclusively for Moondance!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle, and comes back to us.” ~ Flora Edwards

This news-blog is dedicated in memory of my mother, Leni, child star in silent film, artist, poet, journalist, archaeologist, and world traveler, who passed away in April, 2016, at the age of 101, after a long and productive life.

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

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

[email protected]

WEBSITE: www.moondancefilmfestival.com

BLOG: www.moondancefilmfestival.com/blog

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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Come join us, in beautiful Boulder, Colorado!

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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!

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>>> 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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100% NATURAL

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

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

CONTACT US TYPEWRITER copy

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!

J-MIFF FLAGS

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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!

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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

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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]

RAINBOW RIBBON - SMALL

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!

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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/

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

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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

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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

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“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:


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“”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:

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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

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 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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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:

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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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