I’ve been in spring cleaning mode lately, my office was my most recent project. While sorting through things, I came across this little piece. I used to keep it in a credit card pocket in my filofax (back in the day).
I have always loved this saying, it’s so basic, but so important. Everyday, we all face situations where we can choose to be kind, or not. I like seeing this little reminder.
Speaking of kindness, I’m so proud of my friend Scilla who has started up a dynamic company which cherishes the great independent films of the world. The company is called IndieFlix {and her office is in my neighborhood!}.
Two young filmmakers, Molly Thompson and Lauren Parsekian, started exploring this topic, including some of their personal experiences in school one day. As they continued to research the topic, they found that every girl they talked to had experienced and/or exhibited unkind acts {usually both}….an idea for a film was born.
In a loaned van, they travelled across the country, to learn more and to start a discussion about the effects of such unkindnesses. They organized gatherings, where they led discussions and passed out cards to allow people to express apologies. They also offered opportunities for girls to share their stories and to talk to one another. The healing effects were amazing.
To see a trailer click on Finding Kind.
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| Molly Thompson {Finding Kind}, Scilla Andreen {Indieflix}, Emily Heston {Splendid Market}, Lauren Parsekian {Finding Kind} |
Given the heartbreaking incidents which we have all been hearing about lately, her timing is perfection. I had the chance to ask Scilla a few questions lately, and I thought you might enjoy a part of the conversation.
How did you discover the film Finding Kind?
A really good friend in LA saw the film and felt it was a perfect match for IndieFlix. I watched it at home alone and had an immediate emotional and physical response to the film. I unravelled. I needed to talk to someone about it. I wanted to compare notes with my friends and family or with anyone who would listen and share their own experiences with bullying. It was a perfect fit for the IF Foundation to support.
What are your notions for the future of this film?
I am on a mission to screen this film in schools across the country and overtime throughout the world. This film will inspire all of us to make the world a better place. Of course we start with baby steps. We are declaring September 26th as KIND week here in the US. We will be screening the film theatrically in NY & LA to qualify for academy consideration.
Bringing films to the people seems to be the most effective way to get people watching and, of course talking. As I connected with more and more schools, clubs and churches, I learned that they did not have the means to host a screening. I wanted to help but didn’t have the funds. So, I created the IndieFlix Foundation to bring meaningful films to the schools, churches and prisons of underserved communities.
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| to learn more about the movie and the kind movement, click here |
To learn more about the IndieFlix Foundation click here.
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