Editor

The Artivist Film Festival is the first festival dedicated to addressing social, global, political, animal rights and environmental issues through Visual Arts & Music. Its mission is to strengthen the voice of international activist Filmmakers & Artists - Artivists - while raising public awareness and funds for global social causes.

Art can be a powerful medium for social change by bringing people together, raising awareness, instilling hope, and inspiring action. We seek to unite the entertainment industry, the corporate world and non-profit organizations towards a common goal of giving exposure and support to socially aware Artivists. The time has come to direct the power of art, media and entertainment towards more responsible, compassionate and effective uses starting right here in Hollywood.

Each year, Artivist Fest will bring several key issues to the forefront. This year highlighting Children's Advocacy, International Human Rights, Animal Rights and Environmental Issues.

The Child Welfare League of America, Witness, The Humane Society of the United States and Greenpeace have been selected and will be recognized and honored for their contributions to these causes. All net proceeds from the Festival go towards supporting these organizations in continuing their charitable work.

The Artivist Film Festival premieres on April 22, 2004, the internationally recognized Earth Day, and runs for 8 days culminating in an Awards Gala for Artivists and our chosen charities. This year, the Festival will be held in the renowned Egyptian Theatre in the heart of Hollywood.

The producers donating their time and effort to bring this festival to fruition are as different as the causes they represent. The producers' table is a virtual United Nations with board members hailing from the United States, Germany, Austria, Japan, South Africa, India, Kashmir, Vietnam, Philippines, South America and the Caribbean. Each member is an artist, producer, filmmaker, music producer or activist. Their chosen careers range from entertainment to activism. Yet the common tie between all of these people is their dedication to stand together on Earth Day 2004 and welcome social change at the Artivist Film Festival.

"Our specific purpose is to raise awareness and action through our Annual Film Festival which addresses social global issues affecting our world. Each year, all of our net proceeds will benefit various charitable, non-profit organizations within the United States of America."
Diaky Diaz
Executive Producer – Founder