CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JEANNE MEYERS
Co-founder/Director
The MY HERO Project
[email protected]
WHEN THE DEVIL SMOKED IN PARADISE BY KATHERINE LIAO WINS BEST OF FEST AT 2024 MY HERO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER 12, 2024 – LAGUNA BEACH, CA – The MY HERO Project is delighted to announce that When the Devil Smoked in Paradise by Katherine Liao will receive the BEST of FEST Award at the MY HERO 20th Annual International Film Festival. The film will also receive the WOJ High School Documentary Award and the Dan Eldon Youth Activist Award and has won the High School Documentary category.
Katherine Liao, creator of 'When the Devil Smoked in Paradise'Katherine Liao, with permission
The short documentary details a grassroots campaign by residents from Irvine, Orange County against All American Asphalt’s (AAA) large plant in the center of the city, which was emitting dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere. You can watch When the Devil Smoked in Paradise here.
Katherine Liao, a junior high school student and activist, became involved in the campaign against the Irvine AAA plant in 2021 and was inspired by the courage and dedication of the people around her fighting for change. “They all had families and kids,” she explained to MY HERO, “just like the rest of us. Yet, they took courageous actions and sacrificed their time for something that seemed impossible at first. Their resilience and commitment were truly eye-opening for me.”
Though Liao faced challenges in creating his film on her own, she knew that sharing her community’s story was too important. “[This film] shows the power within every single human to do good,” she told MY HERO, adding, “We harbor misconceptions that heroes must be iconic historical figures […] [but] we can do more good than we think.” She hopes that the film will inspire others to follow the example set by the campaigners in the film.
Katherine Liao, with permissionCampaigners Lesley Tan, Dennis Lo, Kevin Lien, and Kim Konte, pose for a photo.
Overcoming the challenges Liao faced in making her film was worth it; she not only got to see her project come together and highlight the work of her community’s heroes but make connections with other people. She explained:
The most unforgettable moments were after each interview. Not only did I feel a sense of accomplishment, but the connections I built with the residents were even more valuable. I felt like I was truly part of the community. […] Meeting new people, making connections, and building friendships were the most meaningful parts of the experience, and I’ll never forget that feeling.
When the Devil Smoked in Paradise is Liao’s first film, but she is wasting no time in brainstorming her next.
About the Dan Eldon Activist Award
Dan Eldon was a fearless activist, artist, and photojournalist who dedicated his life to telling untold stories and helping those in need. His work appeared in art journals and exhibitions, inspiring countless individuals globally. In his honor, Kathy Eldon of the Creative Visions Foundation established this award to celebrate Dan’s legacy and creative spirit. Each year, Kathy Eldon and Dan's sister Amy Eldon Turteltaub present the Dan Eldon Activist Award to the filmmaker who best uses their craft to celebrate activists who create change in the world.
About the WOJ Youth Reporter Award
The WOJ Youth Reporter Award celebrates youth reporters who are creating videos on heroes making a positive difference in their community and the world. Esther Wojcicki, an outstanding media arts educator, author and journalist, presents this award.
About the MY HERO International Film Festival
The My Hero Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing films that celebrate the power of the human spirit. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share inspirational stories of everyday heroes. Thanks to generous sponsors, prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college and professionals in a variety of categories including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more.
The festival aims to inspire audiences to recognize the heroism in their own lives and encourage positive actions in their communities. Learn more.
Join us in celebrating 20 years of The MY HERO International Film Festival on November 16, 6pm @ the Ann and Jerry Moss Theater at New Roads School in Santa Monica, California. Find out more here.
MY HERO International Film Festival Highlights
MY HERO will host the 20th Anniversary MY HERO International Film Festival Highlights Ceremony on Wednesday, December 11th at The Rivian South Coast Theater from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. The ceremony will include screenings of top awards including When the Devil Smoked in Paradise. You can find out more here. Register here.
Page created on 11/12/2024 10:01:27 PM
Last edited 11/19/2024 11:23:57 PM
