Global Peace Film Festival programs films on important topics that are hard to find anywhere else. It is a great opportunity to enjoy them together, talk about the topics, listen in on panels that make us think as well as feel. An informed public makes better local and world citizens. It's a gem and that's why I'm a part of it!
The Global Peace Film Festival has put on one of my favorite events in the greater Orlando area every year I have lived in the city! They consistently offer insights and views into some of the most compelling and complex issues of our times through the films shown at the festival. I was so impressed with GPFF's efforts that I joined their board of directors! The Global Peace Film Festival helps bring unique perspectives and stories to light in the name of creating a better world.
This was my first time attending The 2016 Global Peace Film Festival. The events of the festival totally exceeded my expectations. There were so many choices regarding films and forums with a wide range of interesting and enlightening topics and issues. I loved the Enzian Theatre & Cafe event where "Love is Strange" was shown. Most impressive was that the Executive Director, Nina Streich, was able to get John Lithgow to film a special message about the festival before the movie was shown. The Mad Cow Theatre featured a live one-man show, "Bearing Witness", by Tom Bird. I believe it was the first time the festival has offered a live play and it was powerful and impressive. I also loved the Orlando schools arts competition awards held at City Hall. The artwork from such young talent was outstanding. I highly recommend attending this festival for an enriching experience and I hope to return again next year.
I was invited to the Global Peace Film Festival with my film 'Under the Same Sun' (Ek Surya Ke Taley). It is a very important festival with beautiful and meaningful films that educate, captivate and inspire audiences to take action. The festival is very well organized and gives filmmakers an opportunity to meet like-minded artists who care about creating change in our world. Orlando is very fortuante that Nina and Kelly have dedicated so many hours to create a festival that is making difference in the lives of its citizens.
Our film CARE, which explores home-based elder care from the perspectives of both care workers and their clients, was featured at the 2016 Global Peace Film Festival. I was able to attend through support from the festival and I had a great experience. The festival organizers, Nina and Kelly, had done impressive advance work to engage participants from local aging -related organizations and as a result the discussions following both screenings were rich and productive. I made valuable connections, one of which has lead to the film being featured in a national conference in 2017. I appreciated how the tireless staff and volunteers not only managed a multi-faceted event with skill and grace, but also created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the visiting filmmakers. I think GPFF provides a wonderful service to Orlando and gives social issue filmmakers a fine venue to share our work. Thanks for the opportunity to share my experience.
I enjoyed the full range of experiences at the Global Peace Film Festival. The films were deeply moving, fulfilling the need for visionary solutions to real humans needs in our society. The conversations and social events were exhilarating and filled with inspiring people. I was impressed with the board members and their commitment to the festival. Overall, I left Orlando touched and inspired by the filmmakers, the organizers, the staff and the board at the GPFF.
This was the first festival we had the opportunity to attend and we were not disappointed. Nina and Kelly care deeply about the filmmakers and each of the films, which is something not all festivals have. Our first screening was amazing. It was packed and we were answering questions for almost an hour. The festival creates the space in which these important discussions can be had. The interaction with other people who may or may have a lot of knowledge about the issue is valuable for the filmmakers, the audience and ultimately for society.
For the second time in four years I have
been invited by the leaders' of The Global
Peace Film Festival to have my film
The Nuclear Requiem be.a selection in the
2016m GPFF. The dedication by Nina Streich and Kelly DeVine creates an environment for the important and challenging stories to be told, such as my topic..the continuing. Present of nuclear weapons.
Robert E Frye, Producer and Director
Global Peace Film Festival is the fiscal sponsor of our documentary FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO about the intersection of religion, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Working with them, it has been easy to collect tax-deductible donations from our supporters. We have benefited from the expertise of GPFF as relates to various aspects of the film such as grant writing and audience engagement. Our team also appreciates the mission of GPFF and how well it aligns with the films we are making. I feel this organization is really making a difference by exposing people to a wide variety of important global issues and solutions, as well as engaging them in change.
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This is one of my favorite Orlando events. I love the scope of films offered as they address the subject of peace in such diverse ways. This year I saw a film about the relationship of 2 brothers, peace efforts in several international communities, several relevant films with LGBT themes, a local look at homelessness, and several solution oriented films. All were thought provoking. I love the access to filmmakers and the conversation with other filmgoers.
The Global Peace Film Festival was an inspiring, well put together festival that has a long future in front of it. The festival provides a platform for growth and change that I was lucky to be a part of.
I was just at the GPFF and had an amazing experience. The line up of films were exceptional -- representing communities from all parts of the globe. David Pavlosky and I presented our documentary PUZZLES: When Hate Came to Town to enthusiastic audiences -- and the Q&A following the screenings stand out as one of the most profound discussions we have had with this film.
The GBFF uniquely brings together filmmakers and audiences creating an environment that is thought-provoking, stimulating, entertaining, and fun--what a rare combination. The films I watched were diverse and inspiring. The panel discussions were informative and insightful...the audiences engaged and tuned in. Nina and Kelly are first-rate in every way, and Chris on the GPFF staff was top-notch. Looking forward to more Global Peace Film Festivals in the coming years.
Hi I'm Rick. About 5years ago I was privileged enough to be part of the global peace film festival. Our film the homeless documentary Take Me Home was selected that year. It's because of the global peace film festival, that millions have become aware of the issue of homelessness and who the homeless are. I can never say thank you enough to the director Nina and everyone else in this organization. If you want to the film, contact the organizers. Oh yes, I was homeless during the creation of the fil, and now I'm not because someone who saw the film was able to see the good in me. And helped me get off this street. Here's the good part. That lady who helped me, Tracy, we are getting married next year.
As an independent filmmaker interested in community bridge-building and social justice causes, the Global Peace Film Festival was an ideal platform in which to share my work. This extremely well organized event brings together people from various backgrounds and interests to not only share films but to interact with one another on important issues in a constructive, engaging and positive context. The festival hosts and volunteers were unbelievably warm and welcoming and I look forward to going back to Orlando one day and experiencing their hospitality once again! Best Wishes!
I attended the screening of my film at the GPFF, along with one of the protagonists of the film, and we both were impressed by the presentation of the film. A knowledgeable presenter introduced the film and moderated a post-screening question and answer session. The films were well publicized, the filmmakers' transportation to the festival was subsidized, and the projection was well done. I hope to attend the festival as a spectator in the future to view more inspiring films about the many facets of peacemaking.
This organization encompasses all aspects of what you expect from a nonprofit....their entire mission is to create a better world. The film part of it is just the conduit used to help bring people together and create and generate ideas that better one person or an entire group. In doing so they also give back to the community where it is held by incorporating the students and local businesses. It is an enjoyable and encouraging experience and we are honored to have it hosted in our city.
I attended the 2015 GPFF representing our film 'Inside Peace' about men incarcerated in a Texas Jail who find their humanity through a peace class and start to turn their lives around. If peace can be found in prison, it can be found anywhere. When we first learned about the festival, we knew it was a perfect fit and our experience with the festival execs and organizers went beyond our expectations. From the initial communication, the attention to detail, the publicity they gave us, the quality of the booklet they created on all the films, offers for rides, to the staff of amazing volunteers, including wonderful students from both local high schools and universities and the connections they have with local peace organizations both civic and academic was an important blend resulting in a well run festival on a topic that surely should be at the top of everyone's list of important concerns. Bravo to GPFF for hosting and curating such a strong selection of diverse films on peace.
Global Peace Film Festival serves extremely important causes and informs American people what is really happening in the country and the world, and how we can live on this planet more peacefully. The festival was very well organized by very professional and hard-working staffs. Their selection of films touch the audience, including myself, profoundly. I hope they will be seen by more and more people in the future.
Global Peace Festival fills an important space by programming films that seek to raise consciousness and strengthen community ties. The films they bring together to show are consistently excellent and the event itself is well organized.
I have participated in hundreds of film festivals and this is hands down one of the best in the world. Such amazing films but also a real attention to serving the local community. OUTSTANDING!!!
The Global Peace Film Festival in Orlando is well organized, and I like the movies which are selected to run. Looking forward to next year.
Enjoyed the short film and documentary that we saw. A little technical problem with one film caused a delay but in the end, we heard more from the film producer/director and it turned out to be a bonus. Being reminded of issues that lead to more justice and peace can only make our world a more peaceful place. High Five for the Global Peace Film Festival. We just need to get more youthful faces in attendance!
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John Lennon said it best: Imagine! I spend a lot of time imaging what the world would be like if peace prevailed. children would never be fearful; landscapes would never be destroyed; people would never be maimed or killed by bombs and guns; and humankind might finally live together in an authentic compassionate and tolerant world. The Global Peace Film Festival is a substantiate initiative working to help us all realize we have much to do before our imagined world can become real. Thank you to the festival for being a continuing champion of that ideal.
Central Florida's (Orlando/WinterPark) Global Peace Film Fest, now going on its 13th year, is an annual highlight! Instead of getting on a plane, as we all love to do, the world comes to you, with all its dynamic challenges. No matter what the selections, these 50+ films shed new light on issues of the day that largely escape the mainstream media. It' s one of the best investments in continuing education for any citizen of this planet! As Robert Kennedy Jr has said "we're one of the best entertained people on the planet, but one of the least informed". With GPFF, let's change that! Charley Williams/WP
GPFF is not only giving voice to beautiful stories that add diversity and richness to the public dialogue, but also forwarding community-building and inspiring grassroots activism on important global and local issues. I have enjoyed supporting and attending since 2012. Thank you GPFF!
Going to the Global Peace Festival for the first time this year was an amazing experience for me, as well as for my best-friend, who I brought along. The other volunteers were very fun and cultured. My personal favorite from the movies we had the privilege to watch was Listopad. I never thought one of my favorite movies would turn out to be a Czech indie film, and so I was delightfully suprised at home amazing it was!
Bravo and thank you for reawakening in me an appreciation of the The Nation with the documentary Hot Type: 150 Years of the Nation. Decades have past since a last reading, and it was a bit of a surprise to find the magazine more vital than ever under editor Katrina vanden Heuvel and her staff's intelligent selfless dedication. Also good to know the future of an unfettered liberal viewpoint will continue with The Nation's great intern program to carry its message into the digital age.
This was my second year as a volunteer, it is the highest quality, bringing to us films that deal with the human condition. My only disappointment is that more don't attend. The audiences should be huge! Somehow, the word needs to get out more than it is and I wish I had a solution.
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This is my fifth year attending the Global Peace Film Festial, and each year they set the bar higher and higher. From the films, to meeting the film makers, panel discussions and juicy issues that are not just considered but suggestions are given to take action. I get a charge from the people and the environment created by the venue spaces, and look forward to it each year. The GPFF team sets the standard for a week of cause-driven, thought-provoking, action-oriented events!
This film festival is always worth time & money. Well organized, good subject matters. Venues usually provide good parking opportunities although this seems to be an on-going issue for most festivals. Artists have been present for most films which is a plus.
Excellent film selection & inclusion of local films, highlighting out reached in our own community greatly enhanced the global peace film festival!
This Festival far exceeds its resources to provide a film festival that is crucial to giving exposure to filmmakers from around the world that produce films that can go a long way in bring cultural understanding and peace to the world. It brings together different cultures, religions and races that may have harbored certain bias without the exposure to this event. It reaches out the the local youth of the community, as well as the adults, and exposes them to the possibilities.
I was so impressed with everyone at the festival - the organizers, the staff, volunteers and the other filmmakers. The GPFF is one of the best film festivals I have been lucky enough to take part in.
World class!
As a filmmaker dedicated towards creating films that promote, cultivate, and communicate peace, I am beyond impressed with how Global Peace Film Festival has facilitated these real-life actions and the films that promote them.
I have been attending the GPFF for 7 years and joined the board three years ago. Every year the GPFF has great potential to be life changing for not only the persons/places in the movies but just as importantly for the viewer. The many fantastic documentary films are carefully selected each year to inform us, through extremely creative entertainment, about pressing global and local issues. We work to create a platform which makes change not only possible but even easily achievable. Our slogan is "It Starts Here" and how accurate this is. The real kicker in attending such an enjoyable festival is the wonderful ideas of change for a more sustainable and peaceful society, that would earlier have seemed overwhelming, take on a completely different vibe.
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Every year I grow more in love with the GPFF. I began attending 4 years ago and really dug the variety and creative message of the documentary films. The festival showcases the genius of these filmmakers. It is extremely thought provoking and entertaining! A great way to see the world behind the scenes of government and propaganda. A great way to learn how much alike we human beings really are even with our upbringing in such diverse cultures. I decided to join the board this past year to bring more awareness to the power of the films selected by the GPFF.
As a member of the Peace and Justice Initiative of Valencia College, I can say that we are so happy to have a partnership with the Global Peace Film Festival. The Festival brings beautiful, inspiring films (and filmmakers) to Orlando every year and I've witnessed individuals feel impacted and ready to take action as a result. More people should acknowledge and support the incredible work of the Global Peace Film Festival--they really are trying to make a difference in Orlando, and in our world.
I have been attending the Global Peace Film Festival for several years — it's been in Orlando for 12 — and I have always enjoyed the experience.
The festival attracts great films (primarily documentaries) and many of the filmmakers attend and interact with the audience after their screenings. There are also interesting panel presentations and other events outside of the screening schedule.
This festival is an important piece in the cultural fabric of Orlando.
(The only thing holding it back from a 5-star review — I wish it was bigger! I recently joined the board of the festival and hope to expand its reach in 2015.)
The Global Peace Film Festival was the perfect place for us to premiere our film and showcase our program!
GPFF is a fantastic festival. I am never disappointed in the selection of movies, or the professionalism of the event staff. I most appreciate meeting the filmmakers and catching a glimpse into the world of other people through the film selections. This helps keep me "global minded", compassionate, and empathetic. What could be better?
I am not connected to Global Peace Film Festival, but was promoting the International Day of Peace. I was able to attend many of the films and found all of them to be professional and actually better than I expected. Having representatives of the films their to answer question was a terrific bonus. As an action step in response to the information gained from one of the films, I am working on a new project.
In this time when we need global peace more than ever before, the Global Peace Film Festival offers an accessible platform for independent filmmakers who care about worldwide unity. Director Nina Streich's dedication to the integrity of this festival is the foundation for its success. Art is a powerful agent of change, and the GPFF provides access to positive solutions to a growing concern.
The Global Peace Film Festival was inspiring and transformative. The films showcased important, relevant, and powerful messages about critical social issues. In addition to the brilliant films, having the opportunity to chat with many of the film makers made the experience even more special. My students, colleagues, and I feel grateful to have been a part of this amazing learning experience and now feel ready to engage in social action. Thank you GPFF!
I am aware of the work done by GPFF for more than decade. It brings to the attention of viewers the peace, human rights and development issues which are crucial for the benefit of humanity. It's role in advancing the culture of peace is truly commendable.
GPFF needs greater recognition globally.
The Global Peace Film serves in a powerful role by introducing diverse voices through the medium of films to our students , and the larger community, films with extraordinary educational and social messages. Truly a positive contribution to the promotion of Peace and Justice, and what a gift to Central Florida. Thank You!
After attending numerous film festivals over the last few months with my Oscar nominated short documentary, I must say the GPFF ranks as one of the best film festivals I have had the pleasure of participating in.
Their attention to detail regarding the comfort of the filmmaker is outstanding. And their public outreach before, during and after the festival is 2nd to none.
Because the films in the festival deal with pressing social issues, I felt it was wonderful that the organizers had radio and press folks ready and willing to cover the issues embodied in our films.
The folks who put the festival together were always available for any questions we filmmakers may have had, and the volunteers were also extremely helpful throughout the entire event. I would love to be a part of the festival in the coming years - so I had better finish my next film quicker than my last!
Thanks to everyone at the GPFF!
Incredible Boutique Film Festival serving our Community with a greater understanding for Peace, Education and Understanding within all Social circles. A highly spirited Annual affair that incorporates beautiful Films that are issue oriented. A much needed Event serving a wide variety of International Nations by exposure to Film as Art. John Vizzusi, Filmmaker (Orlando, Florida USA)
This is the one film festival in Central Florida that I never miss. The films make a difference in so many lives it is truly an activist Film Festival and the film festival that supports local independent activist filmmakers. Thank You global peace Film Festival!
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The Global Peace Film Festival is a great resource for local documentary filmmakers and their students. I submit my films to the festival, my students submit their films, and I assign students to attend and write essays about the films they view. These films are unavailable anywhere else in Central Florida so the GPFF brings a unique cultural opportunity to our community. Unlike other film festivals in town that are all about the "party" or the "prestige," GPFF is all about the films and the audiences. Nina's love of film and people is authentic. She works so hard to make the festival great but has very little resources or staff. I wish that she could find more local support to strengthen her organization. I am afraid what will happen if Rollins College ever decides it can no longer support the festival.
maria c 11/16/2012
Thanks Lisa.
We are making the rounds with our documentary film and I will tell you that not all film festivals are created equal. The Global Peace Film Festival was a pleasure to be associated with. The staff and the volunteers went above and beyond to make our screenings successful. Kudos to GPFF and looking forward to returning!
The Global Peace Film Festival is one of the best festivals out there. As someone who has had his work in hundreds of festivals around the world, when I'm invited to screen at GPFF, I ALWAYS SAY "YES!" The films are amazing, the concurrent programming is wonderful and the vibe of the festival couldn't be better.
GPRR rocks!!
I have been making non fiction films for 25 years and have traveled to festivals around the world screening those films. I recently (Sept 2014) was a guest filmmaker at the Global Peace Festival where I screened a short film "The Marion Lake Story: Defeating the Mighty Phragmite" to engaged and attentive audiences.
This festival is one of the best programmes I have seen in years. Rather than focus on glossy high profile films and makers, this festival screens films that work well together and address peace from many angles. I saw many films and every one has lingered in my soul, making me think in new ways.
I wish this program could travel as it is so well thought out.
Even without a film in the festival I would attend again.
Bravo.
Greta Schiller
The Global Peace Film Festival has fantastic programming and energy. They also incorporate the messages of the films into work being done within the community.
This is always a great experience. It is wonderful to see so many films by bright, talented filmakers, some of whom are young filmakers whose works we can look foreward to for many years. Always a great line up of films.
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This organization helped to advertise a film I made. I believe them to be very motivated and kind. They do a great job advertising lots of interesting and important films.
There are so few initiatives worldwide that focus their full attention on solutions that are nonviolent. War, violent behavior and it's aftereffects are negatively impacting us all domestically and globally. This festival enables attendees to thoughtfully consider options to violence and and opens up a public discussion which brings us closer to considering and embracing nonviolent solutions.
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This year I attended 13 of the Global Peace Film Festival's presentations. Each one was excellent in its own right. All were informative and many motivated me to become more involved in issues that concern all of us. I will attend again next year.
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I saw 9 of the films that were offered this year and would have liked to have seen more, but didn't have the time. Every film opened my mind and eyes to situations that are around the world. It was an incredible experience.
This unique forum brings together the visionaries, producers and consumers like no other. To understand how the art of film making is conceptualized, created, displayed and the lives affected toward making change happen is awe inspiring.
One of the best Global Peace Film Festivals yet. Thanks to Nina Streich for bringing quality films and their makers to Central Florida.
This year I only attended two films. Each one was well done and dealt with subjects about which I had little knowledge. We are so lucky to have easy access to this festival. I'm already looking forward to next year.
My time at the Global Peace Film Festival benefitted me in several ways: reinforced power of visual to communicate a need for social change or progress in realizing social change, locally, nationally and internationally. Some of my perspectives were enforced helping me to move forward with my own work for social change. IN addition I connected with some people I doubt I would have encountered in other arenas.
The Global Peace Film Festival was great this year. The films keep getting better. The weather was a bit rough on the attendees this year (buckets of rain) but that did not dampen the spirit of the organizers or attendees from what I could tell. One of the neatest things about the GPFF is that the director, Nina arranges for the film directors to be in attendance. After many of the films the film director will talk about what inspired them to make the film and take questions from the audience. This is the icing on the cake for me. I can't wait until next year. I am so inspired I want to volunteer my time to help this organization. If I could give ten stars I would. My hat is off to anyone who looks to inspire peace on earth!
Each year I have a different experience at the GPFF. This year I was reminded how fortunate we all are to have the chance each day to be kind, forgiving, compassionate, inspired. It's a wonderful feeling. Thank You Global Peace Film Festival for the heartfelt films each year.
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The scope of choices in films is always amazing. I went to 3 and learned so much. One of which was a documentary on a Buddhist Trek across the Himalayas. It was wonderful and as I watched and felt the compassion of the Trekkers I decided to go back to being vegetarian. It's been almost a year now. They touched me so much each time I am tempted to eat a chicken leg I think of them and choose celery instead. :)
The Global Peace Film Festival has been my spiritual Home for the last 4 years. We have screened two of our inspiring movies THE INVOCATION and FEMME and every time it was a sold out house full of Peace and Love. The dedication of Nina Streich and Kelly Devine is a rare and much appreciated extra token if you get lucky to be invited to be at the GPFF. For sure I will be honored to come back year after year and support this great team and enlightening film festival.
GPFF is on the cutting edge of what a film festival should be. They have taken the experience beyond just screening the films to engaging the community to really make a difference. I had the pleasure of being part of that experience last winter when the coordinated a visit from luminaries from the U.S. and Nigeria to work with the local colleges to expand the mission of a film into action for good. AMAZING WORK THEY ARE DOING!
maria c 11/18/2012
Thanks Joanie !