We could all use a little more peace, right? Well, good news, that’s what the Global Peace Film Festival is ready to give us.
The annual festival is right around the corner, but you may notice some new nomenclature associated with it. The fest’s producing organization has rebranded itself as Global Peace 360°.
The rebranding “reflects the organization’s expanded mission, which now encompasses year-round initiatives designed to empower individuals, businesses and communities both in Central Florida and beyond to champion peacebuilding and embrace diversity,” according to the official announcement.
“Building on the success of one of the Southeast’s most acclaimed film festivals, Global Peace 360° represents a holistic approach to peacebuilding that goes beyond the confines of a single event or program,” is how David Wheeler, named CEO in July 2023, explains it. “Programming 360° experiences 365 days a year, our mission is to empower people everywhere to take action for peace, whether through film, dialogue, education or community engagement.”
In addition to the festival, the organization will offer multiple other peace-based initiatives, which the announcement describes as “evolving.”
Presented in partnership with Orange County Public Schools, YouthArts.360° is an educational initiative that empowers young artists to explore themes of peace and justice through visual art.
“DiverCiti.360°” is a monthlong art exhibition celebrating the diversity of the Central Florida community. It’s designed to foster unity and understanding through creative expression.
An annual event, titled InFocus.360°, will draw attention to peacemaking efforts and raise awareness of global humanitarian efforts by honoring activists who are having a positive impact in their communities.
“PeaceTalks.360°,” a weekly podcast, will feature discussions with experts and leaders on peace, justice and sustainable development.
Meanwhile, the signature festival is coming up, Sept. 17-22, at locations in Winter Park and Orlando, and tickets are already on sale at peacefilmfest.org .
The in-person festival will be followed by PeaceFest.360°, an online fest that will reach worldwide audiences by offering on-demand films, interviews and discussions centered on global peace.
As for the Central Florida festival, it will feature 21 films highlighting civil rights, environmental justice, ethics, human rights, immigration, LGBTQ+ issues, music, social justice, voting, wellness and wildlife.
“At a time of global challenges to peace and in this election year, Global Peace Film Festival is even more relevant as a catalyst for inspiration and positive change,” says festival director and founder Nina Streich. “What distinguishes our film festival is our thought-provoking programming, designed not just to entertain and inspire viewers but to also motivate them to help make the world a better place.”
The opening-night selection, screened at 6 p.m. Sept. 17 at Enzian Theater in Maitland, is “Following Harry,” a documentary that celebrates the last decade in the life of singer and activist Harry Belafonte.
Other films are shown at the Bush Auditorium at Rollins College (1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park), Winter Park Library (1052 W. Morse Blvd.) and Timucua Arts Foundation (2000 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando).
The festival also features a trio of special events.
“Get Out the Vote: Design for Democracy” is an exhibition of thought-provoking posters from across the U.S. aimed at inspiring eligible voters to cast their ballots. It’s presented in collaboration with the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and will be on view at CityArts, 39 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando, Sept. 19-Oct. 13.
Art by Orange County Public Schools students will be displayed Sept. 16 through late October at the Orange County Multicultural Center, 7149 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. This exhibit gives young people the opportunity to discuss and reflect on conflict resolution and peace, either in their own lives or on a global scale.
Finally, from 12:30-8 p.m. Sept. 22, AFRO TV studios at 7220 International Drive in Orlando will host a program of film screenings, panel discussions, a play from Descolonizarte Teatro and the premiere of FusionFest’s 2024 MYgration Films, in which local filmmakers tell personal stories of how their heritage has shaped them. The day will end with awards and a closing ceremony.
Streich, who founded the Global Peace Film Festival in 2003, says the growth of the organization is a welcome and necessary step forward.
“It’s incredibly gratifying to see my vision for the festival take flight and further evolve into a worldwide organization,” she says. “Through this rebrand and expanded programming, we can reach a broader audience to address the root causes of conflict and inequality to create lasting change.”
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com . Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment .
Global Peace Film Festival
- Where: Various locations in Winter Park and Orlando
- When: Sept. 17-22
- Cost: Film tickets are $10 each. A $100 pass includes all films except on opening night. A $150 pass includes all films, including opening night.
- Info: peacefilmfest.org
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