PRESS RELEASE

ILLUMINATE Announces 2019 CineMatters Series

Sedona, Arizona - November 1, 2018 - In 2019 ILLUMINATE is launching a year-round CineMatters Series, a curated collection of single night screenings of the year's best conscious films paired with exciting events, immersive Reel Healings, illuminating panels and/or spotlight guests. Additionally, in 2019, ILLUMINATE will launch a digital screening series of conscious films for global members.

The first CineMatters event of the season, "Women's Voices in Action," a statewide call to action for women's empowerment, took place Friday, January 11th, 2019.

The event featured the Arizona premiere of the film This Changes Everything, which garnered rave reviews and standing ovations from audiences and critics at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. This revealing and timely documentary explores the fight for gender equality in Hollywood through the incomparable voices of women including Meryl Streep, Reese Witherspoon, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, executive producer Geena Davis and others of the Time's Up and #MeToo Movements. The film inspired ILLUMINATE's conscious action campaign, 1000 Acts of Courage, supporting the well-being, empowerment, and equity of girls and women.

The day included a post-screening discussion with director Tom Donahue, producer Ilan Arboleda and cast member Maria Giese, an ActionSpace for signup and activation opportunities with women's groups from across the state, and a VIP Member Reception. A lunch entitled Women's Voices in Action Luncheon: Expanding Your Influence featured a panel of powerful women influencers in business, philanthropy and social action, co-presented by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Sedona Verde Valley Chapter.

The second CineMatters event, "An Evening of Conscious Cinema with Gregg Braden", will be held Sunday, June 9th, 2019 at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. The evening includes a VIP/Member Meet & Greet, a film screening, a Q&A and Reel Healing with Gregg Braden. This event is in cooperation with Stellar Productions weekend, Embracing Bliss.

The ILLUMINATE final 2019 CineMatters event is scheduled for early November in Sedona, AZ.

ILLUMINATE Film Festival, a 501(c)3 sponsored organization, is the world's premier film festival for conscious cinema. For more information, visit www.illuminatefilmfestival.com or call 928-421-1108.

Contact: Morgan Richmond (928) 421-1108

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