Projects

"With One Eye Open"

A Video Project to Help End Inner-city Violence
 

Urban violence is a plague, and has actually become the norm in our society. And sadly, it seems people have become numb to the news reports of shootings and violence in our neighborhoods. Organizations working to bring awareness to urban violence know that it's vital to capture people's attention and to get them emotionally involved. But how do they do that? The ARTHUR RAY FOUNDATION and POSTHOUSE PICTURES are working together in effort to create a short film that will help organizations draw attention to this devastating problem.

The film, With One Eye Open, tells the fictional story of a young boy caught in the vicious circle of urban violence. Through his eyes, we see and feel the desperation that drives him to emulate behaviors learned on the streets that inevitably will control the course of his life. Most inner-city youths, like children everywhere, are not born as
violent criminals. But many are infected by the plague of urban violence at an early age. Violent behaviors are learned, and are largely formed by watching and sometimes unconsciously copying the aggressive behaviors of those around them. These brutal actions are supported and even encouraged by social pressures, and it
eventually becomes natural to reach for a gun.

This devastating cycle needs to be confronted and interrupted. There are many amazing groups working to do this right now, and we want to help. Using the powerful medium of film, groups and organizations will be able to use this movie as a tool to grab people's attention and open their eyes to struggles facing our youth today. But to
do this, we need your help. Please join us in our efforts to produce a film that can make a difference.

If you are interested in being a part of this moviemaking effort, please contact Gary Pradel at Gary@ArthurRay.org

Thank you for your support!
 

The Naperville Student Film Festival

February 27th, 2011

Join us on February 27th, 2011 as we celebrate young moviemakers and their work at Center Stage Theater in Naperville, Illinois.  The festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. 

Activities include the screening of student movies from Naperville moviemakers and others in the Midwest.  There will be prizes awarded as well as demonstrations of moviemaking techniques and equipment.  Also, as part of the event, workshops and panel discussions will allow student moviemakers to learn more about their craft and share ideas.

The Naperville Student Film Festival is the Sister Film Festival of the Naperville Independent Film Festival which was started by the Arthur Ray Foundation in 2007.  This festival is geared toward young moviemakers and families alike.

For more information or to join the mailing list, please e-mail us at info@ArthurRay.org.