Thurston Student's Film to Be Screened At Irvine Festival Saturday

Emily Baker is seen here at The Neighborhood Congregational Church on Sunday with NCC Music Director Pam Wicks. In February, Pam is going to India with members from the church. She will receive a blessing from the Dalai Lama and she will present him with Emily’s film. If Pam obtains permission, she will ask the Dalai Lama a question on Emily’s behalf and video record the session. Credit ...

What historical societies or world leaders, if any, are your role models for peace?

I am just beginning to learn about world leaders and history. Most of my role models are people that I see in my community. There are so many people here in Laguna that do great things for people. And the monks are role models too ... they came from a very different place, but they are here in the United States reminding us to live peacefully and to have compassion for one another. The madala reminds me of the starfish story: A man was walking on the beach with a boy. Many starfish had washed ashore, and the boy was throwing them back in one by one. The man said "What are you doing? You can’t save all of those starfish." The boy replied, "You’re right, but I sure made a difference for that one." I think that’s what we all need to do. To make a difference in our own lives, and the lives of our friends, family and community, one by one. 

Have you heard from people who have seen the film? If so, what are their responses?

Not too many people have seen my film. Most have the strongest reaction when they see the dissolution of the mandala after all of the monks' hard work. They can’t believe the monks are destroying such a beautiful piece of art. But that is the monks’ message ... things are not permanent. Even things that seem like they have been around forever are in a state of change.

Do you think other kids want world peace, or do you think you're alone on this deal?

Of course kids want peace. I think even kids who grow up in gangs want peace. But they lash out at a world that doesn’t take care of them, so they are violent back. Imagine a world where everyone had enough to eat, and everyone felt safe. I watched an amazing film at the My Hero International Film Festival. The winner of the Ron Kovic Peace Prize was a film about a man whose son was killed by a gang member. He was able to heal by forgiving the gang member, who was forced by his gang to prove himself by killing someone. This man has started a foundation to teach non-violence, just as passionately as gangs teach their members violence. He told us if you believe children are born non-violent, then they must learn violence in order to be violent. In order to remain non-violent, they also must be taught how to be tolerant and loving. Why is peace beneficial to the world? Peace allows everyone to feel safe. Peace allows people to develop their skills and abilities and to work towards common solutions to problems that deserve our attention, like protecting our planet.

Emily's film, Together We Can Create World Peace, will be shown at the Irvine International Film Festival this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Edwards Westpark 8 Theaters, 3755 Alton Pkwy., in Irvine. For more information about the festival, call 949-800-6163 or CLICK HERE