In our presentation today, we’ll take a look at how the 2020 documentary “The Phenomenon” challenges the public’s perception of UFOs with never-before-seen footage and extensive interviews with eyewitnesses, experts, government officials, and high-ranking members of the military. Among the numerous compelling sightings featured in this documentary are the encounter experiences reported by astronau

Famous Hollywood performing artists and comedians Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were American favorites, an on- and off-screen couple, who together have created many legends. Today we will introduce to you one of their most popular sitcoms “I Love Lucy” as well as the comedy film “The Long, Long Trailer,” co-starring this lovely couple. Set in an apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper East S

Yesterday was the Lunar New Year, and to welcome the Year of the Ox, we will present two wonderful films about our bovine animal friends who, just like us, are born free and should be respected: “Ferdinand” and “Bovines or the Real Life of Cows.” Our first film, “Ferdinand,” starts in Casa del Toro, a ranch in Spain that raises and trains bulls for the arena. It is also where our hero, Ferd

Let’s first take a look at “Talk to the Animals,” a short film directed by Charlie Picerni and written by Gregory Crosby and Spice Williams-Crosby. The film begins as a lady feeds her dog in a park. She appears to live there with a few simple belongings. In a flashback, we learn that her name is Lucy. Lucy has been diagnosed with brain cancer and dementia, and she knows that her life on Earth may

Today we will present two inspiring spiritual movies about the venerated enlightened Master Paramahansa Yogananda. “Awake: The Life of Yogananda” is a 2014 documentary about the great Indian Guru who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s and inspired millions of people seeking spiritual awakening. The film begins prior to the birth of Mukunda Lal Ghosh, later known as Paramahans

Today we present two inspirational films about Mother Nature: “My Octopus Teacher” and “Gaia.” When Craig Foster, a filmmaker, videographer, and diver, experiences a very tough time in life, he can hardly work and finds it difficult to be a good father. He knows a radical change is needed. Following an inner calling to go to the ocean, he moves back to the place where he spent his childhood, happi

Today, December 24th, is Christmas Eve. We are going to present two cartoon films about this joyous and holy holiday season featuring our legendary animal friends: “The Star” and the 1948 “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” The film “The Star” transports us back to “Nazareth, 9 months B.C.” A kind and loving Mary is visited by an angel telling her that she has been chosen to bear the Son of God, the Messiah. Just at that moment, a new star rises in the sky glowing brightly in the night, preempting a Light that will uplift the whole world. Our main character is a young donkey who is chained to a grinding wheel, walking around and around in a never-ending circle. Donkey’s best friend, Dave the Dove, is determined to help make his dreams come true. When they see the new star rising, they know that their time has come. Finally, they escape, chased vigorously by the miller. Donkey hurt his ankle during the pursuit and ends up looking for refuge in Mary and Joseph’s courtyard, where the couple have just gotten married. Directed by Timothy Reckart, “The Star” is a beautiful 2017 animation film that retells the Nativity of Jesus from the animals’ point of view and is a “must-see” for Christmas audiences.In 1939, Robert Lewis May worked for Montgomery Ward, a popular department store, and was assigned to write a “cheery” Christmas book for shoppers. Thus, the most famous reindeer, Rudolph, was created. In 1948, Robert May’s brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, adapted the story into a song that immediately became a number one hit. Since then, the story has been published in various books and made into many movies. Today, we are going to present the short film made in 1948, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” the very first telling of the story on screen. Directed and produced by Max Fleischer, this inspiring short film shows us that when we are different from others, it may be a special gift from God!

Today, we will present two poetic movies about cats: “Kedi” and “The Cat Returns.” Our first movie is the beautifully made 2016 Turkish documentary, “Kedi.” Hundreds of thousands of stray cats roam the streets of Istanbul. They are a distinct part of everyone’s life. This is the story of seven of them. Produced by Ceyda Torun and Charlie Wuppermann, this touching and poetic film affectionately por

Today, the 20th of November, is Universal Children’s Day, an exceptional day that celebrates international togetherness and promotes awareness among children in order to improve the welfare of the younger generation worldwide. Rejoicing on this special occasion, let us take a look at two films that ignite the pure, simple, and imaginative inner child in our hearts: “Mary Poppins” and “Mary Poppins Returns.” These enchanting features are based on Mary Poppins, the beloved magical nanny originally brought to life in the fictional book series of the same name by P. L. Travers. The first film, released in 1964, is one of the most popular American musical fantasy films and has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Full of music, dance, elation, and imagination, this irresistible 1964 Walt Disney classic features legendary actors Julie Andrews as the enchanting Mary Poppins and Dick Van Dyke playing the joyful Bert. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the movie combines live-action with animation. As Mary Poppins takes care of the children, she brings a spark of magic to the Banks family, helping them rediscover their happiness, love, and wonder in life. The 1964 “Mary Poppins” was such a success that a year later, Walt Disney attempted to produce a sequel. Despite several tries, it was 54 years later, in 2018, that the long-awaited sequel, “Mary Poppins Returns,” was finally released. Blending the endearing elements from the original film into the sequel, “Mary Poppins Returns” warms the hearts of all viewers, adults and children alike. Starring Emily Blunt as Mary Poppins and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Jack, the movie also features songs that are both charming and insightful, as well as spirited animation that marvelously joins the live-action cast. “Mary Poppins” and its sequel “Mary Poppins Returns” are two wonderful films that teach valuable lessons about family, love, and hope through the fantastic adventures, incredible imagination, and timeless song and dance.

“Casa de Carne” is a short film written, directed, and edited by filmmaker Dustin Brown for the non-profit organization Last Chance for Animals (LCA). Set in the fictional high-end restaurant Case de Carne, meaning “Meat House,” Eric comes to have dinner for the first time with friends who are familiar with the place. Handing Eric an apron and a knife, the waiter opens a door for him to enter. In the room stands a little pig who comes to him. The pig is so peaceful and cute, and Eric can’t help petting him and dropping the knife. At this moment, the door opens again and two people in white coats come and roughly take the defenseless and helpless pig who is scared and starts to scream, sensing what is going to happen. Back at the table, the dish Eric ordered is placed in front of him. His friends begin to eat, but Eric, having seen where his meal came from, is extremely shocked and feels miserable. He doesn’t seem to know what to say nor do. Directed by Sharon Boeckle, the 2019 documentary “Bucking Tradition” explores the rodeo. Thousands of rodeo events are held annually in the US and worldwide, in which animals are subjected to horrible cruelty. Calf roping is one of the brutal events of rodeo. Baby calves, sometimes un-weaned, are driven into the arena, roped, thrown, and tied, ruthlessly. Again and again, the helpless calves suffer tremendous fear and pain, both physically and emotionally, both in the arena as well as during practice rounds. In steer roping, the rider brutally wrestles the steer to the ground. Flank strap and metal spurs are painfully driven into the horse’s shoulder to make the horse buck. “The Farm in My Backyard” takes us to the Yarmouth region. Once a peaceful and beautiful area, it has now become heavily polluted by the intensive mink-raising facilities. “Microcystin is the name of the toxin it gives off, which kills. We’re here in Yarmouth County. The municipal bylaws say that you can’t have a mink pen within 500 feet of a body of water. Just look. That’s what they do anyway.” In the wild, minks are semiaquatic and can live between three to 10 years near water in territories of up to 2,500 acres. In a mink farm, they are crowded in small cages and will be killed after just six months, never having met their most basic need to swim. The poor living conditions are heart-wrenching to see, and the suffering of the helpless animals is beyond words.

Today we present not one film but two by the name “Underdog,” which follow the adventures of “human’s best friend,” our much-loved dogs. The first “Underdog” feature, also known as “A Dog’s Courage,” is a delightful Korean animated movie. The film gives viewers an opportunity to look at the unfortunate reality of abandoned canine friends, and to think about a world where humans and animals can coexist in love. Scriptwriter and director Mr. Oh Sung-yoon was inspired to create this movie when he saw the suffering images on television of stray dogs caged behind steel bars. “Basically, I thought the right to live was fundamentally a very important subject; we can make the connection between animal rights and human rights because both are about the same right to live.” “Underdog” won the Best Animation Award at the 2018 Silk Road Film Festival. In 2019, the screening of “Underdog” prompted the official closure of the last canine slaughterhouses in Seoul. The Honorable Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul and Shining World Leadership Award for Protection Laureate affirmed his determination to ban dog meat businesses in the capital, saying, “I believe in building a peaceful world that is also a safe place for animals.” His Excellency President Moon Jae-in, a Shining World Leadership Award for Peace Laureate, also lent his voice to a campaign against the dog meat trade in 2017, when he adopted a four-year-old dog named Tory, who was rescued from a dog meat farm. Let us now take a look at the 2007 American action-comedy “Underdog.” “Underdog” not only tells the story of an ordinary beagle who finds himself with extraordinary powers, but the film also sends a meaningful message about the cruelty and needlessness of animal experimentation, that can be appreciated by the whole family. Certainly, both “Underdog” films are eartwarming and entertaining, while reminding us of the deep compassion, courage, and preciousness of our canine friends.

Indigenous people all over the world still retain cultural traditions in their way of daily living, displaying ancient wisdom that we can learn from in modern times, as we see in these two inspirational films, “Wisdomkeepers, Paqo Andino” and “Pocahontas II: Journey to A New World.” The 2013 documentary “Wisdomkeepers, Paqo Andino” was written, directed, and produced by Paqo Jeffrey Wium. A Western-born professional in multimedia production, Paqo Jeffrey found a deep resonance with the maestros of the Andean Holy Mountain Tradition, one of the few remaining unbroken wisdom lineages on our planet. Andean Paqos are regarded as masters of the “Living Energy” and practitioners of celestially-integrated ways of life. The ancient lineage embodies animistic consciousness, acknowledging that all natural things in the world have a spiritual essence and conscious life force. Throughout this unprecedented documentary are the beautiful and powerful prayers that the wise Andean Paqos have shared with the world, helping people remember their origins and choose Truth over power, as well as showing us an eco-spiritual way of living. “We appeal to every soul in the universe to follow their inclination towards an honest and loving lifepath. …And with tenderness and humility, in every step we take and task we accomplish, help us recognize and know all of Your creation as we learn to live more harmoniously within You. Watch over us, Eternal One.” ― Paqo Adolfo Our second movie is “Pocahontas II: Journey to A New World.” Released in 1998, it is a sequel to the beloved 1995 Disney film “Pocahontas.” Loosely based on actual historical people and events, “Pocahontas II: Journey to A New World” follows Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan in Tsenacommacah. Together with Captain John Smith from London, UK, she has helped drive away Governor Ratcliffe. “Long ago, I told you to listen with your heart. It is time to listen to your heart. (But the spirits around me…) Can help. But only the spirit within can guide you. Listen to the spirit within.”

“Thank You for the Rain” tells how global warming is affecting farmers in Africa, who are often the first and worst affected by the changing climate. Julia travelled to Kenya in 2013, where she met Kisilu. With Julia’s help, Kisilu visits Norway and Europe, meeting people there and gathering new ideas. A highlight is when he is invited to speak on behalf of small-scale farmers from arid lands at the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015. At the Climate Change Conference, Kisilu asks to be involved in planning and decision-making, urging the leaders to act. This collaboration between Julia Dahr and Kisilu Musya proves to be a powerful combination and vividly portrays how global warming is affecting so many people’s lives. Released in 2017, “Thank You for the Rain” has been translated into eight languages and won numerous awards, including Best Documentary at the Kenyan Kalasha Awards. It has brought together farmers, local NGOs (Non-governmental Organizations), and the government in Kenya to work on community-driven solutions based on Kisilu’s community model. Our next feature, “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power,” was written by Shining World Leadership Award for Earth Protection recipient His Excellency Al Gore. Released more than a decade after the original Oscar-winning 2006 documentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” this rousing sequel follows former US Vice President His Excellency Al Gore’s continued efforts to curb global warming. In 2007, His Excellency Al Gore was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for “informing the world of the dangers posed by climate change.” “Thank You for the Rain” and “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” are two powerful documentaries that serve as a wake-up call to the urgency of our global climate crisis while encouraging us to act to protect the Earth.

Telling a both riveting and cautionary tale, “Contagion” was critically acclaimed and was also well-received by scientists for its accuracy. About 10 years after the film’s release, we are experiencing something very similar with the current coronavirus pandemic. Like the virus in “Contagion,”COVID-19 was originally transmitted by eating animals and has rapidly spread around the world, making millions of people sick and taking more than 310,000 lives (as of May 18, 2020). Outbreaks like swine flu, avian flu, mad cow disease, SARS, coronavirus - what they all have in common is animal consumption. The only way to guarantee that this never happens again is to shut down all slaughterhouses. The revolutionary 2017 British documentary “The Land of Hope and Glory” was produced by the founders of British animal rights organization Surge. We see the extreme and terrible lifetime of confinement these animals have to endure, as well as the unnecessary cruelty that make their lives a constant nightmare. Like us, these animals embody the mystery and wonder of consciousness. Like us, they are not only in the world; they are aware of it. Like us, they are the psychological centers of a life that is uniquely their own. “The Land of Hope and Glory” gives us a rare, in-depth look at the UK livestock industry and sends a clear message that “worth of life” is equal amongst all living beings.

Directed by Leila Conners, “Ice on Fire” Presents research concerning how Arctic methane gas release could lead to the extinction of our own as well as other species. Featuring extraordinary footage and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, the documentary also explores the latest technologies that could help reverse some of the harmful effects on our climate, including reclaiming greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. We met His Excellency Laurent Lamothe, who was Prime Minister of Haiti from 2012 to 2014. “I’m here today at the Monaco Better World foundation with the aim of contributing, with the aim of sharing knowledge experienced in Haiti and the strategies we had adopted in the environment to help. There’s an extreme emergency today. People don’t realize it, but with climate change, we see disasters multiplying every day. On our television channels, we see that there is a really dramatic situation going on. I, personally, am a vegan. So I’ve already taken that step. But it’s awareness, it starts with your work, with mine, with everyone watching TV today, to really raise awareness to fight this scourge that is so negative for this world.”

Brilliant French actor Samuel Le Bihan was an ambassador for Positive Cinema Week at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, and sponsored the Moteur! Project competition for young artists. “It’s about recreating social bonds, regaining awareness among young people so that eventually they build themselves up, they become what they are through the people they admire. And also those who are admired also have a responsibility. So, it’s the idea of setting an example.” “Hi, my name is Nathan Ambrosini. I’m 19 years old and I made ‘Paper Flags.’ I think we all want a change. And I hope that my generation and the one that will come after mine will be aware that change is absolutely necessary. Especially, for example, with the cause of the climate. If not now, then never. And I have the impression that we’re starting to become aware of this. But I hope it will be more and more true. And it must, in any case. It has to. We all have to talk about it like we do about every other problem. But I hope we’ll be a conscious generation, and not a generation of consumerism and unconsciousness.”

For the fourth year in a row, the 72nd Cannes Film Festival hosted a Positive Cinema Week. It was founded by Jacques Attali, a French economic and social theorist. The subject for the 2019 cinema review was social justice. “We’ll meet again in the coming months and years to make cinema become more and more positive in a country. That deserves to be and has all the means to be (positive). Positive cinema is cinema that works in the interest of future generations, while being obviously first a work of art.” During the festival’s Positive Cinema Week, the Best Positive Fiction Award went to 2018 French comedy-drama film “Invisibles,” directed by Louis-Julien Petit. “Those invisible ones are the women of the street. And the film is about a shelter for street women. There’s a lot of love in the movie. We made the movie with three words, and those three words were ‘humor,’ ‘love,’ and ‘human.’ And it has no boundaries, so… now, today, it’s rewarded.”

In “A Hidden Life,” Fan Jägerstätter’s love and support for her husband served as a significant source of strength. As Reverend Kauffman explains, “This year’s Cannes Film Festival was marked by the great strength of the female characters. In all films, many films anyway, the female characters are really grounded and have extremely strong characters. They are faced with all the difficulties of existence. But they find the strength, and they show the men in the movies the right direction. And this, I think, is really the message from the Cannes Film Festival this year.” “The Holy City” transports participants to Jerusalem and provides access to the most sacred rituals and the holiest sites of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. We now welcome Mr. Nimrod Shanit, the executive director and producer of “The Holy City,” to introduce this film. “In some way, I believe that through understanding and dialogue, we can achieve much more than just being ignorant to one another…”

Formally beginning in 1946, the Cannes Film Festival is an annual 12-day event held in the beautiful city, Cannes, of the French Riviera. Considered one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. The 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival took place from May 14 to 25, 2019. We had the honor of speaking with some of the event’s distinguished guests, who shared their thoughts on artists and their cherished contributions to our world. “I’m Chris Tucker. I’m an actor, comedian. And I do think the role of an actor, it’s important to make society better through art, through telling great stories, inspiring stories that inspire people, kids, and new generations. So, we have a great role to play and with the fans’ help, we could do great work.”

In celebration of all the treasured gifts from Mother Nature, let us take a look at two thought-provoking films about organic vegan farming. Based on Takuji lshikawa's book of the same name, “Miracle Apples” follows the true story of Akinori Kimura, who, for the sake of his wife’s health, goes on a decade-long quest to grow the perfect organic apples without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. “Miracle Apples” is an ode to the nourishing, eco-friendly practice of organic farming, and tells an earnest story about family, perseverance, and dedication. Simple and picturesque, “Final Straw: Food, Earth, Happiness” is a poetic and illuminating documentary which may change your perceptions of food and life forever. “Miracle Apples” and “Final Straw: Food, Earth, Happiness” are two uplifting movies showing us that if we truly respect nature and live peacefully with the other beings on this planet, our lives will be nourished with more happiness, health, and contentment.