Grassroots Films Live: grassroots films

4/17/2013

Vlad Sings The Blues

We pass them everyday, sometimes without lending a glance. But a lot can be learned from even the most unlikely of teachers.

This video looks at the soul of a New York City street performer's blues. Meet Vlad as he sings his blues....

"Vlad Sings the Blues" is Part II of our seven-part short film series. Stay tuned for more to come and let us know your thoughts!

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2/13/2013

Grassroots Films Begins Pre-Production on Supernatural Thriller

People have been asking us for quite some time when we would produce a feature-length narrative movie. For those that have followed our work throughout the years, we’re excited to share this news with you.

Grassroots Films is pleased to announce that it has begun pre-production of its first narrative film, a supernatural thriller! The story we’re producing will feature ideas we’ve been working on for years, in between the documentaries that we’ve released.

We’ll use this blog to keep you up to date throughout the whole process; everything from casting the actors, to building original sets, and even shooting in exotic locations.

We hope you’ll follow along with us as we release new details about the film and its progress. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of more next week.

The crew at Grassroots Films

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3/29/2012

Freelance Crew Wanted

Grassroots Films of Brooklyn is seeking experienced freelance DPs/shooters, sound people, & editors for a number of new client projects coming up this Summer and Fall. Please submit a brief email to social@grassrootsfilms.com highlighting your experience, along with a link to your reel. Include your daily/weekly rates for with & w/o a kit, and specify what you shoot/record/edit with. No phone calls. Thank you!

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1/23/2012

Thoughts From A Social Worker on The Human Experience

The following is an excerpt from a letter written by a woman who recently viewed The Human Experience:

I am writing to tell you I was deeply moved by watching “The Human Experience”. I only just came across your film a couple of weeks ago and upon viewing the trailer, decided it was something important for me to see. Stumbling across your film now could not have been timelier. The steady stream of tears that rolled down my cheeks as I watched your journey was indicative to me that I very much needed to hear your message.

I believe when we speak with our hearts, other hearts respond to our message. You most definitely speak with and from your heart. I was struck by your courage ~ to risk being open and vulnerable about who you are and those things that continued to haunt you. This is a rare gift, as we are often sent the message that it is unsafe to share our truth with others. I was also impressed with your noticeable wisdom and insight ~ you clearly have a “knowing” about the world beyond your years. This was so important for me to see given that many of our youth struggle in today’s society and are treated as though they do not have something important to contribute.

In the spirit of sharing and reciprocity (and to give you some context about why your film had such an impact on me) I want to tell you a bit about my journey. I come from a broken and violent home. I grew up impoverished, surrounded by substance abuse and mental illness. I had little hope as a child but knew by the age of 11 that I did not want the life that was handed to me. After much adversity, hard work, self reflection, and perseverance, today I am in a place I never thought possible. I have a safe place to live, the best friends a girl could ever ask for, a vocation that I love, and I am privileged enough to right now be studying as a graduate student pursuing her PhD.

As a social worker, I have witnessed and heard many things. I have seen the very epitome of hope and the greatest depths of despair. It’s difficult at times, having been exposed to so much both personally and professionally to stay hopeful and remember what my own purpose is. And then a story like yours comes along and is a brilliant reminder of why I am called to do my work. Your story…your willingness to step outside of yourselves and into another’s world even for a short time reminds me that we, as human beings, are all in this together ~ no matter where we come from, no matter what we have or don’t have, no matter if we recognize we are one another’s brothers and sisters or not.

Thank you for serving as a beautiful reminder about the importance of being human. I wish you love, peace, and many blessings so that you may continue your important work of shining as beacons of light for those who need reminding that hope exists in the world and can change everything.

With Deepest Gratitude,

- S.B., Canada

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12/21/2011

Merry Christmas!

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11/23/2011

Grassroots Films Crashes the Super Bowl!

Our crew here at Grassroots Films is always amazed at the many ways in which The Human Experience continues inspire others. Sometimes we receive letters and emails from people who have endured great struggles in life... others have made radical changes, and some have even gone so far as to leave home and set out on their own amazing journeys. Our friends pour out their hearts and souls in their letters; they share their trials, their joys, and -- not to be forgotten -- their laughter too.

That said, we also have a sense of humor! There is a light and fun-loving side to Grassroots Films (which you will undoubtedly pick-up on if you have seen The Human Experience). We are pleased to share a little side project that we put together for Doritos' "Crash the Super: Bowl Hollywood Edition" commercial competition!

Without further ado, we present to you our submission:

"Daddy's Got Doritos!"

* When the flash animation loads and begins, simply click "skip" in the

upper right-hand corner to go directly to our commercial spot.

Below are some behind-the-scenes stills from the filming of the commercial. We hope that it makes you laugh! If you enjoy it, please share it with others, and leave a comment on the Doritos site. Thanks for sharing our comedy and fun!

GRF cameras capturing the living room scene.

Prepping to shoot the hospital drama.

A final snapshot of the happy family.

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8/16/2011

On Volunteering

A recent letter from a volunteer in Peru, and fan of The Human Experience:

I just want to thank everyone at Grassroots Films for creating The Human Experience. I grew up in southern Jersey, but for the past three years I have been living, working and volunteering in Lima, Peru. I go back and forth every six months, with one suitcase filled with the few things that I might need. I honestly believe I would not be the person I am today if it was not for what I have experienced from living abroad. I don't have time or space to collect a ton of material things and I have learned to live that way... and at the same time, I have completely adapted to living in Peru. I have grown, matured, and prospered in that country and I have found beauty in every area that I have lived or traveled.

- Elizabeth F.

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8/08/2011

The Human Experience Inspires Student-Run Homeless Shelter in Philly

To the Brothers Featured in The Human Experience,

When I was in high school, I remember you visited my school in South Huntington, NY to give a short presentation promoting your documentary. Your compassionate words changed my life and truly made me understand what it means to be human. Now, four years later and a junior in college at Villanova University, I am determined to do something about the injustices and hatred that exists throughout our world.

Over the past several months, I have gotten to know many homeless people living on the streets of Philadelphia. Immersing myself in the lives of the homeless every week as my friends and I serve lunch to the hungry at a Philadelphia church has expanded my compassion tremendously. Because of this change of heart and the new relatinships that have formed, a group of Villanova students and myself have decided to open up a homeless shelter.

The Student-Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia will be the second student-run shelter in America, following in the footsteps of Harvard's shelter which has been successfully operating for 28 years. We will house approximately 30 homeless guests, serving them dinner and breakfast and offering them a warm place to sleep, showers, clothing, internet-access, and most importantly, a relationship. Our goal is to bring these 30 people out of homelessness by working with them to get stable employment and permanent housing.

- T.E.C., Villanova University

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For more information on the Student-Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia, please visit http://www.srehup.org

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7/15/2011

Changing Perspectives - A Letter

Grassroots Films received an email today from a young woman who was in the midst of viewing The Human Experience. It inspired us, we hope it will inspire you too! Thank you, N.C. for a beautiful letter and may you find truth, beauty and love in all whom you meet.

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Hello,

I am sure you have received thousands of emails about many of your films and the effect they've had on the viewer, and I am about to do the same.

I am not one to write in about a reaction to a film. I feel very differently about this film, however.

I am in the middle of watching The Human Experience. Never in my young life have I ever been so moved to tears (not like "oh this part is so touching- I need a Kleenex"); I'm talking about absolutely bawling my eyes out over what I'm watching -- and I'm only 30 minutes into the film.

I've never had a movie within the first half hour make me completely question how I live my life and what I take for granted. I've never been moved to actually change the way I live my life and how I see the lives of others.

Without continuing my rant any further since you've probably heard this thousands of times before, I wanted to thank the gentlemen who produced this film for a truly life-altering experience through a film alone, and how I know this will change how I will live my life from here out.

I tip my hat to those gentlemen for sharing their personal and worldly experiences with the world, and hopefully opening a few more eyes to not only other people's views of lives, but what they can do to change their perspectives and actions on such a valuable, delicate privilege that life is.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Best regards,

N.C.

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4/21/2011

Letters From Australia

After a phenomenal Australian Tour, Grassroots Films has received some incredible feedback from the ACU students & staff. A big thank you to all who attended! We hope that The Human Experience will continue to touch your lives and the lives of those around you.

“I’m so thankful I got the chance to see The Human Experience, I found it one of the most
relevant inspirational films I’ve seen. The fact that the guys were so young and normal and
it wasn’t presented in a sensationalised, self-promoting way really made an impact on me.
Although what they were doing was so extraordinary from my life in Ballarat, it was very
easy to relate to the motivations behind it- trying to make a difference, be connected to
a wider community etc. It was good timing as well as it has been really beneficial for my
Spirituality unit I’m taking this semester, a lot of the film covered what we’ve been learning
about so it’s a great resource for my assignments.” - Student

“I was privileged to have watched the movie and immensely enjoyed it. Thank you. A middle
aged lady that sat in front of me cried throughout the movie and a young male student that
sat beside me kept wiping his tears during the show. The movie had several
messages and lessons of life which touched me as well. I would like to share The Human
Experience with the Secondary school that I attended in Fiji. The school is celebrating
its Golden Jubilee this year and as part of the celebration program, I would like them to
screen it for the students and the teacher.” - Staff

“It was a pleasure hosting the screening yesterday and thank you so much for the
opportunity to do so. The film is an inspiration and the guys are even more so. I didn't end
up leaving until just after 7pm last night as I had people in my office discussing
the film... ” - Staff

“The film was inspirational ... Life is so valuable - everyone's!” - Staff

“In 4 years at ACU, I’ve never seen anything like this...” - Student

“I went home with a lot to think about.” - Student

“Absolutely loved the movie.” - Student

“I can’t wait to see it. I’ve heard excellent reviews from students who attended the
viewing. I was disappointed I couldn’t attend.” - Staff

“Thanks for being able to offer such an intimate and real context for us to engage the gift
contained within this special film.” - Staff

“My husband and I attended last night. Words seem insufficient and inadequate to say
how grateful we are after viewing this film." -Staff

“The movie really caught me off guard – I knew it would be impressive but didn’t
realise how much it would resonate with me. The feedback on campus today has been
overwhelmingly positive; Before I had a chance to unlock my office door this morning, at
least 4 people had stopped me to discuss the film and what it had meant to them. In terms
of numbers - the capacity of lecture theatre IB.15 is just over 300 capacity so I would say
we had between 270 – 280 in attendance (almost full!). This is an amazing turnout for
Brisbane campus...” - Staff

“Good morning. I thought I would share a little ‘light’ on the documentary, The Human
Experience. I must admit that it was something that I needed to see. Lately the ‘routine of
life’ has been somewhat of a drain on me, but having seen the documentary yesterday, I
was reminded about the important things in life – faith, family, and the importance of ‘love’
for others. It was a personal awakening in a time when the ways of the West are not always
the best. I am very grateful for seeing this insight into humanity. It is wonderful to see that
there is youth out there who have such a beautiful outlook on life. God bless those guys and
everyone who has been touched by their message and help.” - Staff

“Last night was spectacular! I was so impressed by the fact that we attracted so many
people from outside of ACU...” - Staff

“Personally I was a little uncertain as to the exact story behind the film, yet something about the trailer said to me that it was a must see! The inspiring stories of the young guys who dared to do what so many would love to do, explore and experience the world and its complex people who hide in its many streets and walks of life. Delving into belief, hope and the ability for those who seemingly have nothing to be so filled with joy. Beginning the story with the homeless of the big city and the sick of third world countries, the creators have constructed an opportunity for everyone to continue the experiences of their own lives in whatever form they choose. Pulling on more than one heart string, this is a film everyone caught up in the stresses of life needs to see to appreciate what we do have and what we don’t, to live and not to regret.” - Student

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4/07/2011

Faith: A Common Denominator

Last week, Grassroots Films' director, Charles Kinnane met a group of university students while traveling. He handed them a copy of The Human Experience and asked them to write back to him with their thoughts after viewing the film. Below, is a letter from one of the girls -- inspirational words of thanks and a common acknowledgement of faith, regardless of religion:

On the bus to Boston you handed my friends and I copy of your film and asked us to email you about our response. I watched the film with my dad and sisters, and we were all sad when it ended -- we wanted more. As a Muslim, I was watching this film and felt like the people were preaching the message of Islam without ever saying "Islam." Sounds weird, right? But I'm sure a Christian would feel the same way, or a Jew, or even a Buddhist (which is true, by the way, because this film was the topic at Interfaith Week). At a time where people are blaming religion for the problems in the world, your film proves otherwise. You showed people who outwardly have the least in life, but because of their relationship with God, they have the most in life. I just want to thank you for that. Jazak Allah khair -- which means "may God bring you all that is good" -- we believe that to be the best thing you could say to someone.

Thank You,
N.O.A.

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3/29/2011

THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE SOUNDTRACK RELEASED

THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE SOUNDTRACK RELEASED
Music From the Award-Winning Film Features Tracks by

Composer Thomas Bergersen, Indie Artists, and World Musicians

ALBUM AVAILABLE MARCH 29

NEW YORK: Grassroots Films is pleased to announce the international soundtrack release of music from the award-winning documentary, The Human Experience. The long anticipated album of music from the motion picture includes an extensive collection of 44 beautifully mastered tracks including orchestral compositions, indie rock, and world music.

The Human Experience: Music From The Motion Picture features six original selections from acclaimed composer Thomas Bergersen (Two Steps From Hell), as well as tracks from indie artists Longsleeves, Bad Dream Good Breakfast, A Pacific Model, and Grace Cathedral Park. Some of the film’s most memorable lines of dialogue punctuate the album as poignant, raw, and at times, humorous interludes throughout the trackslist.

The soundtrack, distributed via TuneCore by Grassroots Films will be digitally released on March 29th alongside The Human Experience DVD, which is distributed by New Video’s Docurama Films on both DVD and digital.

Stores carrying The Human Experience: Music From The Motion Picture include iTunes (both domestic & international), Amazon Mp3, and other digital outlets such as Zune, Napster and MySpace Music. As an iTunes exclusive, those who purchase the entire album will receive a 19-page digital booklet including never-before-seen images from the making of The Human Experience. The collector’s booklet also contains photos from The Human Experience World Tour, as well as collages from the lives of protagonists Jeffrey Azize, Clifford Azize, and Michael Campo.

The Human Experience is a true story that chronicles the adventures of young Brooklynite Jeffrey Azize as he seeks answers to the question: "What is it that unites us all as human beings?" Jeffrey, along with his band of brothers endeavors to understand the true essence of the human spirit by visiting homeless New Yorkers, Peruvian orphans and never-before-seen Ghanaian lepers. The DVD release features insight and commentary from spiritual, artistic and medical experts and philosophers including: Anna Halpine, Dr. William Hurlbut, M.D., Rabbi Simon Jacobson, Dr. Alveda King, and Rev. Richard Neuhaus. By spotlighting extraordinary stories from around the world, this uplifting documentary shows viewers that every single person, no matter his or her lot in life, is beautiful. Gorgeously filmed and masterfully narrated, The Human Experience explores with depth and compassion what it means to be human.

The Human Experience has won over 30 awards and festival accolades, including the Audience Choice Award at the American Cinematic Experience at Tribeca (2009 ACEfest) and Best Documentary at the Atlanta International Documentary Film Festival (2009 DocuFest Atlanta). The Human Experience is directed by Charles Kinnane and produced by Joseph Campo.

About Grassroots Films

Grassroots Films sets out to prove through positive art, that society will not only be entertained, but also enlightened. An independent film production company and fully staffed creative suite based in Brooklyn, New York, Grassroots Films provides services such as campaign branding, commercial production, and web design. The Human Experience is their first, full-length feature documentary. www.GrassrootsFilms.com

Soundtrack Release Details:

Release Date: March 29^th, 2011

Label: Grassroots Films Inc.

Released Via: TuneCore

Primary Stores: iTunes (domestic & international), & Amazon Mp3

Other Outlets: MySpace Music, Zune, Napster, Shockhound, eMusic, Thumbplay, Spotify, & Nokia Music

Contact: mandy@grassrootsfilms.com

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1/11/2011

Michael & Jeffrey on Deepak Chopra's Radio Show

Tune in to

The Human Experience's

Michael Campo & Jeffrey Azize

on Deepak Chopra's Wellness Radio!

Saturday, January 15th

SIRIUS XM Radio Stars - channel 102

More info here.

Don't miss it!

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12/14/2010

THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE TOUR VIDEO

With over 400 screenings in 152 cities worldwide, The Human Experience has captivated audiences around the globe as "the greatest film you've never heard of!"

About The Human Experience:

In a world fraught with hostility and violence, an altruistic group of young men endeavor to understand the true essence of the human spirit by visiting forgotten souls such as homeless New Yorkers, Peruvian orphans and isolated Ghanaian lepers. By spotlighting heartwarming stories from around the world, this uplifting documentary shows viewers that every single person, no matter his or her lot in life, is beautiful.

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11/15/2010

The Human Experience on DVD for the Holidays

THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE IS OFFICIALLY OUT ON DVD!

Only at www.GrassrootsFilms.com

Grassroots Films has been receiving some incredible letters from our friends and fans of The Human Experience. Thank you to everyone who is spreading the message of joy & hope this season. Here are just a few of the beautiful comments that we've received...

"It's been quite a while since I have been this moved by a film. Congratulations on a spectacular job well done! In a time where the world is bombarded with movies about fluff and frivolousness, this quenches our spiritual thirst.
I also want to congratulate you on the movie now being available on DVD. I purchased a copy and I am very much looking forward to watching it again."

"You guys are so inspiring! You honestly made me want to be a better person, and you made me want to go out and help people. So thank you so much for that!"

Own The Human Experience on DVD at www.GrassrootsFilms.com and help us continue to share the message of hope & love this holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving,

From Your Friends at

Grassroots Films

PS: Do you blog? Want to help spread the word about The Human Experience? Get your badges, buttons & banners here! Enjoy!

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10/18/2010

An Evening with Grassroots Films at NYC Catholic Underground

Join Grassroots Films for a special evening of art & film on November 6th!

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the filmmakers and screen the latest Grassroots work including:

- short films

- coming attractions

- and never-before seen footage

Saturday, November 6th, 7:30PM @ Our Lady of Good Counsel on East 90th St. btw 2nd & 3rd Ave in NYC.

This is THE event to attend... mark your calendars & see you there!

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Glimpses of Peru: Updates on Angela & Victor

Do you ever wonder abut Angela, Victor, and the other children from Dr. Tony's orphanage in Peru who appeared in "The Human Experience"? Where are they now? What are they up to?

Today, Grassroots Films received a letter from a New York couple inspired to volunteer at Dr. Tony's after seeing the film... and what's more, they included photos of the kids! They sure are growing up...

I so appreciate you sending me the contact information for Dr. Lazzara at the Hogar de Saint Francisco de Assis! My husband and I have recently returned from the trip to visit there. What an amazing experience. I know that Dr. Tony and the kids were really hoping to see the part of the film that focused on the time in Chaclacayo. I have attached a few photos, as Angela and Victor, two of the children featured in the film still live there.

Angela is doing well and using crutches to mobilize and has had significant surgeries on her other leg. Victor is using his prosthetic leg well. Both of these children as well as all the children in the Hogar, are truly inspirational. I feel so blessed to have been there, and am so glad that I stumbled into this film that set the wheels in motion!

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9/02/2010

Peru

This letter just in from a college student who saw The Human Experience:

I talked with you in March when you came to Belmont University with the screening of The Human Experience. I asked you for help on getting a hold of Dr. Tony in Peru. With the address you gave me, I wrote to him and figured out a time to come and volunteer. Me, and the two other girls that were with me just booked our flight to Peru!! Thank you so much for your help, we're actually going!

Thank you to everyone who has been inspired to volunteer -- with Dr Tony in Peru, and across the globe!

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8/05/2010

Love in Action

Grassroots Films recently received a beautiful letter from someone who saw The Human Experience in Arizona. It's inspiring to read about their hope and love in action! Thank you to all who reach out to those in need. This world is a better place because of your friendship, willingness and dedication.

Thank you for this movie. I was so inspired by this movie, that after I left the theater, I called my 16 year old son, my mom and my son's girlfriend to come over my house. We made 100 sandwiches and bought bottled water and took it to downtown Phoenix, to feed the homeless. We took the time to connect with our brothers and sisters who were hungry. It was such a touching experience. One gentleman from the streets, asked my son "which organization are you with, because this is really nice." My son answered "no organization, we just wanted to come here and share." This man started to cry. Another homeless teenager was pushing his father on a wheelchair. We asked them if they would like a sandwich and some water. The father answered "You can't imagine how hungry we are, we wanted to go to the store right now, to buy food, but we hardly had enough for anything."

We have vowed to do this every weekend from this day forth. I want to someday to be able to do even more. I will find the way. Can you imagine, if more people have been inspired to act?

Thank you again for this movie.

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6/10/2010

Grassroots Films Online

Did Grassroots Films just screen The Human Experience in your city? Or maybe you would like to find out if the film hits your town next? Looking for screening updates, photos, breaking news, tour videos and much more? Connect with the Grassroots Filmmakers and GRF fans online for exclusive content!

Check out Grassroots Films on Facebook and MySpace for the most recent news on The Human Experience. Get minute-by-minute feed updates by following Grassroots Films on Twitter. Want to see what's making headlines? Head over to Digg or Delicious for feature articles and reviews. How about official movie stats? Try IMDB.

Did you know that you can get updates directly from the filmmakers? On Facebook, you can find them through the “Grassroots Filmmakers” profile. The Human Experience adventurers - Jeffrey, Michael, and Cliff - can all be found on Facebook & MySpace. And check out Michael's Twitter feed - he tweets regularly!

What else, you say? Check out Grassroots Films' YouTube Channel, DailyMotion profile or even stop by Tumblr if that's your thing. A real glimpse into The Human Experience & life at Grassroots Films is just a few clicks away...