Tag Archives: hollywood

“Zen Dude” Movie Release Strategy Influenced by Illuminate Film Festival’s Conscious Film Convergence

ZenDudeTrailerImage
By Shaeri Richards Coordinator of Conscious Film Convergence

To touch the heart and uplift the spirit: This has always been my motivating desire as a writer, journalist and filmmaker. Back in the late ‘80s when I made my first documentary film, the idea of spiritual or conscious cinema was relatively unheard of. Yes, there were films that touched our hearts, but with Hollywood as the center of film production and distribution, there was little chance of a spiritual or conscious film being financed, let alone distributed through any traditional channels. It wasn’t until 1989 that theater chains realized they could even draw in an audience for a documentary screening. The possibility of success in that arena became clear with Michael Moore’s groundbreaking film, about the closing of General Motors factories and the impact on his home town of Flint, Michigan: Roger and Me.
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Have We Entered a New Age of Cinema?

How Hollywood Paved the Way for the Rise of Conscious Film
What do Shawshank Redemption, Forest Gump, Avatar, Contact, and The Pursuit of Happyness all have in common? Yes, they are big hits. Yes, they have A-list stars. But those aren’t their most important features. Think back to when you first watched each film…how did you feel when you exited the theater? Were you elated? Loving? Hopeful? If so, then you’ve just received a dose of conscious-ness! Most would agree that these films fit the bill as heart-opening gems, but with one kicker… these films get you stoked about living! Who can forget Morgan Freeman’s character Red uttering the now-immortalized line, “You either get busy livin’ or you get busy dying.” Fellow inmate Andy Dufresne immediately abandoned self-pity and chose to mastermind his dream life outside prison walls by such inspiration. These films are but a few in the genre of “conscious films” that change lives, inspire choices, and elevate human consciousness. ... [read more]