Arizona Filmmakers and Reel Inspiration finalists screen at FUSIONFEST

FUSIONFEST: April 28 & 29, Pima Community College N.W. Campus, 7600 N Shannon Rd.
Featuring culturally diverse independent films and topics centered on global issues.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28
11 a.m. - "Starbuck and the Bandit" by Dick Fisher and Sarah Sher
12:30pm -Film Discussion with Elhad Ndoye
"The Forgotten Children-Focus on West African Culture"
 2pm - "What You Need" - Film by Nickolas Duarte
2:30pm- "Deseo" – film by Richard Wyland (Q&A by Ty Matthews)
3pm - "389 Miles: Living the Border" by Luis Carlos Davis

SUNDAY, APRIL 29
11am - "Vicenta" - Film by Angela Soto
12:30pm - Reel Inspiration Contests Finalists:
"The Mysterious Mystery of Something Important" by Jacqueline Véissid, "Solace" by Bill Kersey, "87 Topaz" by Bill Kersey, "Garpenfargle" by Bill Kersey & Edward Kim, “Somebody Loves Me” by Derek Griffith, "Morning Submission" by Justin Mashouf, "Just Coffee" by Roberto Gudino, "Linear Progression" by Kat Kosmala, "Not to be Toyed With" by Hal Melfi and Steve Bayless, "Have Coffin, Will Travel" by Sarah Sher, "New York City Spirit" by Muriel Stockdale,
2pm - "How like an Angel" - Film by David Sands & Elizabeth DeVries
3pm - What You Need – Film by Nicholas Duarte

Inspiring Films Create Understanding

I remember when 9/11 happened, I sobbed for what I thought would be a loss of what makes us American - our freedom. Fear is such a powerful weapon! But I believe that films of substance have power too. That's why I promote meaningful films that show that we are more alike than different.

"Why can't we just get along." See it can be done. Like this dog and cat.

Inspired by that principle, I organized the Reel Inspiration film contests. There were two shorts that especially made it worth the effort. 2004 finalist Morning Submission by Justin Mashouf creates understanding with his powerful three minute film on why Muslims pray. This little wonder shows that their prayers are much like ours. And 2006 "Best of Tucson" winner, Have Coffin, Will Travel by Sarah Sher shares how Dale Clark, an 83 year old artist and activist from Bisbee, Arizona, hitchhikes with a coffin to bring attention to the approximately eight thousand children of Afghanistan and Iraq who lost their lives as a result of war. This whimsical short is a gentle reminder that we aren't the only ones affected by the war and that these are our children too.

On this anniversary of 9/11, we can honor those who died by choosing not to be defeated by fear, but choose instead understanding over hate and connection over separation.

Movie Blessings!
Jana Segal

2006 Pura Inspiración Winners Announced

It was a fantastic screening at the Fox Tucson Theatre. I want to thank all the filmmakers for creating meaningful films! What a inspiring program! The ambiance was enhanced by our soulful singers Eric Hansen and Lupita Duran.

Thanks to Cox Communications for sponsoring the event and our partner Puro Mexicano: Tucson Film Festival and to all our generous prize sponsors. Also, thanks to our judges, hosts, entertainers, and volunteers. We couldn't have done it without you!

Reel Inspiration and the Puro Mexicano: Tucson Film Festival are proud to announce the winners of the 2006 Pura Inspiración Film Contest:

Celebrating Cultural Diversity Award: New York City Spirit by Muriel Stockdale of New York City.

Best of Tucson: Have Coffin, Will Travel by Sarah Sher.

Best Narrative: Linear Progression by Kat Kosmala from La Habra, CA.

Best Narrative, 2nd place: Mariposa Canyon by Ben Lobato

Best Documentary: 87 Topaz by Bill Kersey from Tucson

Best Documentary, 3rd place: Just Coffee by Roberto Gudins & Eli Cordova

*Bill Kersey also won Best Film for Garpenfargle and the Peoples Choice award for Solice in the 2004 competition!

TEEN COMPETITIONFirst Place: Multiple Choice by Teresa Tuan
Second Place: Atordecer by Oscar Rivera
Third Place: A Long Walk Home by James Curtis
Best of Tucson: Essence of Ironwood by Csenge Molnar
Cultural Diversity Award: Culture by Avijit Halder

CHILDREN'S SHOWCASEFirst Place: The Pen by Lineweaver Elementary Cub Club Advanced Media Arts Class
Second Place: The Amazing Defiant Monkeys by Joshua Segal
Third Place: Wheels by Lineweaver Cub Club
Best Use of Music: The Power of Music by Jeremy Nelson
Budding Writer Award: The Tamale Bully by Jeremy Segal
Most Creative Award: Gender Clash by Lineweaver Cub Club

Congratulations to our filmmakers! You all are winners!

Arrange for these films to be screened at your fest, church or organization, contact:  reelinspiration@hotmail.com