Reel Inspiration Screening, Oro Valley ArtFest

October 27-28, 2007

ArtFest is a celebration of visual, performing, and culinary arts, with musical entertainment, food demonstrations, over 75 exhibitors of fine arts, and children's entertainment, at CDO Riverfront Park. Create your own "moving picture" at our Zoetrope Activity.

Selection of finalists from Reel Inspiration's Film Contests

"From Chameleons to Chocolate" by Todd Lampe

People and their passions.

"The Bear" by Tracy Ann Sagalow

A teddy bear comes to life to save the girl he loves.

"The Mysterious Mystery of Something Important"
by Jacqueline Véissid

A whimsical magician and a young girl journey to find where all the color has gone.

"Solace" by Bill Kersey

A father's musical tribute to his son.

“Somebody Loves Me” by Derek Griffith

A man takes a moment to get to know a homeless woman and it changes their lives forever.

"Morning Submission" by Justin Mashouf

The morning routine of every Muslim before the sun rises.

"Garpenfargle" by Bill Kersey & Edward Kim

A dog dedicated to making the world safer, one trash can at a time.

"Just Coffee" by Roberto Gudino

An organization works to alleviate immigration through coffee sales.

 "Linear Progression" by Kat Kosmala

 Two orange and green creatures cross paths.

 "Just One Wish" by Warren Lazar

 A teenage daughter of a single mom changes their lives forever with Just One Wish.

"Not to be Toyed With" by Hal Melfi and Steve Bayless

An obsessive STAR WARS toy collector discovers the power of the dark side when his nephew invades his perfectly packaged world.

"87 Topaz" by Bill Kersey

A grandfather's musings on life and cars.

"Have Coffin, Will Travel" by Sarah Sher

Dale Clark hitchhikes with a coffin to bring attention to the over 8000 children that have lost their lives since 9-11.

"New York City Spirit" by Muriel Stockdale

Diverse New Yorkers connect to their spirit and each other.

Children's Showcase

"The Pen" by Lineweaver Elementary Cub Club
This silent film follows the story of an object rather than a person.

"The Amazing Defiant Monkeys" by Joshua Segal
Two defiant monkeys learn the importance of family.

"Gender Clash" by Lineweaver Elementary Cub Club
The boys and girls change genders.

"The Power of Music" by Jeremy Nelson
Abstract visuals compliment original composition

"The Tamale Bully" by Jeremy Segal
Standing up to a Bully.

Teen Screening

"Culture" by Avijit Halder
Compares the lives of two young adults from different cultures.

"Essence of Ironwood" by Csenge Molnar
A depiction of nature on the IRHS campus.

Arrange for these films to be screened at your
fest, church or organization, contact:
reelinspiration@hotmail.com
(Also ask about our Zoetrope activity.)

"Akeelah and the Bee"

I had my reservations about going to see "Akeelah and the Bee." Did we really need another spelling bee movie right on the tail of the award-winning documentary "Spellbound" and the mystic "Bee Season?" I'm not that into spelling. I couldn't even pronounce Akeelah, much less spell it. But I was totally won over by this heartwarming, family film. By the end, I could not only pronounce Akeelah, but I could spell it. Akeelah. Definition: Eleven year old girl from South Los Angeles who overcomes great personal trials to become a national spelling bee champion and an inspiration to her neighborhood. A-K-E-E-L-A-H.

Writer/Director Doug Atchison overcomes a somewhat formulaic plot through strong performances from his stellar cast including Angela Bassett (as Akeelah's mother) and Laurence Fishburne (as her coach.) But it was Kete Palmer's authentic performance as Akeelah that drew me into the story. By the end, I was whole-heartedly rooting for her -- not only for her courage and perseverance but for the kindness she shows in competition.

Her coach teaches her to overcome her fears and embrace her strengths and talents. He shares a quote from Marianne Williamson, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure....As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people the permission to do the same." Akeelah holds onto this into the competition and becomes an inspiration to her neighborhood and all those who see this film.

While leaving the theatre, a father asked his nine year old daughter, "Think that helped your Scramble any?" The girl answered with an enthusiastic thank-you hug. Encourage all the girls in your life to let their light shine by bringing them to this uplifting film.

You can encourage Hollywood to make more inspiring, family films by attending "Akeelah and the Bee" while it is still in the first run theatres. If you love it as much as I did, pass this review onto your friends. Let's create a market for meaningful films!

Movie blessings!
Jana Segal
www.reelinspiration.blogspot.com