This page documents the various projects
has supported.
Barrett is a premium quality, large format book,
produced using the finest materials.
It collects and catalogues for the first time artworks
and photographs by Syd himself.
The book has been made in conjunction
with the Barrett family
with the Barrett family
and access to the family art and photograph archive,
and their recollections have combined
to show a new picture of Syd the creative,
revealing a man who was a dedicated,
to show a new picture of Syd the creative,
revealing a man who was a dedicated,
practising artist throughout his life.
* ROBERT TORBICA is featured in THE ROLL OF HONOUR
Jim Morrison Comes of Age
Jim Morrison is one of the twentieth century's
most mysterious and misunderstood figures.
Morrison tore the seal off of reality and functioned
as a blind taste tester for a counterculture that,
through experimental daring
and the questioning of authority,
contributed immensely to societal evolution.
But that was just one facet of his fascinating life.
Following his reported death of July 3, 1971,
his brief chameleonic existence of 27 years
left his legacy open to vast misinterpretation,
a practice that continues to this day.
The independent documentary film
"Before the End: Jim Morrison Comes of Age"
documents Jim Morrison, with particular study
given to his formative years, childhood through college,
via the family and friends who experienced him
as a person, as opposed to a persona.
“The Last Beat is a fictional film that attempts to explore
the psychology of who Jim Morrison might have been
at the end of his life.
We want to go beyond the idea of celebrity death --
this sad obsession with celebrity death
our culture seems to have.
We also want to tell a story that delves into the times
and have that inform our story as well,
and by fictionalizing,
and by fictionalizing,
I honestly believe we are getting closer to the truth
of what might have happened, but more importantly,
who this person might have been
right at the point he left this earth.
When you explore characters in that crucial time,
you find a lot of humor, tragedy, and intensity
all balled up into one.
I think you come to terms with who you really are
and who you won’t be,
and that is something that certainly
touches all of us universally,
touches all of us universally,
no matter where we've come from.
What excites me the most about this film
is that I feel people haven’t really looked at Morrison
as the amazing, visionary poet he was from the start.
Clearly there is so much poetry in his lyrics,
but he's still seen as just this rock star to most people.
The title itself -- The Last Beat --
is important because of that.
It's not just about the beat of a heart,
or the beat within music, it really refers to Jim
being one of the last in the line of the Beat Generation.
You absolutely see a through-line between Morrison
and Jack Kerouac, and in many ways
and we are the children of the 60’s.
In the end, we believe this film will excite those
who don’t know much about Morrison and the times,
and for those that do, it will speak to them deeply.”
- Robert Saitzyk, Writer / Director
Jane Siberry:
Consider The Lily
Third Contact
“The ‘MANY WORLDS’ theory is an interpretation
My Ancestors Gifts
A story of a young girl who lives on her ancestral
tribal homeland, and knows fracking may destroy
her environment, culture and spiritual life.
Although the title of this book is a powerful message,
it contains a collection of short stories which are softened
by morals, ethics and values.
A young Indian girl shares her views
on the love and concern
she has for her homeland an tribal life.
These stories are based on the true Blackfeet culture,
creation story, ancient spiritual values and social life.
Fracking is only lightly touched on at the end of each story.
Lets face it, fracking is not a pretty subject
so I felt it was important to add
colorful illistrations to each story.
A local Blackfeet artist is working
on some beautiful illistrations for each page.
These drawings portray an original way of native life
and will draw the readers attention
to what the story is about.
This book is designed to attact the attention
of 6th graders up to adult.
"The Blackfeet Nation sits on one of the most
Consider The Lily
"Imagine a world
where the columns of the temple come to life,
at first stiff and then flexible and flowing …"
This recording has been a long time coming
and is the closest thing to a 'studio' recording of personal,
universal songs that I've done since 'When I Was A Boy'.
Three years ago, I asked my dear friend
Peter Kiesewalter in NYC to do arrangements
for the most universal songs from my recent
'Three Queens' trilogy.
He got to work and did a wonderful job
with his band BRO (Brooklyn Rundfunk Orkestrata).
Then I started getting nigglies
that there was not enough 'me' in the music,
much as I enjoyed it.
So I rolled up my sleeves and have been doing
'sister' versions and adding a few new songs.
This is a good example of what many artists go through,
to their initial chagrin and surprise.
Wild veering and seeming illogic.
Then you get used to it.
Then you get good at it.
Building skills as a super- and supra-muse-tracker.
Navigating faint deer trails towards open clearings.
This circuitousness often leads
to the music closest to your heart.
Thank you for visiting here and considering joining forces.
This music is for YOU.
Jane Siberry
This recording has been a long time coming
and is the closest thing to a 'studio' recording of personal,
universal songs that I've done since 'When I Was A Boy'.
Three years ago, I asked my dear friend
Peter Kiesewalter in NYC to do arrangements
for the most universal songs from my recent
'Three Queens' trilogy.
He got to work and did a wonderful job
with his band BRO (Brooklyn Rundfunk Orkestrata).
Then I started getting nigglies
that there was not enough 'me' in the music,
much as I enjoyed it.
So I rolled up my sleeves and have been doing
'sister' versions and adding a few new songs.
This is a good example of what many artists go through,
to their initial chagrin and surprise.
Wild veering and seeming illogic.
Then you get used to it.
Then you get good at it.
Building skills as a super- and supra-muse-tracker.
Navigating faint deer trails towards open clearings.
This circuitousness often leads
to the music closest to your heart.
Thank you for visiting here and considering joining forces.
This music is for YOU.
Jane Siberry
Directed by Danny Garcia (The Rise and Fall of The Clash),
"Looking For Johnny" is the definitive documentary
on New York legendary guitar player Johnny Thunders.
In 90 minutes, this film covers Johnny Thunders career
from his beginning in the early 70's
to his demise in New Orleans,
where he died under mysterious circumstances in 1991.
“The ‘MANY WORLDS’ theory is an interpretation
of quantum physics first proposed by
physicist Hugh Everett in 1957,
which implies that all possible
alternative histories are real.
alternative histories are real.
Previously, in 1935, Erwin Schrödinger proposed
the ‘Schrödinger's Cat Experiment’ to illustrate
the apparent paradox implied by
Niels Bohr’s Copenhagen interpretation
of quantum mechanics,
of quantum mechanics,
which was the theory accepted by
the majority of quantum physicists at the time.
In many-worlds, the subjective appearance of
wavefunction collapse is explained by
the mechanism of quantum decoherence,
which resolves all of the correlation paradoxes
of quantum theory,
of quantum theory,
such as the EPR paradox and Schrödinger's cat,
since every possible outcome of every event defines
or exists in its own "history" or "world".
In lay terms, there is a very large—perhaps infinite—
number of universes, and everything that could
possibly have happened in our past,
but did not, has occurred in the past
of some other universe or universes.”
Aung San Suu Kyi
and Democracy's
New Voices of Freedom
Amidou & Toya
Amidou & Toya is an original creation
possibly have happened in our past,
but did not, has occurred in the past
of some other universe or universes.”
and Democracy's
New Voices of Freedom
"Every leader on the planet
should read this book at least once."
~ Alice Walker,
Pulitzer-Prize winning author of The Color Purple
should read this book at least once."
~ Alice Walker,
Pulitzer-Prize winning author of The Color Purple
Burma (called Myanmar, by some) is undergoing
one of the most epic reforms in human history:
after decades of authoritarian military rule
we're seeing the dawn
of a compassion-inspired democracy
born from love and nonviolence.
This next phase of Burma’s "revolution of the spirit"
is being led by former political prisoners,
artists and dissidents, including Nobel Peace laureate,
Aung San Suu Kyi,
“an icon of democracy...all around the world,”
as declared by President Barack Obama
during his historic visit to Burma
just days after his reelection.
Freed after spending the better part of 20 years
under house arrest and prison, Aung San Suu Kyi,
a recently elected Parliamentarian within her country’s
new civilian Government, has called upon
freedom-loving people everywhere,
to SUPPORT Burma NOW, more than ever.
one of the most epic reforms in human history:
after decades of authoritarian military rule
we're seeing the dawn
of a compassion-inspired democracy
born from love and nonviolence.
This next phase of Burma’s "revolution of the spirit"
is being led by former political prisoners,
artists and dissidents, including Nobel Peace laureate,
Aung San Suu Kyi,
“an icon of democracy...all around the world,”
as declared by President Barack Obama
during his historic visit to Burma
just days after his reelection.
Freed after spending the better part of 20 years
under house arrest and prison, Aung San Suu Kyi,
a recently elected Parliamentarian within her country’s
new civilian Government, has called upon
freedom-loving people everywhere,
to SUPPORT Burma NOW, more than ever.
"As spiritual and political beings
we are all activists at heart.
No one is outside of society...It's about our freedom.
That means everybody.
We must see that nothing and no one
is separate from this freedom.
No one is an island in this world."
~ Aung San Suu Kyi
we are all activists at heart.
No one is outside of society...It's about our freedom.
That means everybody.
We must see that nothing and no one
is separate from this freedom.
No one is an island in this world."
~ Aung San Suu Kyi
ROBERT TORBICA's name is proudly placed
in the Acknowledgements of
the new edition of The Voice of Hope
in the Acknowledgements of
the new edition of The Voice of Hope
"Coexist is fueling the growing global campaign
to address bullying and create a more inclusive
environment in classrooms and communities everywhere.
It has never been more urgent to seek solutions
to create culture of peace instead of relying on violence."
to address bullying and create a more inclusive
environment in classrooms and communities everywhere.
It has never been more urgent to seek solutions
to create culture of peace instead of relying on violence."
"What we didn’t ask is how we proactively design
a world that allows us all the chance to live in safety,
and supports a shared goal of opportunity and care for all.
We keep searching for point solutions.
We weigh one factor against another in the hopes
one solved factor will solve the whole.
But societal issues are complex and systemic
and intertwine with each other.
Answers can never be either/or.
We need to start designing our culture
such that holistic sets of solutions, policies,
and customs take hold, and hold us to a new,
21st century (and beyond) social contract between
the individual and the collective.
How do we do this?
One essential way is through story:
The only way to truly comprehend
the human costs of policy frameworks
and cultural constructs is to listen to and exchange stories.
The humanitarian and emotional perspectives
are often more persuasive than only the rational ones
when we are creating livable societies.
To build a culture of possibility, we have to build
both a movement and an ethical framework
grounded in multiple narrative from multiple voices,
and fostered by co-creation networks that act for the good
of the collective and the protection of the individual."
a world that allows us all the chance to live in safety,
and supports a shared goal of opportunity and care for all.
We keep searching for point solutions.
We weigh one factor against another in the hopes
one solved factor will solve the whole.
But societal issues are complex and systemic
and intertwine with each other.
Answers can never be either/or.
We need to start designing our culture
such that holistic sets of solutions, policies,
and customs take hold, and hold us to a new,
21st century (and beyond) social contract between
the individual and the collective.
How do we do this?
One essential way is through story:
The only way to truly comprehend
the human costs of policy frameworks
and cultural constructs is to listen to and exchange stories.
The humanitarian and emotional perspectives
are often more persuasive than only the rational ones
when we are creating livable societies.
To build a culture of possibility, we have to build
both a movement and an ethical framework
grounded in multiple narrative from multiple voices,
and fostered by co-creation networks that act for the good
of the collective and the protection of the individual."
Social Activist and Multimedia Producer.
This 40-minute film and 4-lesson Teacher's Guide
is currently in the hands of more than 3,000 educators
in 50 states and a dozen countries around the world.
is currently in the hands of more than 3,000 educators
in 50 states and a dozen countries around the world.
“Coexist is a thought-provoking and compelling film
that resonates profoundly with anyone who views it.
It underscores the sheer complexity
of the Rwandan genocide
and subsequent efforts at reconciliation,
and provides a deeper examination
of hatred and forgiveness.
Significantly, it serves as a metaphor
of so many other events and attitudes
that have the capacity to devolve into extremes
if not adequately addressed and rectified.
Coexist allows students, educators, and others
to critically and thoroughly analyze
these important and complicated issues."
that resonates profoundly with anyone who views it.
It underscores the sheer complexity
of the Rwandan genocide
and subsequent efforts at reconciliation,
and provides a deeper examination
of hatred and forgiveness.
Significantly, it serves as a metaphor
of so many other events and attitudes
that have the capacity to devolve into extremes
if not adequately addressed and rectified.
Coexist allows students, educators, and others
to critically and thoroughly analyze
these important and complicated issues."
Amidou & Toya is an original creation
that tells the story of young francophone immigrants
from West Africa and Haiti who have to deal
with the challenges of youth, love, and integration.
All its music and lyrics were composed
by French teacher, Yacine Boulares,
a multi-nominated professional musician and composer.
is a nonprofit after school program
allowing students from Kindergarten
through High School to experience hands – on
cooking which will develop practical life skills,
and a foundation for healthy eating.
Beyond Milk and Cookies Inc.'s mission
is to satisfy a child’s curiosity and academic goals
with the use of learning culinary arts
within an after school program.
Research shows that satisfying a student’s physical needs
must be fulfilled for a student to learn.
Over 80% of children come to school hungry
and remain that way during the day.
This produces the inability to concentrate,
poor academic performance and physical ailments.
According to Professor Abraham Maslow,
who developed Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,
individuals must meet the basic needs
before being motivated to accomplish higher motives.
Maslow suggested that the first and most basic need
people have is the need for survival:
their physiological requirements
for food, water, and shelter.
Students must have food to eat, water to drink,
and a place to call home
before they can think about anything else.
If any of these physiological necessities are missing,
students are driven above all else
to meet the missing need.
There is a definite charge to fulfill
the basic physical needs of a child
before academic enrichment,
and this can be achieved through
The Beyond Milk and Cookies, Inc
after school program.
The Beyond Milk and Cookies, Inc.
after school program allows students
from Kindergarten through High School
to experience hands – on cooking skills
which will develop practical life skills,
and a foundation for healthy eating.
This after school program will address the challenges
many youths face such as:
increased rates of childhood obesity,
declining performance in STEM Subjects
(Science, Technology Engineering and Math classes),
Common Core State Curriculum Standards,
and low standardized test performances.
Students will also learn how to make
more healthy choices and learn how to use
certain ingredients that will assist them
in remaining healthy throughout adulthood.
The after school program will include
age-appropriate classes addressing kitchen
and equipment safety, safe food handling
and food preparation.
In addition, to learning about food preparation,
students will acquire information
about diverse ethnic foods, geography, nutrition
and table manners.
By giving students the opportunity to learn
basic cooking skills and work with nourishing foods,
math, science and health education become relevant
and are more readily integrated with current knowledge.
The Beyond Milk and Cookies program allows students
to take meaningful steps in helping children
develop good health habits, which is the best foundation
for academic and physical success.
THE TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS
AND STAFF AT BEYOND MILK AND COOKIES, INC.
ARE UNITED IN THEIR BELIEF THAT ALL CHILDREN:
* Have the power to learn
* Are curious & creative
* Can succeed
The Beyond Milk and Cookies, Inc. mission
is to inspire lifelong lessons of healthy eating and nutrition.
* ROBERT TORBICA is featured on the SUPPORTERS page
Beyond Milk and Cookies Inc.'s mission
is to satisfy a child’s curiosity and academic goals
with the use of learning culinary arts
within an after school program.
Research shows that satisfying a student’s physical needs
must be fulfilled for a student to learn.
Over 80% of children come to school hungry
and remain that way during the day.
This produces the inability to concentrate,
poor academic performance and physical ailments.
According to Professor Abraham Maslow,
who developed Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,
individuals must meet the basic needs
before being motivated to accomplish higher motives.
Maslow suggested that the first and most basic need
people have is the need for survival:
their physiological requirements
for food, water, and shelter.
Students must have food to eat, water to drink,
and a place to call home
before they can think about anything else.
If any of these physiological necessities are missing,
students are driven above all else
to meet the missing need.
There is a definite charge to fulfill
the basic physical needs of a child
before academic enrichment,
and this can be achieved through
The Beyond Milk and Cookies, Inc
after school program.
The Beyond Milk and Cookies, Inc.
after school program allows students
from Kindergarten through High School
to experience hands – on cooking skills
which will develop practical life skills,
and a foundation for healthy eating.
This after school program will address the challenges
many youths face such as:
increased rates of childhood obesity,
declining performance in STEM Subjects
(Science, Technology Engineering and Math classes),
Common Core State Curriculum Standards,
and low standardized test performances.
Students will also learn how to make
more healthy choices and learn how to use
certain ingredients that will assist them
in remaining healthy throughout adulthood.
The after school program will include
age-appropriate classes addressing kitchen
and equipment safety, safe food handling
and food preparation.
In addition, to learning about food preparation,
students will acquire information
about diverse ethnic foods, geography, nutrition
and table manners.
By giving students the opportunity to learn
basic cooking skills and work with nourishing foods,
math, science and health education become relevant
and are more readily integrated with current knowledge.
The Beyond Milk and Cookies program allows students
to take meaningful steps in helping children
develop good health habits, which is the best foundation
for academic and physical success.
THE TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS
AND STAFF AT BEYOND MILK AND COOKIES, INC.
ARE UNITED IN THEIR BELIEF THAT ALL CHILDREN:
* Have the power to learn
* Are curious & creative
* Can succeed
The Beyond Milk and Cookies, Inc. mission
is to inspire lifelong lessons of healthy eating and nutrition.
Love, glory, revenge - all achieved after life.
YOU ARE DEAD.
Not at this moment, of course,
but in the grand scheme of things
but in the grand scheme of things
we are all mortal and our time is fleeting.
Death is the ultimate price of life
and that is why we feel the urge
to make every moment count.
to make every moment count.
But, some individuals have actually accomplished
their greatest deeds and participated
in their most epic adventures long after their demise.
is a thoughtful and well-researched compilation
of these very real post -mortem adventures.
Learn the complete history of mummy commerce
- the trade of human remains
for the production of medicine,
for the production of medicine,
pigments and more!
Unearth the very real role Body Snatchers
and ‘Resurrectionists’ performed in the name of science.
Read about the Portuguese concubine who was exhumed
and made Queen and about the deceased Wild West outlaw
who traveled America as a fun-house prop.
Other post-mortem exploits chronicled include:
- the deceased sideshow freak who continued her travels
as a taxidermied attraction
- the corpse who was hung for treason
- the successful mummification of Lenin
and the upkeep involved
- the famous dead
- the immortal beloved
- the bone collectors
An upcoming short film set in Novi Sad, Serbia;
If You See Maria tells the story of an eccentric
single mother who dances to the rhythm of her own tune.
Maria is refusing to acknowledge the loss of her husband,
a washed up Serbian pop star, and in order to cope with his death
she has created a world of fantasy in her mind
and is losing herself to music only she can hear.
She is fast becoming the talk of the town
with her odd behaviour and strange personality,
leaving her three children to deal with asshole bullies
and gossiping bitches.
Her daughter Sofia has no time for her mother’s frivolity
and is bored of being the glue that holds the family together.
She becomes determined to find Maria
and bring her back to reality,
but she soon realises
that it isn't so easy to tame a wild thing.
of a Yugoslavian folk dress in hopes that
‘Brotherhood and Unity’
could be more than just a motto.
Driving this documentary is the hope
‘Brotherhood and Unity’
could be more than just a motto.
Driving this documentary is the hope
to create a Yugoslavian folk costume,
one that has never before existed
but which will now bring together the traditions
of the nations that once comprised Yugoslavia.
Six mentors will guide me in the design
and creation of a garment that combines
distinct traits from the national folk dresses
of each former republic of Yugoslavia.
We will visit the mentors,
one from each of the former republics,
and learn how to apply
the unique costuming techniques
that they practice in the creation
of their traditional national folk dresses.
By weaving these diverse skills and symbols
into the fabric of our garment’s production,
together we hope to create a piece
that represents what the country of Yugoslavia,
and her people, stood for.
As artisans from each country bring their traditions
together to create a single garment,
we aspire to open a dialogue about unity
in a fractured part of the world.
As our film documents the process of making a traditional
Balkan folk dress, it creates a video archive
of traditional techniques that are in danger of being lost
along with the history that has made them unique.
By traveling to all the former republics of Yugoslavia
and learning from each mentor,
our documentary will forever preserve
the practice of these traditions.
In January of 1946 a new constitution established a state
that included six socialist republics
and two autonomous provinces.
This multi-ethnic and multi-national state
was to be guided by a national motto
of Brotherhood and Unity,
in the hope that these principles could calm
ethnic tensions and prevent the dominance
of any single group.
As a means of nurturing a shared identity
amongst diverse nationalities,
cultural grants were allocated to each republic.
These funds encouraged the practice
of local cultural traditions,
including folk dance & national costume.
Instead of creating a shared Yugoslavian sense of identity,
however, what emerged was cultural competition
and nationalistic rivalry.
Our goal is to examine whether ‘Brotherhood and Unity’
could be more than just a motto."
- Nina Platiša, Director
one that has never before existed
but which will now bring together the traditions
of the nations that once comprised Yugoslavia.
Six mentors will guide me in the design
and creation of a garment that combines
distinct traits from the national folk dresses
of each former republic of Yugoslavia.
We will visit the mentors,
one from each of the former republics,
and learn how to apply
the unique costuming techniques
that they practice in the creation
of their traditional national folk dresses.
By weaving these diverse skills and symbols
into the fabric of our garment’s production,
together we hope to create a piece
that represents what the country of Yugoslavia,
and her people, stood for.
As artisans from each country bring their traditions
together to create a single garment,
we aspire to open a dialogue about unity
in a fractured part of the world.
As our film documents the process of making a traditional
Balkan folk dress, it creates a video archive
of traditional techniques that are in danger of being lost
along with the history that has made them unique.
By traveling to all the former republics of Yugoslavia
and learning from each mentor,
our documentary will forever preserve
the practice of these traditions.
In January of 1946 a new constitution established a state
that included six socialist republics
and two autonomous provinces.
This multi-ethnic and multi-national state
was to be guided by a national motto
of Brotherhood and Unity,
in the hope that these principles could calm
ethnic tensions and prevent the dominance
of any single group.
As a means of nurturing a shared identity
amongst diverse nationalities,
cultural grants were allocated to each republic.
These funds encouraged the practice
of local cultural traditions,
including folk dance & national costume.
Instead of creating a shared Yugoslavian sense of identity,
however, what emerged was cultural competition
and nationalistic rivalry.
Our goal is to examine whether ‘Brotherhood and Unity’
could be more than just a motto."
- Nina Platiša, Director
A story of a young girl who lives on her ancestral
tribal homeland, and knows fracking may destroy
her environment, culture and spiritual life.
Although the title of this book is a powerful message,
it contains a collection of short stories which are softened
by morals, ethics and values.
A young Indian girl shares her views
on the love and concern
she has for her homeland an tribal life.
These stories are based on the true Blackfeet culture,
creation story, ancient spiritual values and social life.
Fracking is only lightly touched on at the end of each story.
Lets face it, fracking is not a pretty subject
so I felt it was important to add
colorful illistrations to each story.
A local Blackfeet artist is working
on some beautiful illistrations for each page.
These drawings portray an original way of native life
and will draw the readers attention
to what the story is about.
This book is designed to attact the attention
of 6th graders up to adult.
"The Blackfeet Nation sits on one of the most
beautiful places on Mother Earth.
From wide open praries, rolling hills
and snow capped mountains, From wide open praries, rolling hills
our tribe has called this place home
for many thousands of years.
Our entire being as a tribe is immersed in the values
of the waters, air and soil and all life upon Earth.
This story is told by a young girl,
there is no one better to get the point across
than through the eyes of a child.
The Blackfeet Nation sits at the base
of the Rocky Mountain front,
of the Rocky Mountain front,
which is the headwaters for major waterways
that serve several towns, cities, including Canada.
Life for thousands of miles around depend
on these pure nutrient rich waters for survival.
I feel the stories and illustrations in this book
are vital information in making a significant statement
to our own Blackfeet people.
They will educate our people on the dangers of fracking.
Therefore they will be more inclined to inform
the tribal council who can determine
whether there should be a moratorium or ban
put on the hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
whether there should be a moratorium or ban
put on the hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Fracking came up on us so fast
that no one knew what it was
that no one knew what it was
and most people still don't.
Through my efforts I am trying to bring awareness
and try to ban fracking."
- Pauline Matt, Author
A children's book tackling the subject
of homophobia in a Pakistani context.
I'm Eiynah, a Pakistani-Canadian blogger/artist
who writes about sexuality in Pakistan.
I may not live there, but I dream of a progressive
Pakistan as opposed to the extremist state
it is close to becoming.
I don't usually write content specifically for children,
though that's something I've always wanted to do.
Recently, I wrote and illustrated a children's book
set in Pakistan dealing with the issue of homophobia.
With all the religious intolerance and extremism
I believe its important to push back
with the arts and with education.
The best way to do this in my humble opinion
is to start early and teach our children tolerance
and diversity from a young age.
I would also like to show the rest of the world that
*all* Pakistanis cannot be defined by the terrorism
and intolerance you see in the media.
We are a varied people, amongst us there are many kind,
gentle and diversity loving souls.
But sadly, those voices are drowned out
or silenced by extremists.
Some have, predictably, found this book 'controversial'.
Equality, should not be controversial...but sadly...it is.
Has been...throughout history, in different contexts.
Education is key to combatting such a mindset.
I would be lying if I said my book was only for children,
it comes in the form of a children's book
but this issue needed to be simplified
for multiple age groups.
In the West some countries may have come
a long way in terms of LGBT rights, but in Pakistan
we are only just starting to have this conversation,
and we certainly are not having it in schools.
It's about time we started.
When I posted this on my blog,
I was overwhelmed by the love
and international attention it received.
I had no idea it would strike a chord with so many.
It got over 10, 000 hits in the first 48 hours!
In Pakistan, homosexuality is still illegal.
We'd be happy to donate copies to any school
in Pakistan that would accept our donation.
Right now, we are working on finding
such an open-minded educational institution.
Even if one copy makes it in,
and we can all collectively make enough noise -
it will make a difference,
and will give strength to those
who do not have the luxury
of being open about who they are.
In a world where we live in fear of radicalization, etc.,
it's important to watch and encourage
steps towards progress -
whether you are Pakistani or not.
And it is important to challenge stereotypes as well.
This is a side of Pakistan that many do not get to see....
but its there!
We're excited that we are already
receiving positive feedback from school teachers
in the Greater Toronto Area!
We are also receiving requests from volunteers
to help translate the book into different languages
for a wider reach online!
"To date, 15 ex-employees have bravely spoken out
about Marineland’s poor treatment of animals;
and now the corporation has taken
legal action against two.
On Oct 17th, Christine Santos was fired
after not signing a document that included a statement
she’d never seen animal abuse at the park.
Shortly thereafter, Marineland served
a $1.25 million defamation lawsuit
against the former trainer
for telling the Toronto Star a killer whale
was sporadically bleeding from its tail.
Kiska, Marineland’s lone killer whale
is now without her most trusted trainer.
On Feb 13th Marineland launched a seperate suit
against Phil Demers citing $1.5 million in damages,
with more suits expected.
The suits (widely known as SLAPP suits)
are a common strategy employed by corporations
to incite fear into critics,
while spending defendants into the ground.
At a cost of $325/hr for a lawyer,
who can compete with cash rich corporate giants?
This is no longer just about animal protection.
This is now a social justice issue.
Sadly, suits of this nature can cost
hundreds of thousands of dollars,
and if we don’t raise the necessary funds,
the plight of Marineland’s animals will go silent,
leaving Christine and myself bankrupt.
This is Marineland’s intent.
This is how they win.
Please help us send a clear message to Marineland,
that we as a community of animal lovers
and social justice seekers
WILL NOT BE SILENCED!"
- Philip Demers
is now without her most trusted trainer.
On Feb 13th Marineland launched a seperate suit
against Phil Demers citing $1.5 million in damages,
with more suits expected.
The suits (widely known as SLAPP suits)
are a common strategy employed by corporations
to incite fear into critics,
while spending defendants into the ground.
At a cost of $325/hr for a lawyer,
who can compete with cash rich corporate giants?
This is no longer just about animal protection.
This is now a social justice issue.
Sadly, suits of this nature can cost
hundreds of thousands of dollars,
and if we don’t raise the necessary funds,
the plight of Marineland’s animals will go silent,
leaving Christine and myself bankrupt.
This is Marineland’s intent.
This is how they win.
Please help us send a clear message to Marineland,
that we as a community of animal lovers
and social justice seekers
WILL NOT BE SILENCED!"
- Philip Demers
For The Love
of Elephants
A feature length documentary to alleviate the pain
and suffering of Kerala's captive elephants,
and expose their abhorrent torture
and exploitation for profit.
For the Love of Elephants is a feature-length
documentary film in the making;
an exposé that reveals the dark side
of the Indian state of Kerala's glamorous cultural festivities
that exploit captive elephants for profit,
and uncovers the abhorrent torture suffered
by these supremely gentle and intelligent animals.
We will bring awareness to the plight of
Kerala's temple elephants, and alleviate their suffering.
For the Love of Elephants will serve
as a powerful and necessary tool to create
deeper awareness among the public
about the plight of captive festival elephants,
inspire shifts in perceptions and mindsets,
and foster empathy and kindness toward
these gentle and sentient giants.
You will become part of a legacy by participating
in the making of a profoundly touching documentary
that pulls back the veil on the festivals
to show how elephants are treated
for the benefit of ritual and amusement.
But more than an exposè, the film is also a call to action,
as we believe it will resonate deep
within the hearts and minds of all stakeholders involved
in the festivities, and empower them to do their parts
to enhance the welfare of the elephants.
We believe this film has the potential
to create ripples across India, changing the way in which
its heritage animal is being treated,
and ultimately enhancing the living conditions
of captive elephants not only in India,
but also other parts of the world.
As an extension of this film and its advocacy
for better treatment of elephants,
it is our broader goal to help establish
a rehabilitation center
for festival and temple elephants to spend
the rest of their lives in peace and safety.
of Elephants
A feature length documentary to alleviate the pain
and suffering of Kerala's captive elephants,
and expose their abhorrent torture
and exploitation for profit.
For the Love of Elephants is a feature-length
documentary film in the making;
an exposé that reveals the dark side
of the Indian state of Kerala's glamorous cultural festivities
that exploit captive elephants for profit,
and uncovers the abhorrent torture suffered
by these supremely gentle and intelligent animals.
We will bring awareness to the plight of
Kerala's temple elephants, and alleviate their suffering.
For the Love of Elephants will serve
as a powerful and necessary tool to create
deeper awareness among the public
about the plight of captive festival elephants,
inspire shifts in perceptions and mindsets,
and foster empathy and kindness toward
these gentle and sentient giants.
You will become part of a legacy by participating
in the making of a profoundly touching documentary
that pulls back the veil on the festivals
to show how elephants are treated
for the benefit of ritual and amusement.
But more than an exposè, the film is also a call to action,
as we believe it will resonate deep
within the hearts and minds of all stakeholders involved
in the festivities, and empower them to do their parts
to enhance the welfare of the elephants.
We believe this film has the potential
to create ripples across India, changing the way in which
its heritage animal is being treated,
and ultimately enhancing the living conditions
of captive elephants not only in India,
but also other parts of the world.
As an extension of this film and its advocacy
for better treatment of elephants,
it is our broader goal to help establish
a rehabilitation center
for festival and temple elephants to spend
the rest of their lives in peace and safety.
"Unrecorded Spirits" is a documentary
on the lives of indigenous Mayans
in the highlands of Guatemala
from Day of the Dead
until the end of the Mayan Calendar.
on the lives of indigenous Mayans
in the highlands of Guatemala
from Day of the Dead
until the end of the Mayan Calendar.
is a film conveying the experience
of the Mayan K’iché
in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.
Epidemiological and anthropological research
and experience covering years have resulted
in an unprecedented degree of access
to this region and its people.
The film builds on this research and experience
by collaborating and presenting stories
directly from the people, from throughout the society,
including Mayan ceremonies and practices
for the very first time.
A fundamental objective is to present the life
and stories of this region in a manner
that insiders and outsiders can access and understand,
this includes film iterations in English, Spanish with K’iché,
internet access of materials, and an open discourse
with participants who share an understanding
of the beauty and pain that exist in this special place.
Filming from the Day of the Dead
until the End of the Mayan Calendar
this is an exploration of the people and environment
of a distinct culture in a singular time in its existence.
