By ALotusInTheMud.com
After making waves with the World Culture Festival in Washington, DC last year, the Art of Living Foundation is hosting the inaugural World Culture Film Festival (WCFF) in Los Angeles from July 25-28, 2024. The line-up of movies and events promises captivating entertainment that celebrates global stories, enriching human consciousness through the art of cinema.
Inspired by the visionary humanitarian Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the festival aims to inspire a stress-free, violence-free world. The global guru’s impact has touched millions with his profound teachings and efforts towards world peace.
The World Culture Film Festival is inspired by Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Photo courtesy: www.worldculturefilmfestival.org)
The festival boasts a lineup of 60+ official selections, featuring films from over 60 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Mexico, Tibet, Japan, Germany and Brazil. These cinematic gems will be screened at prestigious venues, including USC’s Ray Stark Theater and the newly reopened Downtown Independent Theater, with online streaming available on EOFlix.
Kicking off the four-day program, the Opening Night will showcase ‘The Monk and The Gun,’ directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji, a Bhutanese filmmaker acclaimed for the Oscar-nominated ‘Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom’ (2019).
Featuring prominently at the WCFF are standout films such as Justin Grant and Laurens Goud’s ‘Our Voice, Our Heart,’ winner of the 2024 Golden Doc in Asia & Australia, and Radha Mehta’s ‘Dosh,’ recipient of the 2024 Slamdance George Starks Spirit Award. Also in the lineup are Julio Palacio’s ‘Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World,’ honored at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, ‘Crown’ by Dash Kolo, Harry Holland’s ‘Last Call’ starring Tom Holland, and ‘Perfect Days’ by Oscar-nominee Wim Wenders, which closes the festival.
Radha Mehta’s ‘Dosh’ is a live-action film that poignantly traverses relationships affected by a major family event (Photo courtesy: www.worldculturefilmfestival.org)
These films not only entertain but also aim to raise consciousness and provoke thought on important social issues. Palacio’s ‘Makayla’s Voice,’ explores the power of voice and advocacy in today’s world. ‘Crown’ delves into themes of identity and self-discovery, offering a poignant narrative that resonates deeply with audiences.
‘Last Call’ tackles timely topics with sensitivity and depth. ‘Perfect Days’ takes a reflective look at human relationships and the pursuit of happiness. Some of these films may already be available for streaming on platforms like EOFlix, providing global audiences with opportunities to engage with their powerful messages beyond the festival setting.
The festival culminates with a binaural beats music experience featuring Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and music composer Stephen Hilton (‘Kung Fu Panda’, ‘Quantum of Solace’).
Tickets and passes for the festival are available online. For more information, visit worldculturefilmfestival.org
