While it’s still making rounds on the U.S. film festival circuit, the new documentary RUN TO THE EAST is being screened for Native American audiences in remote reservation towns. Last week, the filmmakers set up a makeshift theater during a Wings of America Running and Fitness Camp at Chee Dodge Elementary School in Gallup, New Mexico.nn”How else do you screen a film on the reservation?” said the director Henry Lu. “There are no multiplexes, no AMC or Regal, and the festival circuit doesn’t run there.”nnThe 90-minute documentary from Moxie Pictures (“Tabloid”) follows three Native American high school runners throughout their senior year. The students run to earn scholarships that will take them off the reservation.nn”The film is an honest portrayal of what life is like for a teenager living on a Reservation today," said editor Stephen Jess of Whitehouse Post. nnLu realized how important it was to screen the film on the reservation after he shared an early cut with the families and tribal leaders. “They told me there are so many other children on reservations and Pueblos that might not see a way out, and this movie could inspire them,” he said. “I knew that I could team up with Wings of America to reach that audience now.”nnShaun Martin, the program director of Wings, believes it’s important to show the film now to youth because it provides hope. “Watching ‘Tails’, Thomas and Dillon’s story gives the kids on the rez role models that they can actually meet and talk to,” he said. “They’re real, and it gives kids a chance to share their dreams.”nnAfter the Chee Dodge screening of the film, Lu moderated a spirited Q & A with two of the subjects of the documentary. Chantel “Tails” Hunt and Thomas Martinez talked about the challenges of life on the rez and how running helped them overcome everyday obstacles in school.nn”The goal is to stick through it and know that it’s no different than running a race,” Hunt said.nnThe night after the Gallup screening, a Chee Dodge fifth grade teacher named Mrs. Ellison, approached Lu. She had brought her 11-year-old daughter, Sydnee Lovejoy, to see the film, and shared something with him that validated his decision to team up with Wings. “On the drive home, her daughter asked her if she too could run,” he said.nnTo see movie trailer, music credits, and find out more about RUN TO THE EAST go to: www.runtotheeast.com.,nnAbout WINGS FOR AMERICAnWINGS OF AMERICA is a non-profit organization that uses running to teach Native American youth about fitness, nutrition, and culture. They will continue to screen the movie at their running and fitness camps through August. www.wingsofamerica.orgnnAbout MOXIE PICTURESnLaunched in 1992, Moxie brings the distinctive sensibilities of feature film directors, and the unique vision of the industry’s top commercial directors to diverse media including commercials, feature films, television, web series, sponsored content, music and political media. The presence of iconic directors such as Errol Morris, Wes Anderson, Jared Hess and Todd Phillips join some of the top names in commercials, such as Martin Granger, Frank Todaro and Pam Thomas to form an unparalleled talent roster, garnering the industry’s top awards. Moxie is also a partner in KillerMoxie Management, a partnership with Killer Films to represent and shepherd the careers of leading filmmakers, actors and recording artists such as Todd Haynes, Conor Oberst, Sean Lennon and Asia Argento. www.moxiepictures.com nnAbout THE WHITEHOUSEnThe Whitehouse began in 1990 as a film editing company in a little white house in Soho, London. The company had three editors, some rented equipment and a sofa bed from Ikea that wouldn’t fold out. They worked hard, won some awards and had a laugh. Life was good. Life was simple. Then some smarty pants invented a computer to edit film on. They bought one, because everyone else had one and they didn’t want to be left out.nnTwenty years later, in addition to providing the editing on Oscar winning movies, award-winning commercials, Emmy-winning TV shows, documentaries and music videos, The Whitehouse has grown into an international post-production company with offices in London, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles; and an influence beyond editing in their partnerships with innovative companies Carbon (VFX), CapGun (production), and Gentleman Scholar (motion graphics/design).
Robert Fernandez EP Moxie Pictures 212-807-6901 Contact Robert via email
Contact:Henry Lu Director Moxie Pictures Contact Henry via email 212-807-6901
The Light and BIEN Form Creative & Strategic Alliance
Production company The Light and motion design studio BIEN have forged a strategic alliance that nurtures inclusivity and sustainability throughout the life cycle of every project.
The Light Founder/CEO Becky Morrison and BIEN Co-Founder Ricardo Roberts were first introduced by a mutual client who recognized their parallel ethos. Both Morrison and Roberts are advocates for industry change, and have built successful companies that demonstrate the benefits of human-centered and sustainable production in live action and motion design, respectively.
“I admire the thoughtfulness, specificity, and artistry with which BIEN produces animation and design and their attention to representing the full spectrum of humanity,” notes Morrison. “Their work behind the scenes to foster a diverse creative community is equally impressive. It feels like the perfect moment to partner with another mission-driven company who cares so deeply about creative excellence and social change.”
“I immediately hit it off with Becky and love that she has so many ideas that are tactical, scalable and make a powerful difference,” adds Roberts. “She challenges the status quo while producing beautiful, world-class content. With this partnership, we can better serve our clients and carry our mission forward together.”
The Light is a production company guided by the principle that an emotionally healthy environment is paramount for creativity and high performance. From its inception in 2014, The Light has centered under-represented talent, with equity and sustainability as key pillars to delivering creative projects for... Read More