Making change, giving change

2009 has been a year of phenomenal storytelling in film and in theatre, a year of artists telling stories that create change in our world. Consider two films, in particular, that illustrate how the lowest circumstances can give rise to the highest achievements and how we are all lifted when a single person is helped.

You're probably aware of Lee Daniels' Precious: Based on the Novel by Sapphire, which began its journey at the '09 Sundance Film Festival and has now touched audiences around the world. Precious is the unbelievable true story of an impoverished and abused teenage girl who finds hope through an alternative school that changes her life forever. It's a must-see and is in theatres now.

In the documentary realm, Garbage Dreams profiles a Cairo recycling organization that utilizes proceeds from recycling to fund programs benefiting Egyptian youth. Made by first-time Egyptian-American director Mai Iskander, the film received a 2007 Sundance Documentary Fund Production/Post-Production Grant for $30,000. Seeing Garbage Dreams inspired The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to give $1 million to support the work of The Spirit of Youth Association, the organization highlighted in the film.

Consider the power of these stories. These Sundance Institute supported films demonstrate that individual artists can inspire audiences to think -- and act -- differently. You too can make a difference in the upcoming year by supporting the Institute's work to advance independent artists and share their stories with the world.

Any contribution helps our artists. And, if you make a gift of $75 or more before December 31, we will send you a DVD of Garbage Dreams in thanks for your support and in hopes that you'll share this groundbreaking story with others.

YES, I WILL MAKE A GIFT IN SUPPORT OF INDEPENDENT STORYTELLERS AROUND THE WORLD.

Warm regards,

Cara Mertes
Director
Documentary Film Program
Sundance Institute

P.S. Are you or anyone you know attending the 2010 Sundance Film Festival? Please consider joining the Patron Circle. There's still time to sign up and receive VIP access to the Festival. To join, please contact Jamie Lattman in the Patron Circle Office at 310-492-2327 or jamie_lattman@sundance.org. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.