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~ Happy Moondancers & Big Announcements!

THE FILM FESTIVAL WITHOUT BORDERS!

THE 2019 SELECTED FILMS PROGRAM IS HERE!

Pop up a big bowl of popcorn and

click the link above

to watch the 2019 winning films at home for free!

Order form for .pdf 2019 Award Certificates of Competition Status (Winner, Finalist or Semi-finalist), suitable for printing & framing, is available HERE, until October 31st:

WINNER, FINALIST & SEMI-FINALIST

CERTIFICATE ORDER FORM 

LAURELS: Congratulations to all the 2019 Moondance winners, finalists & semi-finalists!

You can find laurels to download for your status in the 2019 contest by clicking the laurel image above. 

These 12 Selected 2019 winning writers have been selected to post their winning 2019 script on Moondance’s longtime sponsor inktip.com website for free:

  • Avenging Angels by Jennifer Phillips
  • Cottage for Rent: Body Optional by Sable Jak
  • DYLAN by Dianne Lynn Gardner
  • I Am Antigone by Saudamini Siegrist
  • Maria Isabella Silvalessa by Hunter Ridgway
  • Mustang by Gordon Phipps
  • Nina Karenina by Gordon Phipps
  • The Beneficials – Heroes of the Soil by Paul Piccirillo
  • The Goblins & the Gravedigger by Kenny Chumbley
  • The Mountains Girls & Master’s Daughter by Amridin Saidibrokhimov
  • The Night Witches by Steven Prowse
  • Tweet by Victoria Morris

If you missed the 2019 submission deadline, the 2020 competition call-for-entries will open in December 2019. Subscribe now to the popular MOONDANCE NEWS-BLOG for the latest announcements, updates, info, insider tips & inspiration.

HAPPY MOONDANCERS WRITE US!

“I love this fest. This is the second time we’ve been selected and won. They are so warm and hospitable and definitely have a wonderful purpose. I highly recommend Moondance.” ~ D. L. Gardner

Moondance… does any other festival have a better name? I’m honored that you chose The Real Thing as a feature screenplay Finalist.” ~ Matthew Papadopoulos

“I wanted to thank Elizabeth English who runs this festival. She took the time to speak with me about my work and provided valuable feedback for improvements. That’s very rare to get a one-on-one.” ~ Jennifer Phillips

“Hello, Elizabeth and your wonderful team at the Moondance Intl. Film Festival, I’d like to take this initiative to thank you for giving us this amazing opportunity to bring our film, AFREEN, to your prestigious film festival. We are truly overwhelmed, obliged, thankful, and we could have not done this without your encouragement and support.” ~ Nicole

“We are very excited and deeply proud to be one of the winners of this year’s Moondance Film Festival.  This festival is particularly important to me as a woman who believes in using my art for activism. I have done a significant amount of pro bonowork over the past three years in this extremely challenging political climate. Thank you so much for all you do and for recognizing our film, BEFORE IT WAS TRUE. We are honored!” ~ Dana Offenbach

“The Moondance Festival is special in many ways. A festival with a long history, it does not advertise itself too much, and yet it is creative and intimate.Thanks to Elizabeth and her staff.”~ Julia Deak

“I just reviewed all the award winners for the 2019 Moondance, and am writing to send you my gratitude and love to you for providing such a wonderful opportunity for nobodies like me to get noticed. I have been so touched by your kindness in every note you’ve sent me. Count me among your chief admirers; it is a privilege to know you. May nothing but goodness come your way.” ~ Kenneth L. Chumbly

“Congratulations on another successful year. Thank you kindly for allowing me to be a part of it. Three’s Company Two is my first stage play and I am thrilled to be one of the semi-finalist. Thank you again for everything. Until the next time.” ~ Robert J. Morgalo

“So thrilled! Thank you so much for the win with Cottage for Rent. Let’s hope it gets picked up for a real TV show!” ~ Sable Jak

“Yours is a lovely festival with the best name out there…” ~ Matthew Papadopoulos

“I feel so grateful, affirmed, and excited by the short story category recognition this year. “Remembrance” was also selected as a quarterfinalist in the Screencraft Cinematic Short Story category; I’m wondering if this isn’t a message from the universe, telling me to adapt it into a short screenplay. I’ve spread the word to fellow Zoetropers (and Facebook friends) to start polishing up their work to submit, once your next contest period opens.” ~ Helen Beer

“Thank you for putting together such a worthwhile film festival, and running it beyond and above the professional level that I have experienced in other festivals. Sincerely” ~ Georgette Alfred

“Thank you so much for considering my film and my film went up to semifinalist. Truly amazing festival for independent film makers.” ~ AAA Productions UK

“My deepest heartfelt thank you to the Moondance Team. I am honored to be included in this great festival celebrating such stunning abilities in the art of expression.” ~ Renee Rubio

“It was an honour to have The Paper Boat selected as a Semi Finalist for Film Score. Although my participation was only online, Elizabeth English was personable and the experience valuable.~  Rachele Wildmare

“I’m thrilled my narrative feature “Prince Harming” was selected as semi-finalist by this wonderful festival. When I had questions, Elizabeth English got back to me right away and was very helpful.. As a result of being chosen I’ve gotten some great industry connections already and can’t wait to see what’s next!” ~ Marianne Hettinger

“Glad and proud to be part of it.” ~ Guido Maria Giordano

“Great festival, thank you for treating us so well!” ~ Russell Emanuel

“This is a wonderful festival I was proud to be part of it. Many thanks for everything.” ~ Michael Madden

“I was honored by having Moondance choose my movie. “Communication” was personal and extremely useful. All in all, I’m glad that I could participate in this special festival.” ~ Julia Deak

“Thank you to the Moondance Festival for providing opportunities for women writers and filmmakers. We were honoured that our short film “Honestly Charlotte” achieved semi-finalist status!” ~ Stevie Jackson

“Founder/Director Elizabeth English is passionate, tireless and a great communicator!” ~ Jan Stanton

“Very professional group of people with a great vision for filmmakers.” ~ James Carrroll

Very well organized and timely information.” ~ John McCarney

FILMFREEWAY MONDANCE 2019 OVERALL RATINGS BY REVIEWERS:

MOONDANCE 2019

WINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS LISTING

WINNER, FINALIST & SEMI-FINALIST

CERTIFICATE ORDER FORM

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A Moondance Hello & Some Reminders!

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“You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations in what you can do, except for the limitations of your own mind.” ~ Darwin P. KingsleySTARFISH

Thanks a million to all the many talented filmmakers, writers, composers, audiences, event staff and volunteers who participated in the 2016 Moondance International Film Festival & made it another memorable season!

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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FOR INFO ON THE 2016 MOONDANCE,

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINKS LOCATED ON THE WEBSITE:

FILM PROGRAM FILM DESCRIPTIONS •  FILMS SCREENED •  KEYNOTE & MASTER CLASSWORKSHOPSWINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTSNETWORKING EVENTS  •  AWARDS CEREMONY & RECEPTION 2016 BEST ACTOR AWARDS • AUDIENCE FAVORITE FILMS • MOONDANCE SUCCESSESMISSION STATEMENT

The 2016 Moondance Photo Album is coming soon! 

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Winners Anna & Adrian

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ATTENTION: 2016 WINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS:

You can download any laurels for which you are eligible HERE!

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ATTENTION 2016 SELECTED FILMMAKERS & WINNERS!

The Moondance winners’ star award

CLICK ON THE STAR IMAGE, FOR INFO ON AWARD CATEGORIES!

If you would like to have us send you back your Blu-ray screener, or if you were not able to attend the awards ceremony, & want us to send you your winner’s award star & certificate, please click HERE for the form to request it & pay only the minimal postage & handling.

RED MAILBOX

The final deadline for ordering is October 15th!

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HOLLYWOOD SIGN:BLUE SKY

“Movies are just another form of merchandising – we have our factory, which is called a stage; we make a product, we color it, we title it, and we ship it out in a can, and then try to convince people to buy it.” ~ Cary Grant

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Please subscribe to the blog & forward it to your creative artist colleagues!

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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[email protected]

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Moondance 2016 Wrap-Up & Announcements!

*THANKS IN SAND

The 17th annual Moondance International Film Festival was a grand success for everyone who attended; audiences, indie film buffs, filmmakers, writers, composers, workshops & master class presenters, staff & volunteers, and a productive, good time was had by all! We thank you all for your valued participation, enthusiasm  & for every one of those great films!

www.moondancefilmfestival.com

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THANKS A MILLION TO ALL OF OUR 2016

EXECUTIVE STAFF, VOLUNTEERS & BOARD OF ADVISORS!

VERY SPECIAL THANKS GO OUT TO:

RachelMainsRACHEL MAINS

Events Coordinator, Volunteers Coordinator & Ticket Sales Coordinator

CassiaHendricksonCASSIA HENDRICKSON

Film Screenings Coordinator & Moondance Website Developer

Vic Sarin - smallVIC SARIN

Film Director, Keynote Speaker & Master Class Presenter

  • Alan Rogers • Sponsorships Coordinator
  • Michael Wallace & Cos Lindstrom • Official Festival Photographers
  • Miguel Carson,  Sean Kearney, Zach Miller • Projectionists
  • Lynn Patrick • Awards Ceremony & Reception Musician
  • Jasmine Sahu • Written Works Feedback Coordinator
  • Chris Anastasiadis • Board Of Advisors
  • Vittoria Colonna • Board Of Advisors
  • Olga Rojer • Board Of Advisors

MEET THE 2016 MOONDANCE TEAM

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FOR INFO ON THE 2016 MOONDANCE, PLEASE CLICK ON THESE LINKS:

FILM PROGRAM • FILM DESCRIPTIONS •  FILMS SCREENED  •  KEYNOTE & MASTER CLASS  •  WORKSHOPS •  WINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS   •  NETWORKING EVENTS   •  AWARDS CEREMONY & RECEPTION  • 2016 BEST ACTOR AWARDS • MOONDANCE SUCCESSES • MISSION STATEMENT

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ATTENTION: 2016 WINNERS, FINALISTS & SEMI-FINALISTS:

You can download laurels for which you are eligible HERE!

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ATTENTION 2016 SELECTED FILMMAKERS & WINNERS!

AWARD STAR

CLICK ON THE STAR FOR INFO ON AWARD CATEGORIES!

If you would like to have us send you back your Blu-ray screener, or if you were not able to attend the awards ceremony, & want us to send you your award star & certificate, please click HERE for the form to request it & pay only the minimal postage & handling.

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2016 AUDIENCE FAVORITE FILMS ANNOUNCED!

• FEATURE FILMS:

A Shine of Rainbows Vic Sarin Canada

Mousse John Hellberg Sweden

The Dawns Here Are Quiet… Renat Davletyarov Russia

Tomorrow Ever After Ela Their USA

• FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILMS:

Rivering            Bill Parks            New Zealand

The Boy From Geita            Vic Sarin            Canada

Unit 731            Chris Nebe            USA

• SHORT FILMS:

A Game of Chicken            Michael Hilf                        USA

A Wilderness Within            Vangelis Maderakis            Greece

Behind the Wall            Bat-Sheva Guez            USA

Omessa            Charlène Favier            France

Play Date            Paige Morrow Kimball            USA

Sandboy            Vittoria Colonna            USA

The Sky Over Berlin of My Childhood            Bakhtiyar Islamov            Kazakhstan

The Windfisherman            Anna McRoberts            USA

• SHORT DOCUMENTARY FILMS:

Displaced            Niamh Heery            Ireland

Meeting With the Leaf            Fazlollah Tari            Iran

The More Things Change                        Nathan Myers            USA

• MUSIC VIDEO:

Heaven’s Falling            Kimberley Williams            USA

• ANIMATION FILMS:

Ella            Juan Montes de Oca            Spain

The Diver            Damon Mohl            USA

• WORKS-IN-PROGRESS / SNEAK PREVIEW FILM:

Hey!            Alex Jovanoski            Germany

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MOONDANCERS WRITE US!

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• “I’d like to thank you and your team for a wonderful weekend. Everyone at the Moondance festival worked so hard and maintained their smiles throughout. I truly appreciate all your help and the aid of the volunteers, in particular Rachel and Cassia for making this weekend memorable. Your enthusiasm is an inspiration!” ~ Lianne Collinson, personal assistant to Vic Sarin, director of Moondance winning films, A Shine of Rainbows & The Boy from Geita

• “Thank you for curating a festival with integrity. I loved the films I saw (which isn’t usually the case at festivals…) I love your taste in films and you clearly take the time to watch submissions.” ~ Ela Their, Winning Moondance 2016 feature film, Tomorrow Ever After

• “I just wanted to say thank you so much for selecting Displaced as winner of the Short Documentary Film category at Moondance this year. I just checked your website and I’m over the moon! (Pardon the pun!) A festival like yours is exactly why I make films, the fact that you guys focus on women, focus on social justice and global issues and work hard to promote it is very admirable and I’m thrilled to be a small part of it. As I’m thousands of miles away in Ireland and cannot get to the festival this year, I wish you the very best of luck with all the screenings and events, and thank you again for exhibiting Displaced.” ~ Niamh Heery

• “My friends and family came to my screening on Sunday and said that they had a wonderful time.  Congratulations on a successful event! ~ Bat-Sheva Guez, 2016 Moondance winner for Behind the Wall

• “Thanks again to you and your staff for making my wife (Gwen) and me feel so welcomed to your wonderful festival. Really enjoyed the time I got to spend with you, and our conversations. I hope our paths cross again.” ~ Jay Kettering, Moondance winning audio play, My Dad & Pre-Socratic Thought

• “Thank you for awarding LUDLOW a first place prize for feature screenwriting. I was pleased to no end to be honored and to receive the Seahorse Award. Barbara and I enjoyed watching A Shine of Rainbows and Rivering, entirely different movies, but both good stories filmed in beautiful locations. ~ Bruce Leaf, multi-award-winning screenwriter

“Fine festival for screenwriters. Good and timely communication make this a recommended festival for screenwriters, both new and experienced.” ~ Jim Norman, FilmFreeway 5 Star Review review

• “Just a note to thank you for having me in Boulder. You work hard and have your heart at the right places. I am happy to meet you and that I was able to spend a little time with you. Please also thank the volunteers whom I met, as they were all very kind and caring. I hope our paths cross again in the future.” ~ Vic Sarin, director, winning Moondance films, A Shine of Rainbows & The Boy from Geita, Sepia films

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MOONDANCE IN THE NEWS:

IRAN BAGS 3 AWARDS AT MOONDANCE FILMFEST.

TEHRAN, Sep. 14 (MNA) – Three Iranian films, including ‘The Sea and the Flying Fish’, have been awarded prizes at the Moondance International Film Festival in the US. ‘The Sea and the Flying Fish’ directed by Mehrdad Ghafarzadeh won Best Feature Film award alongside titles from Canada, Germany, Russia and the US. The film is about a young innocent deaf and dumb inmate of a correctional camp who communicates through painting. ‘The Sea and the Flying Fish’ has previously won the Best Actor award at Spain’s film festival.

Atlan

‘Atlan’ directed by Moein Karimoddini won the Feature Documentary Film award at the festival. The film relates the story of a horse-trainer, Ali Golnejad and his beloved horse, Ilhan, which is supposed to bring much success and glory to the family. In the short film category, ‘The Salt Man’ directed by Sajad Mousavi won an award along with other titles from US, Ireland, France, and Kazakhstan.

Moondance International Film Festival, popularly known as the “American Cannes”, is one of the premier venues for the exhibition and promotion of feature and short films in the US, and one of the leading indie film festivals in the world. This 17th edition of the festival took place on September 4th and 5th, 2016.

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SOME THINGS TO THNK ABOUT NOW:

CANDLE SCONCE BY MIRROR

“The world is a mirror; growl at it, and it growls in return. Smile, and the world smiles back at you.” ~ Herbert Samuel

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”Sunrise” miriadna.com

”Sunrise” miriadna.com

“Cease to ask what the morrow will bring forth. Set down as a gain each day that fortune grants.” ~ Eudora Welty

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‪Photo by misskarenmarquez.edublogs.org

Photo by misskarenmarquez.edublogs.org

“Life is the perpetual present moment one lives in, and a perception that time is nothing more than the current…an eternal flowing back to the sea.” ~William Least Heat-Moon, author, “River Horse”

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BUDDHA + LOTUS

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” ~ Zen Buddhist Proverb

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“How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.” ~ Wayne W. Dyer

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

 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

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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
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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 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]

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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

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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!

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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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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/

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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.

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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

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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