Nov 26, 2007 -- /prbuzz/ --(Myrtle Beach, SC, 11/26/07) – “To Touch the Soul,” a 70-minute feature-length documentary about the experiences of artist educator and social activist, Carlos Silveira, and 27 California State University, Long Beach students who traveled to Cambodia to create art projects with impoverished children impacted by HIV/AIDS, is among the films scheduled for the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, running Wednesday, Dec. 5 through Saturday, Dec. 8., in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Directed by Ryan Goble, with cinematography by Erin Henning and narration by Cassandra Hepburn, the film captures the emotional context as Carlos and the students bond with the children and discover the true meaning of kindness, selflessness and courage.
Nominated for Best Documentary, “To Touch the Soul” will screen on Friday, Dec. 7, during the 4-6:25 p.m. time slot (approximately 5:15 p.m.) at the Carmike Cinema’s Broadway 16, located at Broadway at the Beach, 1175 Celebrity Circle.
“My team and I are thrilled with this opportunity to share our story with the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival and the surrounding community,” said Teresa Hagen, producer and owner of Cut Loose Productions, located in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. “It was a privilege to follow Dr. Silveira and his students as they worked with Cambodian youth who are either infected with HIV/AIDS or have become orphans due to their parents dying from the disease (a population expected to grow to 108,700 over the next five years). Seeing these children, some abandoned by their families and all by society, happy and joyous despite their circumstances was wondrous to behold, and they became the mentors who empowered the Americans to turn outward from themselves and realize a global need for their energy, passion and new ideas.”
“I focused on capturing both the beauty that surrounds Cambodia and the tragedy that hides within,” commented Goble, who is making his feature film directorial debut. “Our goal was to make the viewer feel like they were in Phnom Penh working with these kids. We chose to use the point of view of the Cal State Long Beach students because they had no idea what to expect when they arrived. They were naïve. That’s easy to relate to because the majority of the viewers have probably never worked with Cambodian children infected with H.I.V.”
Featuring original music composed by Martin Herman, “To Touch the Soul,” recently won an award for Best Documentary as well as Certificates of Distinguished Achievement in directing and debut film at the Wild Rose Independent Film Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. The film has also won a prestigious Best of Show Award as well as an Honorable Mention (motivational/inspirational category) from the Accolade Competition, which recognizes film, television and video professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. In October, the documentary screened at the LA Femme Film Festival in Beverly Hills.
For information on purchasing tickets for the screening, visit http://www.myrtlebeachfilmfestival.com. Contact Teresa Hagen at 310-346-3650 or via e-mail at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
; or visit www.totouchthesoul.com to learn more about “To Touch the Soul.”
### |
About the Press Release
Award-winning documentary about art and AIDS will screen at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival on Friday, Dec. 7, during the 4-6:15 p.m. screening slot.
|
|
Download PDF Version
Email this story to a colleague
Printer Friendly Version
