"To Touch the Soul" Wins Best of Show Accolade Award
Documentary features the experiences of an American university professor and his students who traveled to Cambodia in 2005 to create art projects with AIDS children.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, September 10, 2007 --(PR.com)-- “To Touch the Soul,” a 70-minute documentary produced by Cut Loose Productions, has won a prestigious Best of Show Award as well as an Honorable Mention (motivational/inspirational category) from the Accolade Competition. Narrated by actress Cassandra Hepburn, “To Touch the Soul” involves the experiences of artist educator and social activist, Carlos Silveira, and 27 California State University, Long Beach students who traveled to Cambodia to create art projects with impoverished children impacted by HIV/AIDS. Director/Editor Ryan Goble and Director of Photography Erin Henning capture the emotional context as Carlos and the students bond with the children and discover the true meaning of kindness, selflessness and courage.
“My team and I are thrilled to receive such a prestigious award,” said Teresa Hagen, producer and owner of Cut Loose Productions. “Dr. Silveira and his students granted us a great privilege in allowing us to follow them as they worked with Cambodian youth who are either infected with HIV/AIDS or have become orphans due to their parents dying from the disease (a population expected to grow to 108,700 over the next five years). Seeing these children, some abandoned by their families and all by society, happy and joyous despite their circumstances was wondrous to behold, and they became the mentors who empowered the Americans to turn outward from themselves and realize a global need for their energy, passion and new ideas. In a country where only 35 percent of HIV-infected children receive treatment, it is my hope that our story's perspective will help an audience realize how much potential a child with AIDS can offer the world if only they can receive care.”
“I focused on capturing both the beauty that surrounds Cambodia and the tragedy that hides within,” Goble added. “Our goal was to make the viewer feel like they were in Phnom Penh working with these kids. We chose to use the point of view of the Cal State Long Beach students because they had no idea what to expect when they arrived. They were naïve. That’s easy to relate to because the majority of the viewers have probably never worked with Cambodian children infected with H.I.V.”
The Accolade recognizes film, television and video professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries are judged by highly qualified professionals in the film and television industry. Information about the Accolade and a list of recent winners can be found at www.theaccolade.net.
In winning an Accolade, Cut Loose Productions joins the ranks of other high-profile winners of this internationally respected award. “The Accolade is not an easy award to win,” commented Thomas Baker, Ph.D., who chairs The Accolade. “Entries are received from around the world. The Accolade helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptionally high quality of entries. The goal of The Accolade is to help the winners achieve the recognition they deserve.”
Contact Teresa Hagen at 310-346-3650 or via e-mail at scifigal@cox.net; or visit www.totouchthesoul.com for more information about “To Touch the Soul” and upcoming screenings.
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“My team and I are thrilled to receive such a prestigious award,” said Teresa Hagen, producer and owner of Cut Loose Productions. “Dr. Silveira and his students granted us a great privilege in allowing us to follow them as they worked with Cambodian youth who are either infected with HIV/AIDS or have become orphans due to their parents dying from the disease (a population expected to grow to 108,700 over the next five years). Seeing these children, some abandoned by their families and all by society, happy and joyous despite their circumstances was wondrous to behold, and they became the mentors who empowered the Americans to turn outward from themselves and realize a global need for their energy, passion and new ideas. In a country where only 35 percent of HIV-infected children receive treatment, it is my hope that our story's perspective will help an audience realize how much potential a child with AIDS can offer the world if only they can receive care.”
“I focused on capturing both the beauty that surrounds Cambodia and the tragedy that hides within,” Goble added. “Our goal was to make the viewer feel like they were in Phnom Penh working with these kids. We chose to use the point of view of the Cal State Long Beach students because they had no idea what to expect when they arrived. They were naïve. That’s easy to relate to because the majority of the viewers have probably never worked with Cambodian children infected with H.I.V.”
The Accolade recognizes film, television and video professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries are judged by highly qualified professionals in the film and television industry. Information about the Accolade and a list of recent winners can be found at www.theaccolade.net.
In winning an Accolade, Cut Loose Productions joins the ranks of other high-profile winners of this internationally respected award. “The Accolade is not an easy award to win,” commented Thomas Baker, Ph.D., who chairs The Accolade. “Entries are received from around the world. The Accolade helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptionally high quality of entries. The goal of The Accolade is to help the winners achieve the recognition they deserve.”
Contact Teresa Hagen at 310-346-3650 or via e-mail at scifigal@cox.net; or visit www.totouchthesoul.com for more information about “To Touch the Soul” and upcoming screenings.
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Contact
Cut Loose Productions
Teresa Hagen
310-346-3650
www.totouchthesoul.com
Teresa Hagen
310-346-3650
www.totouchthesoul.com
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