United Nations Association Film Festival spotlights Creativity Explored artists
Film still from You Always See Myself of Allura Fong
The 26th United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF) is shining a spotlight on the extraordinary documentary, You Always See Myself, produced by Electric Park Films in 2023. This heartwarming and insightful film provides an intimate look into the daily lives and remarkable artistic endeavors of the neurodiverse artists at Creativity Explored. UNAFF, which runs from October 19 to 29, 2023, has chosen the theme of "Solutions" for this year's edition, making it the perfect platform to celebrate the creative solutions that these artists have found in their lives.
Creativity Explored is a haven for artists with diverse abilities, providing them with a nurturing space to express their talents and explore their creativity. The studio and gallery space has played a transformative role in the lives of hundreds of artists over the decades, fostering a community of support and artistic growth. You Always See Myself delves into this magical space and captures the essence of how it has enriched the personal and professional lives of these exceptional artists. The film provides an engaging and authentic portrayal of these artists, whose work often challenges conventional notions of art and creativity.
The 16-minute film focuses on a remarkable collaborative fashion show, born out of necessity when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted studio programming. The show became a creative outlet for both the instructors and artists at Creativity Explored, showcasing their innovative approach to overcoming the unique challenges of the pandemic, as well as their resilience, adaptability, and sheer talent.
Film stills from You Always See Myself (2023)
You Always See Myself is a testament to the fact that art knows no boundaries and that creativity can be a powerful force for transformation and healing. The film not only highlights the beauty of neuro-diversity but also showcases the profound impact of progressive studios across the country, which provide a supportive community and a space that nurtures creativity to adults with developmental disabilities.
Beyond its screening at UNAFF, the documentary also had a previous showing at the Roxie Theater as part of the 2023 San Francisco Short Film Festival, where it garnered well-deserved acclaim and touched the hearts of many. Screenings such as at UNAFF and the Roxie underscore the importance of amplifying the voices of those who might not always have a platform in the mainstream media.
You Always See Myself is a celebration of the human spirit, and a testament to the power of art and creativity in transforming lives, redefining societal perceptions, and inspiring solutions to life's challenges. The film invites the public to broaden their understanding of what it means to be an artist, encouraging us to look beyond the traditional definitions and embrace the unique talents that lie within each individual.
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About Electric Park Films
Film still from You Always See Myself of Yukari Sakura
Christian Bruno is an award winning filmmaker and cinematographer whose films have premiered at Sundance, Telluride and Ann Arbor Film Festivals. His cinematography can be seen in several acclaimed films, most recently Chris Russo’s feature-length portrait of 6 women navigating the world of legal cannabis, Lady Buds, currently streaming on STARZ. Christian has been awarded grants from California Council for the Humanities, San Francisco Foundation, FilmIndependent/HBO Documentary Fellowship, and has been in residence at The MacDowell Colony.
Natalija Vekic is a screenwriter and director. She won a Golden Gate Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival for her short film Lost & Found, and was the recipient of a Princess Grace Award in film. She was invited to participate in the Film Independent Screenwriting Lab and selected as an honoree in the Writers Guild of America West's Feature Access Diversity Project with her feature screenplay for Jane. Her directing work includes a short documentary portrait of Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sam Green and artist and Illustrator Shyama Golden. Natalija was nominated for two Webby Awards for a short documentary portrait of iconic designer Barbara Stauffacher Solomon produced for Adobe Create Magazine. She recently wrote and directed a short, narrative film — Jane.
About UNAFF
Founded in 1998 by Jasmina Bojic, film critic and educator, UNAFF (United Nations Association Film Festival) is an international documentary film festival originally established to honor the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. UNAFF celebrates the power of films dealing with human rights, including environmental themes, women’s issues, racism, child welfare, war and peace. Over its 25 years, UNAFF and its year-round programs have attracted a broad audience from around the Bay Area, with many finding the screenings to be a rare chance to engage with different cultures and see the state of human rights around the world and at home. UNAFF promotes education, awareness, and social change through images, dialogue, and action.