In February we started working on our Hello Cool World vision. One strong area we felt we wanted to work on was to really make our online store a successful way to raise money and a new model for funding the campaigning efforts of our friends. As our 'regulars' will know - with the makers of The Corporation film,we are working on building a movement to change the corporate form, funded by our online store. With The Corporation, however, we are still only re-sellers of the DVDS, which we have to buy from our distributors, which doesn't leave much for the campaign.
Right now, we have a unique opportunity now to expand this work. We are working with the filmmakers of the award winning 65_RedRoses, a moving documentary about Eva Markvoort's struggle with Cystic Fibrosis. Without fully realizing it, Eva started a global campaign for organ donation in the spring of 2007, while she was waiting on a transplant list for new lungs.
We see the need for a new way for social cause filmmakers to distribute their films. Like 65_RedRoses. So we are also building a 'fair trade' DVD distribution network that can share profits for the causes and the creators of the films we support. 65_RedRoses is the beginning!
Katherine Dodds AKA "Kat" is the founder of Good Company Communications and HelloCoolWorld.com. Trained in renegade advertising & branding through her work with Adbusters in the '90s, Kat's early induction into the possibilities of the web-world was inspired by the term hypertext, which she immediately found comforting. She is dedicated to cause-related communication and to the development and use of tools that promote democratic processes.
HelloCoolWorld made a trip down across the border to attend the third annual Green Festival in Seattle June 5 - 6. It was great to see such a unique collaboration between grassroots community groups, organizations and other companies, all come together to share ideas for a green future.
We were especially excited to hear Thom Hartmann speak about the history of Corporate Reform. Amy Goodman from Democracy Now was also a keynote speaker, who shared her experiences as a journalist trying to cover stories that corporations are trying to cover up, such as the BP oil crisis in the Gulf of Mexico, and the police brutality that she suffered from at the Republican convention during the last US elections.
David Ng is a Hello Cool World veteran with experience going back a decade. David first worked with us when he was just 14 years old as a participant in the youth advisory group for the sexual health education program Condomania. Now an accomplished videographer passionate about the issues of gender and power, he is currently on sabbatical in South Africa while he pursues a Masters in Gender Studies with a focus on international development.
Director Denis Delestrac and Producer March Achbar available for interviews
The prospect of Earth being ruled from space is no longer science-fiction. The dream of the original Dr. Strangelove, Wernher von Braun (from Nazi rocket-scientist to NASA director) has survived every US administration since WW2 and is coming to life. Today the technology exists to weaponize space, a massive American industry thrives, and nations are maneuvering for advantage.
"BAS!" is a film about trafficked women in Mumbai. Personally, I really liked this film because it gave a unique view into the individual lives of these women. I particuarly liked how the film doesn't shy away from talking about the things that are wrong with the system of transition as well, such as the fact that many of these women have to be married off at the end. The film is beautifully shot, and reveals some interesting facets of the lives of these women in transition.
Screening at Vancity Theatre Tuesday, May 11 at 8:30 PM
If you love this universe — come out tonight to the Vancity Theatre in Vancouver! It's one of the new 'collection' from Mark Achbar of The Corporation. It's stunningly shot, extremely engaging and chillingly important.
We spoke to Pax Americana writer, Harold Crooks yesterday about the film:
Executive Producer Betsy Carson & narrator Mikela Jay will be in attendance. Writer Harold Crooks will host a Q & A.