THE LEGACY XXI INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION FILM FESTIVAL DAY

THE LEGACY XXI
INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION
FILM FESTIVAL

In February, 2009 , in movie screening venues all around the globe, The First International Social Action Film Festival will be launched and celebrated. Coordinated to coincide worldwide, and organized locally within in each participating country, The International Social Action Film Festival will be a global opportunity to recognize the good that is being done to serve and benefit others throughout the world.

The International Social Action Film Festival Day is a powerful combination of the talent of filmmakers to tell a compelling story and the crucial work of social action organizations and individuals around the world solving pressing social problems. This film festival will engage its audience on a variety of entertainment and educational levels, while bringing the work of those involved in critical social action efforts to the forefront of the local communities they serve as well as those who can support their work. A key to the sustainability of any successful social action organization is its ability to communicate its story to the largest possible audience. The International Social Action Film Festival will provide that access and more.

Legacy XXI is developing this world-wide international festival to be held in venues throughout the US, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. In each location, the festival will feature screenings and discussions about films that tell the story of local social action organizations and people engaged in local social activities that have created a positive cultural shift in the community in which they took place. Currently, we are developing event coordinators in the United States, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Brazil.

Run as independent franchise operations, each of the different locations participating in the ISAFF throughout the world will be responsible for organizing their local festivals. While each festival will be linked through common ISAFF international branding, core film content, and shared overall franchise information, each individual festival will also have its own local identity. Local events will be responsible for acquiring and selecting local films, securing an appropriate venue and gathering local support and sponsors. They will also be wholly responsible for all expenditures and liabilities within their prevue and locales.

As the organizing and franchising body, the ISAFF organization will provide each festival coordinator with:

Branding
International film selection criteria guidelines
Securing appropriate international celebrity spokespeople
Creating an event coordinators’ council and scheduling regular meetings
Coordinating international media efforts
Producing international press kit models
Providing a continual stream of relevant festival information
Providing event coordinator coaching and guidance
Providing sample film festival legal agreements
Coordinating core film content distributed to each venue
Establishing valuable international sponsorships
Developing and negotiating international film distribution agreements.

ISAFF is an “All Green” film festival and all submission entries will be made online, in digital format. All films will also be placed on our web site so that from around the world house party and salon party venues will be able to download the films for coordinated viewing in locations where the festival is not being held live. Following the festival, these films will be made available on the International Social Action Film Channel, a partnership between ISAFF and the Filmmakers Channel for one year. Access to these Internet screenings will provide added opportunities and access for international and US audiences unable to attend the local events in person. Internet viewing will also offer more sponsorship and sponsor advertising opportunities, with proceeds shared between the ISAFF organization, the contributing organizations and the festival venues for the following year’s festivals. Among the online films, “Viewers’ Favorites” will be identified and acknowledged.

All films screened and approved during the festival will be licensed to carry the local ISAFF branding to help with further distribution, and those selected as “Best of “ or “Viewers’ Favorites” will be able to use the international ISAFF branding mark designation.

80% of all ticket sales from the local ISAFF events will belong to the local organizations selling them and 90% of all profits from the local film festival will remain with the organizing organization to cover expenses, prepare for the next year’s festival and to provide scholarships to local social action organizations and filmmakers to produce new films. The balance of 10% will be returned to the International ISAFF organization as a franchising fee, with appropriate accounting procedures outlined in the coordination agreement.

For more information and to inquire about event participation and sponsorship opportunities, contact Ron Schultz at rschultz@isaff.org.

FRIENDS, ALLIES AND CONTRIBUTORS

Skoll Foundation
Brave New Films
KidsFirst Film Festivals
Witness
freeDimensional
Shine Global
LinkTV
KPBS
Filmmakers Channel
Volunteers of America, Los Angeles
San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts
SocialDesignSite
Social Alchemy
Helen Hunt
Robert Greenwald

ISAFF FILM SELECTION CRITERIA

Films chosen locally for all ISAFF festivals must be documentary in nature and feature the work of a specific social action organization, NGO, social enterprise, social entrepreneur, or a person engaged in a community-oriented social activity.

The films must be no longer than 30 minutes in length and must be presented in digital format.

Filmmakers must also be recognized and film crews credited.

All funding sources for the films must be acknowledged.

The films may carry corporate sponsor logos but may not contain any advertising or direct appeals for support or requests for funding.

Every film must contain contact information for the social action organization or the person engaged in the social activity represented in the film.

Copyrights for the films reside with the social action organization and all rights are licensed to the ISAFF to screen and distribute the films internationally.

A submission charge equivalent to $35 US should accompany each submission. Submissions from affiliated students should be the equivalent of $25 US.

General public film submission deadline: December 15, 2008.

General public submission decisions made by: January 15, 2009.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION FILM FESTIVAL
Three-Day Schedule

Thursday

6-10 PM OPENING NIGHT
Screening - Skoll Foundation Films and Local Films

Friday

6-11 PM ISAFF GALA
Screening – Feature Short from Brave New Films Feature Length Documentary War/Dance from Shine Global

Gala Event with local social action organizations and patrons

Saturday 3 sessions

10AM - 1PM YOUTH AND SOCIAL ACTION
Screening - Films from KidsFirst and local Films

2-5 PM WOMEN IN SOCIAL ACTION
Screening - Films curated by San Diego Women’s film Festival Founder Renee Herrell

6-11 PM INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION
Screening - Witness Films and European Films, Ironbound Films and Local Films, Recognition and Awards - Audience Favorite, Best of ISAFF, ISAFF Special Award

THURSDAY BREAKDOWN

6-7 PM - RECEPTION

7-8:30 - SKOLL FILMS AND PANEL 1

8:30-10:00 SOCIAL ACTION EVENT AND LOCAL FILMS

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

EACH SESSION FEATURES A PANEL DISCUSSION WITH SOCIAL ACTION ORGS AND WHERE POSSIBLE FILM MAKERS

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION FILM FESTIVAL
Two-Day Schedule

Thursday

10 AM - 1 PM YOUTH AND SOCIAL ACTION
Screening - Films from KidsFirst and local Films

2-5 PM WOMEN IN SOCIAL ACTION
Screening - Films curated by San Diego Women’s film Festival Founder Renee Herrell

6-11 PM OPENING NIGHT
Screening - Skoll Foundation Films and Local Films

Friday

2-5 PM INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION
Screening - Witness Films and European Films, Ironbound Films and Local Films,

6-11 PM ISAFF GALA
Screening – Feature Short from Brave New Films and Feature Length Documentary War/Dance from Shine Global

Gala Event with local social action organizations and patrons - Recognition and Awards - Audience Favorite, ISAFF Special Award

THURSDAY EVENING BREAKDOWN

6-7 PM - RECEPTION
7-8:30 - SKOLL FILMS AND PANEL 1
8:30-10:00 – SOCIAL ACTION EVENT AND LOCAL FILMS

EACH SESSION FEATURES A PANEL DISCUSSION WITH SOCIAL ACTION ORGS AND WHERE POSSIBLE FILM MAKERS

SAMPLE OPENING NIGHT SOCIAL ACTION EVENT

In addition to supporting the sustainability needs of social action organizations, ISAFF is also about engaging people to take action, too.

To that end, we have devised an opening night event that may be used in venues serving major population centers. As our sample schedule suggests, after the opening reception, the screenings begin with a showing of the films from the Skoll Foundation to provide a global context for the films to come. These films are divided by a panel discussion with local social entrepreneurs speaking about their experiences in the local community. Following this portion of the evening, in venues where this is possible, the viewers are asked to convene in the reception area where café styled tables have been arranged. Seated at each table is a member of a local social action organization. As the audience fills the tables, the SAO representative gives a two minute description of what their organization does and what problem they have that they would love help solving.

The participants at the table then engage in a discussion of that problem with potential solutions recorded. After about 10 minutes audience participants will then be asked to move to a different table. Providing sufficient engagement, this can be done one more time. If two rounds are all that work, all the participants are then requested to adjust their seats to view the balance of the local films set to be view for the evening on a screen in the reception area. We want to avoid moving people too many times, so by using the reception space as a screening area, it might also encourage people to think a bit more out of the box.

After the local film screenings, if they are so inspired, people can then volunteer to help any of the local organizations present.

SPONSORSHIP, ADVERTISING, AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

The International Social Action Film Festival is actually 10 to 15 film festivals happening on the same day in venues around the world. Unlike other local film festivals that take place in one location and yet claim international status, ISAFF’s reach is truly global. The really good news about this is that sponsorship opportunities are local, national and global. And what better opportunity for an enterprise concerned with the vitality of the world’s social fabric and how that manifests locally, than to support a film festival dedicated specifically to the social action organizations and social activities of the people working to make their communities a more hospitable place to live.

This is a global tribute, celebration and acknowledgement of those people who have recognized this life is not about helping them, but about helping us.

With venues in a dozen different countries and in cities across the United States, the ISAFF offers a wide variety of individual and corporate sponsorships, advertising and marketing opportunities. Sponsors will receive significant visibility whether they choose to sponsor locally, nationally or internationally. The audience that will be attracted to these international events are educated people, in some cases affluent, in others not so. All of them care about how their money is spent, and are conscious of the companies from which they make their purchases.

You and your company gain access to a viewing audience concerned about supporting and sustaining the good work these social action organizations, their people and the thousands of social entrepreneurs worldwide are doing for those less fortunate. Corporation sponsorship of ISAFF provides even more than visibility. It aligns the enterprise with ISAFF’s values, and thereby the corporate sponsor benefits greatly from the public relations generated through this association. ISAFF’s audience takes note of the names of those organizations and corporations who view support of social activities as a measure of its own values.

Corporate Sponsorship for the ISAFF is not simply a matter of a will to do so. ISAFF corporate sponsorships are accepted from those corporations that not only have demonstrated evidence of its corporate social responsibility, but have an equally strong corporate social performance record. We will not accept sponsorships from corporations who think they can buy respectability while they perform poorly in work venues around the world. We will be eager to work with those corporations and organizations who have a dedicated desire to make the world in which they operate better because they want to, not because they are required to do so.

The press ISAFF will generate will also be significant. With its social action message at the forefront, publicity will be generated by both the festival itself and the work of its participants. In addition, ISAFF is currently assembling an ensemble of international celebrity supporters who will help provide a recognizable face to the festivals. This ensemble will feature prominent actors, directors, producers and writers from around the world, who will, as part of their support agreement, help promote and represent ISAFF through public service announcements and by allowing the festivals to use their name and image to publicize ISAFF programs.

The worldwide festivals that will comprise ISAFF will provide a unique opportunity and platform for sponsorship exposure. We look forward to working with you to provide the best opportunity for your individual and corporate sponsorship investment

LEVELS OF SPONSORSHIP AND BENEFITS

GLOBAL PRESENTING SPONSOR

A Global Presenting Sponsor is our most prominent level of support, with the greatest impact and visibility. Each time ISAFF is mentioned worldwide, it is done so in conjunction with the name of the Global Presenting Sponsor. Then International Social Action Film Festival presented by… This is an exclusive offer that provides the highest potential for media exposure. It shares the spotlight with ISAFF at every event around the world. The Global Sponsorship also provides a unique opportunity to support the efforts of social action organizations and those engaged in community social activity that touch the lives of billions.

NATIONAL PRESENTING SPONSOR

Similar to the Global Presenting Sponsor the National Presenting Sponsor is only available if there is no Global Presenting Sponsor. In this case, each individual country in which ISAFF is appearing will have the opportunity to make this high profile sponsorship available. Mentioned within the country of origin whenever the ISAFF event is presented and on all related printed matter, this level of sponsorship will have lasting promotional and media impact on those hearing or reading about the event. This sponsorship level provides exclusive display opportunities within the country of origin and at all local festivals, including programs and posters. This sponsorship level also provides unique marketing ideas and special seating arrangements at all events.

MARQUEE SPONSOR

This level of corporate sponsorship provides full marquee acknowledgement of the sponsor at a specific festival. It also provides an opportunity to directly align the company with one of the local festival’s major events, whether the local awards ceremony or the local Opening Night Gala where media attention will be at one of its peaks. Prominent program recognition and placement is also included. As with the National Presenting Sponsor, this level of sponsorship provides for special seating arrangements during the festival, which can be used to extend the impact of this sponsorship and benefit local social action organizations.

SUPPORTING SPONSOR

A Supporting Sponsor can also host a specific event within the local festival, whether that is a kick-off luncheon, a celebrity news conference, or a festival educational discussion panel following a grouping of films. This level of sponsorship provides a high level of media exposure, a listing in the local program, and a sponsorship listing on the international sponsorship list.

CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR

A Contributing Sponsor has the opportunity to support one of the local special award events with either a special award presentation during the ceremony or by sponsoring the after-award party. The level of support provides great opportunity for branding and display.

COMMUNITY PARTNER

The Community Partner plays a significant role in operation of each local festival. In addition to sponsoring educational panels and conversations during the festival, a community partner can increase its exposure by sponsoring community events that highlight the social action organizations and those engaged in community social activities outside of the festival. This can be done on a joint branding with other community partners or exclusively.

FILM SPONSOR

This level of sponsorship provides an opportunity to support the making of a specific film about either a social action organization or someone engaged in performing an extraordinary community social activity. This opportunity provides countless branding viewings with every screening of the film.

For Sponsorship and Program Ad rates contact Ron Schultz - rschultz@ISAFF.org

SPONSORSHIP DATES AND DEADLINES

INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION FILM FESTIVAL: February, 2009

Sponsorship Agreements: January 15, 2008

Ads and payment for International program guide: January 15, 2008

Ads and payment for Local program guide: January 15, 2008

Logos for Trailer and DVD loop: January 26, 2008

Press Releases: January 26, 2008

Ad and payment for Local Social Action Directories: January 11, 2008

Material and payment for funded merchandise: January 26, 2008

Signed contracts: Full Payment of Sponsorship Fees: January 11, 2008

COMMUNITY AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The International Social Action Organization is encouraging each of its affiliate festivals to include a variety of community and educational programs in the days preceding the festival and during the screenings. The suggested schedule of films will include discussions following each 30-40 screening period, featuring discussions when possible with the leaders of the Social Action Organization/Social Activist being represented and the filmmakers. These discussions will focus primarily on the work being done in the community not on the making of the film. Festivals will also be encouraged to offer educational programs prior to the festival day to explore the social issues at the core of the festival’s selections and to bring greater attention and focus to the work currently being accomplished as well as what more needs to be done and how people not involved can become involved.

Programs will also be developed that can go into local schools to discuss the values of positive social activity, its impact on the community and to encourage young people to become more socially active in their communities.

PHILANTHROPY

As a social enterprise program of the Legacy XXI Institute, a non-profit 501(c) 3 enterprise, the International Social Action Organization Film Festivals educational and community outreach programs require a combination of resources from private donations and foundations. These contributed resources provide opportunities for social action organizations to meet the public they serve in forums and educational roundtable settings. They also allow these organizations to produce films about their operations and to train local low-income filmmakers to shoot, edit and produce them.

There are many philanthropic ways to support the International Social Action Film Festival throughout the year and during the annual festival. Every contribution makes a difference and can greatly enhance the number of educational programs offered and the local social action organizations who can participate who might not have the funds to make its own movie. Contributions to Legacy XXI for the ISAFF are fully tax-deductible to the amount allowed by law. We encourage your support in this area and to work with us so that we can recognize your contribution.

For more information, please contact

Stephen Jacobs
323-463-1832
rschultz@legacyxxi.com
Or info@legacyxxi.com

Or you can send a donation in any amount to the following address:

Legacy XXI Institute/ISAFF
Sunset Station,
POB 931569,
Hollywood, CA 90093
Attn: Stephen Jacobs