A crew of filmmakers, who are very passionate about their work, are attempting to raise money to help support a 60 minute movie called Stale. Money raised is just for basic costs (lighting, props, camera, transportation) as the film makers are mostly volunteering their time out of love for their line of work. Stale is about a young man named Andrew. Andrew is a professional and is in a stable relationship. Andrew’s mother suffers from depression and Andrew attempts to reconcile as past wrongs are starting to disrupt his life, but has a hard road of reconciliation ahead of him. This film takes you through a journey of life that unfortunately all too many have faced and experienced, that’s why I got so interested in this project. We’ve all been there. This project raised $5,067 from 21 people. Decent!
Eat out of a dumpster
When this documentary project came across my desk (okay computer screen) I thought I’d donate a couple of bucks towards the making of it. It has a very interesting take on food that has been thrown away wastefully and what some people do to save it, what depths they will go to. This documentary is about a movement of what is called “Dumpster Divers” who salvage thrown out food from stores by going through the dumpsters. Dumpster Divers share their stories as well as store owners, employees, managers of food banks and the homeless. If you haven’t already seen this documentary, please do!
Dead dreams don’t have to become zombies
I was invited to donate into a theatre project, and I LOVE theatre – when I was younger I thought I would get into it and took all the drama classes in school, until high school when most of my dreams were dashed and I had to face reality. The best I can do these days is donating money into the arts and giving away free consulting time.
Plot summary: Why does everyone have to go ruin everything and start getting married? Julius and his best friend Morrie live together comfortably, reliving their college days. But Julius’s girlfriend, June, is growing frustrated with Morrie’s quirks, specifically, his phobia of all things related to love. They find themselves awash in wedding invitations, prompting a crisis in Julius’ and June’s relationship.
Ground Station Calliope
This is a phenomenal project involving outer space. The goal is to promote a satellite called “Project Calliope.” This satellite is an instrument in space that picks up on sounds from outer space, these sounds are called sonification. Moneys raised on this project will help bridge the gap between the sounds from outer space and musicians on earth to create music tracks. The satellite has a life of 10 to 12 weeks, just like most of my diets. This is possibly one of the most different art projects I’ve ever seen.
Fish Bridge
This project is about the art of printmaking. This art form, which goes back to 1855, is a fine printmaking art called Gyotaku, and seeps into various areas including anything from fine art publications and books to child crafts. The goal for this project is for the interested person to be able to travel to Japan and study this fine form of art under the instruction of a Japanese art master / mentor. I rarely give towards people traveling, but what the heck, if I can’t go, someone else should 🙂
What You Can Do
What You Can Do is an awareness project. The hopes is to be able to air is a television series of 21 episodes. This television series will include one minute clips on how to better our world. For example, think of how much water could be conserved if everyone in the world decided to turn off the water while they were brushing their teeth. The project focuses on different crucial aspects involved in sustaining life such as fighting global warming, promoting respect and cancer awareness. I’ve participated in several really neat projects like this in the past. – Asif Zamir
The Godot Cycle
This theatrical play will be time-consuming, exhausting and nothing but a sheer battle, just like my life. The Godot Cycle will be happening along with the Toronto Fringe Festival and there will be two marathons of the play. The first will be for a total of 30 hours and the second 54 hours. The two main characters are to act for the full time and not take any breaks, this is a gruelling grind. The other 3 characters will be played by various actors. Concepts of performance art will be incorporated. – Asif Zamir
Brass Roots of New Orleans
This documentary’s main focus is on New Orleans and contemporary brass band music. This documentary outlines history around the brass band music in New Orleans and the culture and people involved with this music genre. This project began in 2009 by three companions in New Orleans and musicians, band members, rappers, writers and artists have been interviewed.
The Apology Project
San Francisco, California
Dance
A lot of people in the world at large tend to apologize a lot for pretty much everything, I find myself apologizing for something everyday. Actually a taxi driver in Mississauga told me that in some Indian dialects the name Asif can be translated into “sorry”. Ffrom I’m sorry I stood you up, to I’m sorry I couldn’t make it on time, to several other sorry’s, The Apology Project builds on this concept. The film brings out contrasts between the light and dark sides of life intertwining with this main theme. When someone says they are sorry they experience different emotions such as guilt, shame and wanting desperately to be forgiven. This film is not for the faint of heart, it’s for those who really care about people and when someone says sorry a lot, part of you just wants to reach out to them and forgive them and wish they weren’t so hard on themselves. This is a dance-art project, for those of you who have danced with me, you know I can’t dance, but I can certainly give to someone who can 🙂
