Los Angeles, CA - September 4, 2019 – A SHOW FOR A CHANGE, an impact entertainment company committed to the distribution of engaging cause and mission driven content paired with charitable giving, announced today its initial public fundraising campaign on SeedInvest, a leading equity crowd-funding platform. SeedInvest is offering both accredited and non-accredited investors the unique opportunity to become an early equity holder/partial owner in A SHOW FOR A CHANGE. 

A SHOW FOR A CHANGE is a proud Public Benefits Corporation or B-Corp and is preparing to launch its own proprietary streaming distribution platform called MOVIKARMA, which will be subscription based and advertiser supported.  MOVIKARMA helps transform entertainment into action by empowering audiences to support charities and filmmakers connected to the content they’ve just watched on the platform. 

This month’s winners include:

●      Creativity Award: Make America Safe. Directed by Blanche Baker. Make America Safe is a musical send-up of the 2nd Amendment. What if in the next few years citizens were required to carry weapons in order to ensure the safety of the public? What if the motto “If everyone is armed there will be no more crime” became the law of the land? This movie musical takes a sardonic look at this possible future. Using the premise of a news commentary show, the film examines the kind of scenarios that could arise in this world. With music composed by Andy Peterson it sheds light on the rationales that could lead to such a future. In the end, it is students who question the validity of rights trumping reason. Watch the trailer here.

●      Storytelling Award: Welcome to the King Family. Directed by Zach King. This is the true story of how Zach and his wife began their adventure in Foster Care and how they started their family a few years ago.

●      Storytelling Award: White Rope. By Mriidu Khosla. White Rope is a rescue story of Keme - a slaughterhouse goat, by an innocent boy who is yet to understand the concept of religion, god and sacrifices in a country like India, where communities are closely bound to their cultural roots, not knowing much of the deteriorating impact it has on nature.

●      Cinematography Award: The Other Half. Directed by Lalith Rathnayake. In a rural village in Sri Lanka, the family well becomes poisoned by agricultural chemicals. This subsequently leads to the untimely death of Ruwansiri's father who develops chronic kidney disease, leaving his mother works to support the family. At school, he struggles to understand his lessons in a rigid educational system that cannot go beyond rote learning. As an escape from the toxic environment around him, Ruwansiri finds solace in music. Can his passion help him overcome his circumstances? Watch the trailer here.

●      Social Impact Award: LIST(e)N. Directed by Juliana Tafur. With hatred and polarization on the rise around the world, LIST(e)N invites people with complex personal stories and contrasting views on the topics of immigration, abortion and guns to get to know each other. Can complete opposites put their differences aside, listen to each other and connect at a human level? In a true social experiment that develops in front of our lens, the film captures participants putting their judgment, hatred and finger pointing to rest. Could understanding why people believe what they believe shake up our perception, open up our hearts and lead to understanding? Watch the trailer here.

This month’s winners include:

• Creativity Award:

  • DORIS’ FLIGHT. A woman tormented by her past tragically loses connection with reality. Directed by Gabriela Lima. Cause: Women’s Rights.

• Storytelling Award:

  • THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM. A comical male nurse who treats terminally ill patients in an unconventional way, is challenged by a tough patient during his final journey. Directed by Allen Freeman. Cause: Health and Wellness.

• Cinematography Award:

  • SEYDOUBA. Unable to submit the “right documents,” many young foreigners living in France, like Seydouba, find themselves forced into illegality..Directed by Nathalie Blomme. Cause: Immigrants and Refugees.

• Social Impact Awards:

  • THE CAMPFIRE PROJECT. In a refugee camp, several artists create an Arabic language version of Shakespeare's The Tempest, provide basic educational assistance, run wellness classes for residents of all ages, and provide translation for the multitude of residents suffering from trauma- and stressor-related disorders. Directed by Claudia Giannetto. Cause: Immigrants and Refugees.

  • 35 DAYS. A small Ohio town, home to one of the busiest Air Traffic Control facilities, endures the longest federal government shutdown. Directed by Nicholas Manting Brewer. Cause: Economic Justice.

Long Beach, CA - May 21, 2019 – A Show For A Change today announced that it has become a signatory to the landmark United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate responsibility and sustainability initiative. A Show For A Change, a Public Benefit Corporation, joins thousands of leading businesses that have signed the Global Compact worldwide, including Mastercard, Impossible Foods, United Airlines, and PepsiCo.

Read A Show For A Change’s signed letter joining the U.N. Global Compact.

“As we prepare to launch our new streaming platform for social impact, Movikarma, we’re proud to join the U.N. Global Compact,” said Jared Milrad, founder and president of A Show For A Change. “Urgent threats to our shared prosperity - including climate change and environmental degradation - demand our immediate action, and A Show For A Change is committed to doing its part to advancing lasting solutions that protect our planet and safeguard future generations..”

Among other requirements, signatories to the U.N. Global Compact must abide by Ten Principles on Human Rights, Labor, Environment, and Anti-Corruption. Signatories must also support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include a commitment to ending poverty and hunger, ensuring good health and well-being, advocating for clean water and a quality education for all, and advancing sustainability.

In joining the Global Compact, A Show For A Change is committing to supporting the Ten Principles, advocating for the SDGs, and meeting the transparency and reporting requirements for corporate signatories to the Compact. Learn more about the Global Compact here.

This month’s winners include:

• Creativity Awards:

  • SCENES FROM A MIGRANTHOOD. Directed by Roozbeh Behtaji, Jovid Eisai. A Swede and a young Afghan refugee confront their differences through art and poetry. Cause: Immigrants and Refugees. Watch the trailer here.

  • BEYOND US. Directed by Maxime Tiberghien. An exploration of the Earth’s circumstances after humanity disappears. Cause: Climate Change.

• Storytelling Award:

  • NOT AS TOUGH AS YOU THINK. Directed by Ade Richardson. A teenage boy’s tragic mistake unearths powerful truths about strength and masculinity. Causes: Gun Violence, Civil Rights. Watch the trailer here.

• Cinematography Award:

  • SAFE HAVEN. Directed by Edson Da Conceicao and Timo Ottevanger. Two innocent orphans, Maiky and Alice, are trying to survive in a world overrun by war. It seems they will never be able to escape the war but still they hold on to hope. Cause: Child Welfare. Watch the trailer here.

• Social Impact Award:

  • THIS AIN’T YOUR MOTHER’S THEATER COMPANY. Directed by Bruce Schmiechen.  An ensemble of women working together across colors, ages and backgrounds find power in telling their raw truths - to themselves, to each other and to the world. Causes: Women’s Rights, Reproductive Rights.

Los Angeles, CA - May 13, 2019 – A Show For A Change, an impact-driven entertainment startup company, today announced a new partnership in advance of the upcoming launch of Movikarma. a new streaming service for social impact. A Show For A Change is supporting Powerful-U and “The Powerful Experience,” an upcoming transformative experience that will bring together world-renowned influencers, visionaries and entrepreneurs in Los Angeles.

This three-day event will expand people’s awareness and open them up to a whole new world of possibilities. Powerful-U speakers, which include major influencers Glennon Doyle, Trent Shelton, Lindsey Stirling, Lillian Garcia, and Robin Sharma, bring their unique knowledge from around the globe that will help people evolve and become the best version of themselves.

This transformative experience includes:

●      3 Powerful Days in LA

●      35+ of the top speakers and influencers

●      45+ of the Hottest Breakout Session Topics

For a limited time, A Show For A Change and Movikarma, in partnership with Powerful U, are offering FREE General Admission as our gift to our supporters. To RSVP, guests can use the code MOVIKARMA here.

This month’s winners include:

• Creativity Awards:

  • ROOM. Directed by Melanie Kloetzel. An environmental dance film, ROOM examines themes of ecological precarity and adaptation in modern times. Cause: Environmental Protection.

  • GUESSING GAME. Directed by Zachary Wincik. A man invites two old college friends to dinner, where a simple game will have unexpected consequences. Cause: Media and Technology. Watch the trailer here.

• Storytelling Awards:

  • X-RAY MACHINES: AFRICA’S BROKEN SYSTEM. Directed by Sophie Inglin. An exploration into the implications of medical equipment disparities in sub-Saharan Africa. Causes: Health and Wellness, Civil Rights. Watch the trailer here.

  • JESSICA’S TREE. Directed by Jazz Thornton. An incredibly personal view of what it is to be suicidal and what you can do to help. Causes: Mental Health, Health and Wellness. Watch the trailer here.

  • THE BLUEBERRY FARMER. Directed by Valerie Whitcomb. A blueberry farmer named Bernie struggles to survive on food stamps after pleading guilty to growing medical cannabis to help people living with AIDS. Causes: Civil Rights, Health and Wellness. Watch the trailer here.

  • OKICHITAW: REFEATHERING THE WARRIOR. Directed by Meegwun Fairbrother. A journey of empowerment for students who rediscover the Plains Cree martial art Okichitaw, a gift of their indigenous culture and traditional teachings. Cause: Civil Rights.

• Cinematography Awards:

  • WELCOME TO GWICHYAA ZHEE. Directed by Greg Balkin and Len Necefer. A close look at how the Gwich’in people have been fighting oil and gas development to protect their fragile environment and way of life in the Arctic National Refuge for over 40 years. Causes: Civil Rights, Environmental Protection.

  • WHITE WOLVES: GHOSTS OF THE ARCTIC. Directed by Oliver Goetzl. With never-before-seen footage of wolf family life, GHOSTS OF THE ARCTIC is a dramatic and touching story of loyalty, companionship, and devotion in one of the last great wildernesses on Earth. Causes: Animal Welfare, Environmental Protection, Climate Change.

• Social Impact Awards:

  • COWS COME HOME. Directed by Daniel Turbert. The story of a multi-generational cattle farm in Talbott, Tennessee turned sanctuary. Cause: Animal Welfare.

  • AN EQUAL VOICE. Directed by Phil Cooke. Takes you inside the 30-year transformation of a black woman born in the South in the 1960s into an empowered co-pastor of one of the nation’s largest churches. Causes: Women’s Rights, Religion and Spirituality.

  • GOOD MORNING AMERICA. Directed by Krishna Thirupathy. On the anniversary of 9/11, Saud Akhtar, a Muslim living in New York City, wakes up to what could be a tragic day. Causes: Religion and Spirituality, Civil Rights. Watch the trailer here.

  • WORTH IT. Directed by E’an Verdugo. An intimate conversation between a young foster couple who face the hard reality of an unknown future with their foster son. Cause: Child Welfare. Watch the trailer here.

Los Angeles, CA - April 5, 2019 – A Show For A Change, an impact-driven digital media startup company, today announced a new fundraising partnership in advance of the upcoming launch of its streaming service for social impact, Movikarma. A Show For A Change is supporting a fundraising campaign launched by Max Landwirth, a film producer, to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and fight blood cancer. Part of LLS’ Man & Woman of the Year campaign, Mr. Landwirth aims to support the critical need for cancer research and patient services.

Donate here to help Max reach his $100,000 goal.

Donors who contribute at least $10 by June 7th will be entered to win a day with the stars of Almost Cool Films, which created a short film supporting the campaign.

LOS ANGELES-BASED STARTUP PREVIEWS NEW STREAMING SERVICE FOR SOCIAL IMPACT

Los Angeles, CA - March 12, 2019 – In front of a star-studded audience on March 7th, A Show For A Change, an impact driven digital media startup company, previewed its new streaming service for social impact, Movikarma. A unique premium streaming service, Movikarma will transform entertainment into action, empowering audiences to support charities and content creators connected to the films and series they watch. Movikarma partners with leading influencers, non-profits, and brands to tell powerful, socially conscious stories. This increases engagement, donations, and awareness. Users can pre-register now at movikarma.com to receive a free 30 day trial. Impact driven filmmakers can also submit their projects for potential inclusion on Movikarma. The service will begin streaming later this year.

Photos from the event are available for press here and here.

LOS ANGELES-BASED STARTUP ANNOUNCES NEW STREAMING PLATFORM FOR SOCIAL IMPACT

Los Angeles, CA - February 21, 2019 – A Show For A Change, a socially conscious entertainment startup company, today announced that it will host an invitation-only launch event on Thursday, March 7th to celebrate its new streaming platform for social impact, movikarma. A unique, first of its kind streaming service, movikarma will transform entertainment into action, empowering audiences to support charities and content creators connected to the films and series they watch. Free from distracting ads and banners, movikarma will partner with leading influencers, non-profits, and brands to tell socially conscious stories and increase their social impact.

Guests can RSVP and learn more here.

This month’s A Show For A Change Film Festival award winners include:

• Creativity Award: THE ABUSED. Directed by Lamont Wilkins. A spoken word short film that tells several stories of domestic violence and the people affected. Watch the trailer here.

• Storytelling Award: DISHONOUR. Directed by Terrence Turner. Performed entirely by one actor, Mimi Ndiweni, DISHONOUR tells the story of a five year old girl caught in middle of a struggle between her recently widowed father and his elderly aunt who disagree on how best to adapt to the customs and laws of their newly adopted home in the United Kingdom. The aunt’s failure to abandon ancient African tribal traditions, including the harmful practice of female genital mutilation, leads to potentially devastating consequences for the young girl. Watch the trailer here.

• Cinematography Award: LETTER TO MY MOTHER. Directed by Branislav Jankic. A visual and literary body of work that reveals an impactful look into the lives of mothers suffering from addiction in the United States. The project strives to lift the stigma of addiction and create an international support system for those suffering from this disease, particularly mothers. The short film was shot during the first exhibition of the project in New York, June 2016. Watch the trailer here and view the accompanying photographic book.

• Social Impact Awards:

  • WEAR. Directed by Hannah Mitchell. A short film about a young woman who comes home from work after an experience with her boss commenting on her blouse. The woman then analyzes the clothing items in her closet based on past experiences with men, who criticized her appearance, until she becomes fed-up and takes action. Watch the full film here.

  • GREEN TALES OF THE CITY. Directed by Gwen Jansen. A documentary chronicling how the sustainability movement in several cities in the Netherlands is getting louder, more powerful, and more extensive at a breakneck pace. An increasing number of citizens, artists, businesses, research institutions, and local governments are joining forces to make their own living environments more sustainable and are no longer waiting on the slow decisions being made at the national level. Watch the trailer here.

This month’s winners include:

• Creativity Award: NIGHT LIGHT, an animated short film about a wide-eyed, newborn sea turtle named Fin finds himself on the illuminated beaches of Miami. It is a perilous time to be a hatchling, with hazards of artificial light and debris present at every turn. With the help of Abueluna, his caring, celestial guide, Fin will make the daring trek from his cluttered nest to the open seas. Directed by Yamiset Trujillo and Jane Suarez. Watch a clip here.

• Storytelling Awards:

  • ALTERNATIVE FACTS: THE LIES OF EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066, a documentary feature film about the false information and political influences which led to the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans. Directed by Jon Osaki. Watch a trailer here.

  • STRESSED, a documentary feature film that delves into our history with stress, how we got to where we are today, and where we go from here. Directed by Luke Segreto. Watch a trailer here.

• Cinematography Awards:

  • INTRODUCING PHYSIOSHARK: BABY SHARKS AND CLIMATE CHANGE, a short documentary about how climate change threatens shark populations worldwide. Directed by Tom Vierus.

  • REPICORE: RESEARCH IN MELANESIA, a short documentary about an innovative program on social-ecological systems in Melanesia - particularly in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea. It aimed to investigate the effects of climate change-related stressors on the coral reef ecosystems as well as the respective communities that depend on them. The film presents an overview of the findings of the 5-year project. Directed by Tom Vierus.

• Social Impact Awards:

  • CAPTIVITY, a documentary feature film with never before seen footage documenting the mistreatment of animals in zoos, circuses and sea life parks. Featuring interviews with political figures, wildlife experts, and animal activists, CAPTIVITY discusses the psychological and physical effects caused by these captive environments. Directed by Phil Waller. Watch a trailer here.

  • EVERY NINE MINUTES, a short documentary about how every nine minutes, the weight of a blue whale (300,000 pounds) in plastic makes its way into our oceans. To call attention to this, the Monterey Bay Aquarium built a life-sized replica of a blue whale made of single use, locally sourced plastic trash. Certified by Guinness World Records, the whale is the largest sculpture of its kind ever built. Directed by DJ O’Neill and Oliver Hamilton. Watch the full film here.

This month’s winners include:

• Creativity Award: ITSY, a fictional narration of two neighbors and an unsuspecting friend who forges their unique bond. Produced and directed by Premila Puri, ITSY addresses themes of kindness and acceptance. The score was composed by Segun Akinola, the sole composer of the new series of Doctor Who.

• Storytelling Award: JHALKI: Tale of a Tireless Sparrow, a lyrical story of lost childhood, set against the powerful backdrop of child slavery and human trafficking. The film was produced, written, and directed by Brahmanand S. Siingh based in Mumbai, India.

• Cinematography Award: EDUNATION, a documentary about the failure of the public education system in India and remedies that could bring groundbreaking change. The film was produced by Mahatma Education Society and directed by Preeti Pawar.

• Social Impact Award: SURAJ, about a middle-class Hindu man, Suraj Patel, who carries a big secret that could bring unimaginable shame to his family and religion. The film was directed by Marissa Shankar.