Excerpt from the Moondance e-newsletter,
September 11, 2001:

In light of the horrific and unimaginable tragedies on September 11, 2001, Moondance dedicates its 2002 Columbine Awards to the victims of the terrorist attacks on America, and their families, and to those who will continue to promote peace and understanding among all peoples. The Moondance International Film Festival very actively promotes & encourages depictions of non-violent conflict resolution in scripts, film & television, via our Columbine Awards.

Some of the E-mails received, in response:

I am writing from Vancouver, Canada to express both my shock and dismay following the recent terrorist acts in the United States, and heartfelt condolences to the American people. I strongly feel that we in the international community are all Americans now, in the sense that we have all been effected by this terrible crime and are pulling together to work toward a common purpose and to restore peace. I was inspired by Moondance's call to filmmakers to voice their opinions and to strive to use our talents as storytellers to call for peace - so much so that I am now beginning a documentary called 'Black Tuesday: September 11th' which will be an investigation and exploration of hate. With this documentary, I hope to explore those aspects of the story which are not covered on CNN - in particular, the thoughts and feelings of the Muslim community, and the universal issues of racism, anger and multicultural misunderstanding. I am not a doctor or a firefighter or a paramedic, so I feel that this is the only means I have of making my time useful and contributing to mutual understanding and rational discussion. --Ellen R. S.

It was interesting to note that Hollywood is starting to think about the content of their movies - just a little. They have postponed releasing a number of movies with violence (especially involving terrorists and bombs, etc.). Suddenly, it's not so entertaining to see people get blown away when it happens in our back yard.--Kit A.

Your festival may well be a vital part of the solution to or the understanding of what has occurred and why, and how such things might not happen again, all subjects conspicuously absent from the mainstream media, excepting only retaliation by force --which makes your organization even more important in the long run. You can play an important role in the hard work of what comes next, and I, for one, look forward to seeing you do that.--Robert S.

I just received your information on the festival and wanted to say how impressed I was by what I saw. It was great to see such a strong vision for using our industry in a way that brings a special focus to important issues. Triad Films, Canada, has just finished a film entitled "Waging Peace" which efforts of a junior high school principal to reclaim a safe learning environment for the students of a tough inner city school. We are very interested in participation in your festival. In fact we are now doing another film which looks at one woman's efforts to break the cycle of violence in school aged children in areas like Northern Ireland,.so we're starting a body of work in this area. --Peter d'E.

You certainly are doing something that is important and crucial. Anyone not wise enough to see that does not appreciate the artist's function and role in society. Keep the faith and keep your voice, --Spencer B.

At a time like this we must remember we screenwriters are the dream-makers -- the wizards of wishes come true. Call my notion a Pollyanna vision, but during times of great sadness and hardship, people turn to the storytellers to offer them respite from the horrors of reality. All through the great depression and WWII, people flocked to the movies to renew their hopes and recover from the stress of daily life. That is the gift we can all offer the world. Let's send out a few happy endings, a few inspiring tales that recall the basic goodness of humankind. --Rick D.

You are indeed doing something very positive. We have to discuss conflict resolution in non-violent ways. Just striking out will do no good, but will breed more violence upon violence. Wage peace. --Bill K.

Thank you for your wonderfully encouraging message. In view of your encouragement, I am now absolutely determined to make a short film especially for the 2002 Moondance Columbine section -- not in hope of achieving an award,-- but simply as a gesture of support and solidarity, which you may feel is sufficiently worthwhile to screen. I'm holding back my other projects for this, and telling everyone I won't take on anything else until this is done. --JC

You have a powerful medium in your e-mail message to the many thousands of people who are on your Moondance mailing list. Congratulations on a wonderful theme of promoting non-violence in film, T. V., etc. The timing is perfect for high-lighting the Columbine Award and what it means.
– Leni C.

The intent and theme of the Moondance Festival certainly possesses a pertinent and potentially healing goal which is especially significant in light of such cowardly and unnecessary violence. I commend your efforts and join you in the hope that peace will ultimately prevail. You certainly are doing something that is important and crucial. Anyone not wise enough to see that does not appreciate the artist's function and role in society. Keep the faith and keep your voice--Spencer B.

I don't know how you got my e-mail address, but I'm very glad you did. I want to find a way to participate in what you are doing. Thank you and keep those newsletters coming, --Maggie E.

Thank you for your good work and the message of non-violence you promote with Moondance. It was surreal having to deal with such horror...such sadness... I don't understand how anyone, regardless of their affiliations, can inflict such violence and cruelty onto other living beings. We need the message that you're instilling through your work. We all need to take such messages to heart and put them into practice. Blessings to you. --Ramon D.

Violence cannot eradicate terrorism. Many people in our communities (Women Living Under Muslim Laws international solidarity network) are deeply distressed by these events but many are at the same time also angered by the poverty and deprivation, injustice and exploitation they experience; they are also angered by domestic and foreign policies that they perceive to be hypocritical. All of this can fuel extreme and violent attitudes. Ending terrorism requires addressing the roots of global inequality. We are concerned that legitimate grief is being exploited as a cover for increased military spending - weapons that are aimed mainly at civilian populations. Such military action will cause further suffering to civilians elsewhere. After 20 years of war, Afghanistan is already destroyed, while the intended "targets" have fled. Furthermore, bin Laden and the Taliban are not Afghanistan. --WLUML

In this hour of your country’s Shock and Grief I humbly convey my deepest sense of anguish and condolences for this heinous, senseless and cowardly crime perpetuated on innocent Americans. Bereavement is a very shocking experience in life. And it is also a very personal feeling. But bereavement on such a massive scale is benumbing. No words of solace can be comforting. My family and I (here in India) pray to the Lord Almighty for your country’s well being. May the Lord grant you all Peace, Poise and the Steadfastness of purpose to withstand and overcome this colossal loss. May peace and calm prevail in your country. May your continue to be eternally vigilant about the freedom of your country, great country U.S.A. --Gunjan S.

What do we tell our children? As parents, we want nothing more than to protect our children from pain, from fear, from harm. As parents, we know nothing is more impossible. How we handle our own grief and integrity will speak volumes to our children about how to be a human being in a troubled, broken, world. May we be worthy of this most sacred charge that has been given to us. --Shelle R.

This (newsletter & your goals) is very significant. Thank you and PEACE. --Bill K.

As I'm sure you know, it is the artist who shares and allows us to hear the range of all voices, all genders, all races, all faiths which inspire compassion and understanding among every one of us. Perhaps if we distill our task, it is our duty and honor to promote such a world, without boundaries, without enemies, with peace. I am grateful for such a challenge and responsibility. --Spencer B.

Let this remind us all that the preciousness of life is the only thing truly worth focusing on. Doesn't business, money, status, politics, egos, religion, and the petty nuisances of our every day lives look meaningless in this light? Remember, nothing can destroy love, inner peace, or the human spirit. Raise consciousness. Elevate. Seek truth and beauty. For this is life, nothing else. --SFG

When I found the Moondance International Film Festival, I let out a sigh and knew there was another avenue. You celebrate and support the aspects of my script that would traditionally be shunned! You give voice to all that is obliterated by Hollywood. Most importantly, I feel that I have a shot at seeing my film on the big screen--without selling my soul or gutting my story. This keeps me writing. Thank you! --Leigh Anne K.

Is there some way to become innocent again? But I won't go on -- you have important work to do, work the world needs. I applaud your efforts, and it is good that you are out there right away. This has taken us all by surprise, left us all grasping for what to do. The most important thing right now seems to be to stand up and be counted, to offer alternatives, opportunities to act non-violently, because people are looking for guidance and opportunities to react. We need models, and you are offering one: it makes me glad to know. Perhaps that is a place to start. --R.S.

Thanks, Elizabeth. For the information and for your thoughts on today. Wish more people were thinking as you do. --Katherine B.

So sad - and so terrible. I am afraid most of this country is out of patience and wants the perpetrators taken care of so they can never again harm innocent people. Of course, we need to be patient - and tolerant - and we need groups like yours always striving for peace in this world by negotiation, etc. - keep up your good work.--Chloe

I wanted to share this with you because I, as many millions across the USA and around the world, was horrified, deeply saddened and outraged by the despicable acts of cruelty, violence and terror inflicted on thousands of innocent people in New York City, Washington and Pennsylvania. The people who have been traumatized, injured, maimed, killed, orphaned and widowed were and are like you and me. Ordinary People. One of the reasons I am in this country is because I always wanted to be a part of that American Dream. God Bless America. --Anna H.

I'll briefly add my 2 Canadian cents worth to the discussion. I agree that we should maintain a human perspective over the political view of this senseless tragedy. As I touched on in my previous note, we have a responsibility as storytellers to stand above the fray and offer a new perspective. I for one hope this mess opens the door for films about human issues and takes us away from the FX/Armageddon world for a while. I could do without seeing testosterone driven heroes outrunning fireballs for quite some time, thanks. --Rick D.

This is a time to seek justice, not revenge, and to keep cool heads, not to get enraged. It is not a time to kill innocent people, or to make war against Muslims. We don't need another Vietnam, nor do we need to create more harm. --Linda S.

Thank you, Friends, I would just allow myself to add something to the beautiful message in your letter and that is to remind us that our thoughts of today create our physical world of tomorrow. Let us therefore concentrate on visualizations of a world of peace, a world of love, a world of acceptance, of true equality. Let us get rid of the habit of controlling others. That is freedom! Let us take responsibility for every aspect of our lives. Please, never cease to believe in yourself and what you are doing! It's very important! --Louise L.

Good idea. Good for you for doing something --KHO

I went out front of the house at 7:PM Friday and lit a candle to unite in peace with the neighbors. Very unlike me. Gave my candle to the sweetest little girl whose family forgot to bring one. There's your angel, I thought, as she carried that torch close to her face. Anyway, you stand behind your choice to speak about Tuesday's crisis--I'm backing you, for sure.
--Ted M

Thank you for your kind words re: the terrorist attack on the USA and the world. Unfortunately, US sites (here and abroad) have been cowardly bombed over 100 TIMES... When, pray tell, is enough really enough before a non-peaceful attempt to save us all is attempted?? --Richard K.

In India, we are all shocked by the great tragedy that has grasped your nation. --Nirav S.

It's been a terrible 24hrs. for those of us who live in Manhattan. Sad, sad, sad. Debris, smoke, and sorrow surround us. The sounds of ambulances and firetrucks screaming through the streets seem unending. Thanks for promoting non-violence and peace. I've had enough violence in the past 24hrs. to last me a lifetime. --Kristan R.

My condolences to all those close to anyone killed or injured in the Manhattan disaster this week. My heart goes out to you. But we must remember it was anti- American racism which killed American workers, in a retaliation against US foreign policies. The anger, while misdirected and tragic in its manifestation, has its own causes. This cause is the very same anti-Arabic racism being directed at Arabs and Muslims. Painting them (all) with the same brush of hatred we feel toward these terrorists is wrong, and will only perpetuate the violence. This is the lesson we must take from this tragedy.. that violence is not the answer...I hope that whatever happens, the retribution is basd on evidence, not (more) racist hatred. --Rowan M.

If we escalate this 'war' we will create more devastation than we can begin to imagine. Let's not turn ourselves into terrorists - Pray for peace. Work for peace. --Cathy P.

I have just read everything that Moondance is about and I cannot help believe with absolute certainly that what you are desiring; what you are calling for, has met its time...and I believe when passion and desire and time meet one another, a cosmic door opens and through it emerges a new time; a time whose birthing time has come; new idea which pushes aside old ideas. The greater good is always waiting in the wings; wanting to be used, waiting for a voice to give it voice. Thank you again, Elizabeth, for standing on the ground of your beliefs. It encourages me to go in search of my own ground and lay claim to it. We are facing a new frontier. The women who co-pioneered the west were brave and strong. I call them sister!
--Caroline W.

Your (newsletter) has made me resolve to try to make and submit a short film for the Columbine category of the film festival, despite the fact there are only a few weeks to go until the deadline. It will mean working flat out, but I think I can do it. My very best wishes to you, and my deepest admiration for your courage in the face of hostile responses to your statement. I hope that you receive many messages of support and encouragement, too.
--Jenny C.

I was thinking of Moondance today, and its promotion of a non-violent world; I was dreaming that such a world could be possible. And so I deeply appreciated the newsletter I just received from Moondance, outlining your emphatic stand against violence. Thank you. What you're doing isn't just good. It's refreshing and encouraging. I was happy to hear about the supportive email even coming in from Iran and Pakistan. Wishing you all the very best and thanking you again for all you're doing.
--Susan F.

You wrote, in your 9/11/01 Moondance newsletter: “Oh, for a Mahatma Gandhi or a Martin Luther King among us now!” I am happy to know that you know where true, lasting peace is found, regardless of circumstances. And (that you are) taking the opportunity to encourage others to help, through their gifting. Keep fighting the good fight, empowering those who seek to bring positive change. --Rick R.

As we all struggle to come to terms with the unimaginable tragedies of Tuesday, September 11, we would like to express our grief and sympathy to the families and friends of those who lost their lives or were injured in the attacks. We also extend our support and sympathy to all Arab/Muslim-Americans who have been victimized by racism and misdirected rage in the past few days. As you know, our primary goal at Arab Film Distribution has been to make the Arab point of view available through documentary and narrative films. We have worked to promote the use film and video as means to foster dialogue and understanding between Arab/Islamic cultures and the United States. Now more than ever, it is our hope that discussion and knowledge will take the place of hatred and violence. Thank you for your support. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. WEBSITE: www.arabfilm.com --John S. & Alex O. W.

As an International Festival (Sheffield International Documentary Festival-UK) we have often welcomed delegates and film makers from the United States. Following Tuesday's horrendous terrorist attack we wanted to express sympathy and support to all our colleagues in America. Our hearts go out to our many friends, particularly those based in New York, with whom many of us have had the privilege of working over many years.
--Christopher H., Kathy L., & Sirkka M.

I was very impressed, when forwarded an email about the Moondance festival's dedication of an award in memory of those people tragically killed in the collapse of the Twin Towers. I just wrote a book about getting girls to make movies. I hope they can be movies that, like your festival, promote non-violence and peace. I'd like to send you a few copies as a donation. Maybe you can give them to someone who'd like one. Keep doing your wonderfully important work. --Andrea R.

Thank you for your warm and important message about non-violent conflict-resolution, which was passed on to me by Jenny C., my sister. It is through organisations such as yours that real changes can be made - and I am particularly struck by your recognition of the importance of changes at every level, from the individual upwards. Working in education, in a climate which is obsessed with government requirements and 'standards', it is sometimes easy to feel that individuals can make very little difference to the world, but your message is a vital reminder that this is not the case. --Elizabeth A.

You have really made Moondance "Come a long way baby" since your conception of it. You have something to be very proud of. Keep up the good work. --Joanne G.

My heart goes out to you and your nation... what dark times! You found very touching words in today's newsletter, and I totally agree, deep from my soul, with all what you say and aim at with Moondance. --Karin V.

(From Israel) It's beyond words. It's too much to the mind to handle. I am thinking of you and sharing my deep feeling. --Shosh S.

Thanks for taking time to compose and send your statement regarding today's heartbreaking events. We should all take time to share with others, as you have done. We need a strong sense of community at this moment; we need to feel connected to others more than ever; we must realize that reaching out and embracing others is risky, but imperative to our emotional survival. This is a day of such profound sadness, fear and anguish that each kind word is deeply felt and welcomed more than you may ever know. --Carolyn H.

Here in England, we are equally shocked by what happened in New York and our hearts and prayers go out to all those who are suffering. No, sadly we do not have a Mahatma Ghandi or Martin Luther King in our country. Personally, I found many of life's questions answered by the spiritual charity I belong to in my spare time, The Erasmus Foundation, here in Suffolk. --Hedley G.

Thanks for your email regarding your role and stance on non-violence as part of your festival, I had no idea that this was a part of your philosophy. As someone who has been involved in the field of dispute resolution for many years and also as a long time Telluride Film Festival attendee, I'm glad to see you taking such a stance. One aspect of your email I would suggest could be changed, what the world needs now and has needed isn't another Mahatma or Martin what we need is for each of us in our daily acts to model the spirit of these two teachers. Their purpose in living and dying I suggest wasn't to stand so high above us that only a few could ever consider reaching them, I believe it was to assist each of us in incorporating that spirit and philosophy and reaching and obtaining our own individual heights. Keep up the good work. --Michael C.

Brava! It is time for each of us to be Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks or Nelson Mandela.--Diane D.

I, for one, applaud your stance on non-violence in movies. However I fear that the real rot is not in a punch or a gun shot but in the amoralism behind much of contemporary cinema. From Tarrantino to the `Lock, Stock, and Smoking Barrels` brigade. Film after film is portraying humans as souless, amoral, calous bastards. In light of this amoral chic I fear that nihilist consumers may be beginning to feel comfortable with a view of the world as meaningless and souless. Human life is not pointless and consumerism is not everything... there are times when a good moral sense should be cultivated and adhered to. Let's reclaim the soul. --Peter C.

Thanks for this good message on a terrible day. Peace to all of us today and always.
--Judith B.

I would like to extend my deepest sorrow for the recent (event). It was a disastrous problem, hope it wont happen again; not in the US, not anywhere else. All Iranian people sympathize with American people in this respect. Hoping the insanity will end, and peace will reign. --Ali-Reza S.

I have received your statement on non-violence. I would like to express mine and the support of my collegues- festival staff of Ljubljana international film festival (Slovenia) of your efforts and hope that yours and the program concepts of similiar internaitonal film festival will help to prevent that kind of fanatic and for us incomprehensible acts of violence that occured yesterday in NY and at the Pentagon. Good luck and best wishes for you and your festival. --Jelka S.

I would like to commend the Moondance Film Festival for it's sensitivity by honouring all who have suffered from the Terrorist attacks with the Dedication of the Columbine awards. I already had a great respect for the festival, which promotes the value of peace and respect for all people. The whole world has been shaken by this terrible tragedy, which will have far-reaching and long lasting consequences. We can only pray for the loved ones of those whose lives were taken under such appalling
circumstances. (from AArdman Films-UK) --Maggie O'C.

I am writing (from Scotland) to say that I wholeheartedly and completely support your brave stand for non-violent resolution of conflict in the wake of yesterday's terrible events. You have my greatest admiration for issuing such a statement at this time, and I fervently wish that more of the world -- especially the opinion-makers and politicians -- could be persuaded to share this compassionate and only civilised view. I hope that you receive support from all over the world, but that if your views are attacked, as they surely will be by some people at this time, you can find the strength to continue to defend your aims and beliefs. Your convictions and courage make me all the more determined to contribute some work to forward this cause (I am an independent experimental animator and video artist). I sadly have made nothing appropriate at this time, but am now more fully resolved to contribute in this way in the future. --Jenny C.

I am a huge admirer of the principles of Moondance and want to assure you that I don't believe anyone who read your email properly would think you were trying to "cash in" on anything. We are aware that Moondance has all along been concerned with alternatives to violence and is therefore only following a logical trajectory...and of course raising a very important point at this time -- that violence is never a good option. We in Australia are thinking of you all in the US. --Briony K.

We're in deep shock in New Zealand. The scale and swift barbarism is beyond any comprehension, and the hearts of our peole really go out to America as they come to grips with this. As the whole world comes to grips with this. I would think as the shock wears off screenwriters and perhaps the industry itself might for a while look at the tone of movies America and maybe the world wants to see now. Will the mood and the moment define what sort of stories we wish to write and/or see? This transition is phenomenal but maybe not unexpected. We all shall see. All the best to America. --Paul

I believe your Columbine Award applauds writers who search for that one elusive virtue: their humanity - and find it! I applaud you. --Olga R.

After the greatest darkness always comes a greater light. --Michael M.

Not long ago I sat in theaters and watched devestation from World War II in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and PEARL HARBOR. I never dreamed that just months later I would hear of a plane flown into the WTC center, then later at my office watch in real time as the first building imploded taking with it the lives of thousands of civilians - more than died in both attacks in the films mentioned above. There are times in life that you wish you were watching an action film instead of real life. In an action movie hopefully the perpetrators would have been spotted by a hero/protagonist who rallies in time to stop the attack. Unfortunately, that is not the story of September 11, 2001 when we faced the worst terrorist attack ever on American soil. --Lynn E.

My office is on Canal Street (in NYC) and I had to pass 3 National Guard checkpoints just to go to the drug store. It's a constant reminder. After watching it happen in real life, not on TV, in front of my own eyes, I knew no one would ever be the same again. In that way, the terrorists got exactly what they wanted. I think my perspective has changed in the sense that I really am happy to be alive, and I think that will change my writing a lot. And I think it will change the way I view movies. --Michelle L.

Martin Luther King: “The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.”--Art M.

Just yesterday a friend of mine recommended Moondance to me and I, for the first time within the last week, saw "a little light", a way forward. I am just a starter but anyway, organizations like yours are an encouragement. --Shirin H. S.

Compassion and acceptance is the only response that leads to healing. Hatred only breeds fear and violence, the likes of which I naively thought I'd never see in my lifetime. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti...Peace, Peace, --Roxanne W.

In matters of revenge or retaliation, dig two graves; one for your enemy and one for yourself. --Caitlan H.

I was brought to tears when I saw the September 13th newspaper editorial cartoon of the Statue of Liberty, with only her hand & her burning torch raised high above the flames & rubble of America. --EE

Let's bomb Afghanistan with butter, with rice, bread, clothing and medicine. It will cost less than conventional arms, poses no threat of US casualties and just might get the populace thinking that maybe the Taliban don't have the answers. After three years of drought and with starvation looming, let's offer the Afghani people the vision of a new future. One that includes full stomachs. Bomb them with information. Video players and cassettes of world leaders, particularly Islamic leaders, condemning terrorism. Carpet the country with magazines and newspapers showing the horror of terrorism committed by their "guest". Blitz them with laptop computers and DVD players filled with a perspective that is denied them by their government. In responding to terrorism we need to do something different. Something unexpected. Something that addresses the root of the problem. We need to take away the well of despair, ignorance and brutality from which the Osama bin Ladens of the world water their gardens of terror." --Vicki C.

*In response to the terrible, violent events of September 11, 2001, Moondance donated the entry fees for all entries submitted to the 2002 Columbine Awards category, which promotes non-violent conflict resolution in the arts & film, to a special Moondance film production fund to help filmmakers produce films that promote peace & understanding. Please check out the Columbine Awards guidelines on the website.

The Talmud says "Whoever destroys a single life
destroys the entire world; whoever saves a single life,
saves the entire world." --Andrea L.

" SEND NOT TO SEE FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS;
IT TOLLS FOR THEE."

Top of Page
Home

Moondance is produced annually by
Mermaid7seas Productions (www.mermaid7seas.com)
Copyright © Moondance International Film Festival, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.