The Creative Coalition's Spotlight Initiative Explores America's Unhealthy Relationship with Food
The Creative Coalition announced that Barry Levinson, Academy Award-winning director of Wag the Dog and Rain Man, will explore America’s burgeoning obesity crisis in a new documentary. The film is part of The Spotlight Initiative, a series of independent films with messages that make a positive difference in the world.
“The evolution of the obesity crisis in America is a fascinating and compelling human story. It’s the hidden enemy within our borders that no one talks about,” said Mr. Levinson.
Robin Bronk, executive director of The Creative Coalition, added, “Obesity is a serious health crisis. The Spotlight Initiative uses the power of film to bring attention to social cause and that’s why we’re delighted to be working with a master storyteller like Barry Levinson to bring this important issue to light.”
Today, two out of three Americans are overweight or obese. And despite growing public attention to the issue, studies suggest that by 2030 nearly nine out of 10 Americans will be overweight.[i],[ii] The health risks of this crisis are well-documented and significant: Excess weight is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, liver and gallbladder disease, and infertility, among other diseases and conditions.[iii]
The film project will be fully funded by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare and its alli brand, with complete creative control given to Mr. Levinson, his filmmaking team, and The Creative Coalition.
“Obesity is a crisis for America,” said Rachel Ferdinando, vice president, alli, GSK Consumer Healthcare. “We are proud and pleased to partner with The Creative Coalition as a vehicle to bring attention to this critical issue.”
As part of this project, The Creative Coalition hosted a dialogue event yesterday in Park City during the film festival. Sponsored by GSKCH, the event examined the role the entertainment industry can play in changing America’s damaged relationship with food.
The Spotlight Initiative was launched in 2007 by The Creative Coalition to support programs that use the art of filmmaking to shed light on important social issues of today’s world. Since its inception, The Spotlight Initiative has explored issues such as women’s rights and empowerment, mental illness, advocacy of the arts, and environmental and climate change issues.
About The Creative Coalition
The Creative Coalition (www.thecreativecoalition.org) is the premiere 501c(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance. Headquartered in New York City, The Creative Coalition also has offices in Washington, DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
About alli
alli is the only FDA-approved weight-loss product available to overweight adults, 18 years or older, without a prescription. alli is a clinically-proven product with a comprehensive, individualized action plan. The alli program encourages modest, gradual weight loss, known by experts as the best way to lose weight. alli (60 mg orlistat capsules) is safe and effective when used as directed. Because of the way it works, alli can help make you conscious of the foods you eat, which helps you lose weight and learn how to make healthy choices for life. www.myalli.com
About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world’s largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products, Nicoretteยฎ, NicoDermยฎ CQ and Commitยฎ as well as many medicine cabinet staples, including Aquafreshยฎ, Sensodyne,ยฎ Tumsยฎ and Breathe Rightยฎ.
About GlaxoSmithKline
GlaxoSmithKline โ one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies โ is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For company information visit: GSK.com.
[i] http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/overweight/overweight_adult.htm
[ii] http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v16/n10/abs/oby2008351a.html
[iii] http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/causes/health.html
The Creative Coalition Dennis St. Rose Contact via email 1-646-706-1662
Asian World Film Festival Announces Dates, Opening and Closing Films, Special Programs, and Gala Awards Ceremony
The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF), Los Angeles' annual celebration of Asian filmmakers, announced the dates and highlights of its highly anticipated 10th anniversary edition. Taking place November 13-21, 2024, the festival will showcase a diverse range of new movies and special programs and celebrate Asian cinemaโs legacy. Opening night will feature the critically acclaimed Korean drama, โA Normal Family,โ while the Filipino romantic drama โHello, Love, Againโ is the closing film. Screenings will be presented at the Culver Theater, Culver City, November 13-20. A star-studded Closing Night Gala and Award Ceremony will be celebrated at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) complex November 21. Georges N. Chamchoum, AWFF Executive Director, said โWe have chosen โheritageโ as this yearโs theme to honor our first decade. This focus underscores AWFF's commitment to Asian cinemaโs rich past as well as its ongoing efforts to champion contemporary and emerging Asian film.โ OPENING AND CLOSING FILMS Directed by award-winning filmmaker Hur Jin-ho ("The Last Princess,"ย "Happiness"), "A Normal Family" is a searing family drama that stars Sul Kyung-gu and Jong Dong-gun. Multi-layered yet accessible, the film was meticulously crafted in widescreen and premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim. The heartwarming sequel to Philippine box office phenomenon "Hello, Love, Goodbye," "Hello, Love, Again" reunites director Cathy Garcia-Sampana ("The Hows of Us," "One More Chance") with stars Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards. The filmmaker, actors, and other cast members will attend the screening at the filmโs festival debut. MAIN PROGRAM - IN COMPETITION AWFF's main... Read More