Touching Documentary "Mine" Makes Arizona Premiere on Sept. 8
Film Festival Presents Award-Winning Film Around the Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
Director/Producer Geralyn Pezanoski will be in Sedona to host screenings and Q&A discussions
The multiple award-winning documentary "Mine" makes its Arizona Premiere in Sedona on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The event is scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina which sets the backdrop of the powerful, touching and thought-provoking film. There will be two screenings of the film at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres. "Mine" is the second film in the Sedona International Film Festival's four-week "What’s Up, Doc?" Documentary Series featuring award-winning documentaries from festivals around the world.
Director and producer Geralyn Pezanoski will be in Sedona to host the premiere and conduct Q&A discussions following both screenings.
"This film will resonate with all animal lovers and pet owners, as well as anyone with an interest in humanity," said festival operations director Debbie Williams. "It is sure to be one of the most moving and touching documentaries you will see, taking you on an emotional roller coaster." "Mine" is the powerful story about the essential bond between humans and animals told against the backdrop of one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. The film explores how tragedy intensifies that bond and is told from the perspective of original guardians, rescuers, and adoptive parents of the voiceless victims of Katrina. These individuals are all connected by two things, the tragic aftermath of Katrina and their love of animals.
In response to an unprecedented crisis, thousands of pets were transported around the country and adopted even when their displaced guardians were still desperately looking for them. Meanwhile, many adoptive guardians had forged strong bonds with their new pets, nurturing them back to health from the traumas they suffered during and after the storm.
When two families love the same pet, conflicts inevitably arise over who is the rightful "owner" and what is right for the animal. At the center of this tension are pets who are loved like family, but by law are considered property. This begs the question, who is looking out for the best interest of the animals? Set in a post-Katrina landscape of poverty, loss and moral uncertainty, "Mine" presents the complexity of an intensely emotional situation that has no simple answers. A tragedy of this scale reveals the worst and brings out the best in humankind and presents an opportunity for us to bring about meaningful social change. "Mine" is a compelling, character-driven story that challenges us see the way we treat animals in our society as a reflection of how we treat ourselves – and each other.
"Like millions across the country I was profoundly affected by the startling images I witnessed during coverage of Hurricane Katrina: people stranded on rooftops, suffering crowds at the Super Dome, and the decimation of one of America’s most culturally vibrant and diverse cities," said producer/director Geralyn Pezanoski. "And like millions of others I was devastated as well by images of the thousands of animals in distress – their helplessness bringing into even greater relief the chaos and overwhelming scope of the tragedy. So when I read about a nascent but quickly growing rescue effort being carried out by animal lovers from across the country and the world, I decided to go to New Orleans to document this incredible undertaking."
During the ensuing six weeks, Pezanoski filmed dozens of intrepid rescue workers, devoted animal rights advocates, and thousands of animals in need of saving - even after they were 'rescued'. While a few residents trickled back into New Orleans and managed to reclaim their pets, most were displaced and barred from entering the city, so she watched day after day as these unclaimed animals were loaded onto trucks and planes and sent to shelters across the country, their fates uncertain.
Pezanoski herself fostered - and eventually adopted - a pointer mix she named Nola. "As the months went on, my crew and I began to see an increasing number of residents returning to New Orleans to try to rebuild their lives. It became apparent that legions of them - people who had lost everything - were desperate to find their pets," said Pezanoski. "We heard about hundreds of other cases across the county: people who were still displaced but on the hunt for their animals. But as broad and deep as the story went, there seemed to be strangely little information about it in mainstream media."
Pezanoski had many questions: "Why hadn't people been allowed to evacuate with their animals? Now that these animals were adopted into new homes, who had the authority to decide whether they should be left where they were or returned to their previous owners? Why were original owners running into such resistance in trying to find and reclaim their pets? What would I do if someone came looking for Nola, to whom I had become so attached?"
"I explored these questions and many more during the three years I spent making 'Mine'. My primary focus was on a handful of extraordinary Katrina victims committed to finding their animals even years after the disaster, but the story extends to rescue workers and new adoptive guardians, who, like me, decided to take in pets left behind and care for them as their own," said Pezanoski. "We met and interviewed hundreds of people over the years, and what emerged was a profound story of the bond between humans and animals, and the power of that bond to ameliorate human suffering. Equally striking, however, were stories both of the continuing prevalence of racism and classism in America, and the incredible power of compassion in the wake of tragedy."
Preview the Film Here:
The title sponsor for the event is the Humane Society of Sedona. All audience members attending the screenings of "Mine" are requested to bring a donation of dog or cat food for the Humane Society shelter here in Sedona. The lodging host sponsor is Los Abrigados Resort & Spa. "Mine" will be shown at Harkins Sedona Six Theatres on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10, or $8 for Film Sedona members, and will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. that day in the Harkins lobby. Cash or checks only. Film Sedona members can purchase tickets in advance at the Sedona International Film Festival office, 1785 W. Hwy. 89A, Suite 2B, or by calling 282-1177. For more information, visit: http://www.sedonafilmfestival.com/.
GARDENS OF HUMANITY BOOTH will host a talk at 9.15am - 9.45am on "Mulching" by Master Gardener Jay Fleishman. Mulching enriches and protects soil, helping provide a better growing environment. Learn about when and how to apply mulch, about organic and inorganic mulches for vegetable and flower gardens and their benefits for YOUR garden! Jay is a retired pathologist, certified master gardener and President of Cottonwood Community Gardens, LLC
Thank you to Gardens of Humanity for sponsoring the documentary FOOD, INC in partnership with Sedona's International Film Festival which was played to a packed audience at Harkins last night. The enlightening presentation completed with a positive message: Grow your own garden - even if it is just a small one - support food sources that are kind to humans & animals, use sustainable soil practices and green the planet .... we have the power ......www.foodincmovie.com
LIVE MUSIC!!! today with accomplished local group DOS GECKOS starting at 10am. The Dos Geckos team is made up of Bill Barns and Larry Perkins. Together they have embraced a diversity of popular and ethnic styles including Jazz, Blues, Classical, Rock, Latin and Celtic. CDs are available. Go to www.dosgeckosmusic.com for more information.
FACE PAINTING with Walker Bidwell today!
Recycle your EGG CARTONS and KITCHEN COMPOST at the Information or Gardens of Humanity booths!
ALSO check out nationally acclaimed book on GMOs by local writer Beth Harrison at http://www.prlog.org/10076135-shedding-light-on-ge-food-wins-1st-place-outstanding-book-of-the-year-most-progressive-health-book.html
"HANDS ACROSS THE GLOBE" - Communities helping Communities - Limited Edition Tote Bags - All proceeds from sales to be donated to local Meals on Wheels and the Food Bank - Made by widows from Zambia to generate income to support their families stricken by AIDS/HIV, the widows crochet these beautiful colorful creations using recycled plastic bags. Generously donated by Sedona's Mary Fisher Studios. Avaiable at the Market Information Booth. www.maryfisher.com
SLOW FOOD'S "TIME FOR LUNCH CAMPAIGN" - Slow Food needs your help to tell Congress it’s time to invest in children’s health, protect against food that puts children at risk and teach children healthy habits that will last through life. Visit http://www.slowfoodusa.org/ index.php/campaign/time_for_ lunch/ to sign a petition and learn more about Slow Food’s Time For Lunch campaign.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:
Zucchini / Squash Casserole courtesy of Downey Farms & Associates
3 1/2 cups 1/2" pieces of squash 1 cup diced sweet onions 1 cup water 1 tsp sea salt 1 cup bread crumbs 3 fresh eggs 1 cup of milk 1 tsp pepper 2 cups shredded jack cheese
Saute onion in water until tender, add squash with 1/2 tsp of salt. Bring to boil, simmer until tender, drain and put in bowl. Beat eggs, milk & rest of salt (1/2 tsp). Fork in cheese & bread crumbs, mix gently, pour into buttered 9x12 baking dish, bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Let stand for 5 min and serve! Bon Appetit!
Purchases can be made with CASH or also now with VISA / MASTER / DISCOVER cards for your convenience. Pick up your BLUE SLIP at the information booth, do all your shopping, mark your slip as you go and pay for all your purchases at one time at the info booth.
Contact: Please call Katrin Themlitz, Founder/Director, at (928) 821-1133 for more information or email katrin.themlitz@gmail.com.
Summer Fun in Sedona - 10 Ways to Cool Off in Sedona this Summer
Whether you're bringing the whole family, looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure in the red rocks, head to Sedona for cool nights and fun days! We've got 10 ways for you to beat the heat and COOL OFF in Sedona during this HOT summer. And remember, its always cooler up here! We're averaging 95-100 degrees right now in the sun. Head up Oak Creek Canyon and it gets even cooler. If you're hot, just jump in the creek or a lovely swimming pool at your hotel/resort of choice to cool off.
#1 Take a Jeep Tour!
Try a famous Pink Jeep Tour up Schnebly Hill Rd. for mind-blowing red rock vistas or climb red rock stairs on four wheels on the Broken Arrow Tour. Sign up for Pink Jeep's e-newsletter at http://www.pinkjeep.com/ and you'll receive insider info on deals, discounts and coupons to save money on their tours.
Want a real western experience? Hop on a Red Rock Jeep if you want to ride with the Cowboys & Indians of the real "out west." You don't have to wear your silver spurs or cowboy hat - just come ready to have fun!
#2 See the red rocks from above - there's no better way to see Sedona!
Sky Safari Helicopter & Biplane Rides take you up above Sedona where you come literally come eye to eye with the highest peaks and the lowest valleys of our scenic Red Rock Country. You will be in awe the entire time. I've actually flown in a Red Rock Biplane and I really mean it when I say you haven't seen Sedona 'til you've seen it from the sky!
#3 Rent a scooter and explore Sedona!
Sedona's going green! Save gas, save money and save the environment. There's is no Driver's License required to ride an electric bicycle so this is fun for the entire family! If you want more speed there is no better way to enjoy the magnificent red rock scenery than on a Vetrix Maxi-Scooter. You'll experience more on a Vetrix Maxi Scooter. It rides like a motorcycle with a top speed of 62mph, acceleration from 0 to 50 in just 6.8 seconds. Stop by The Electric Toy Store to take your pick of fun electric toys!
#4 Go WILD at Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Ride into the Serenghetti to feed giraffes, zebras, ostriches, wildebeests & more or enjoy their famous Tiger Splash show where the park's prize tigers play with their Trainers jumping into the pool. You've never seen anything like it.
Pick up a free copy of Kudos - they usually have a coupon in there for $2 off admission.
#5 Tee off at one of the most spectacular golf courses in America, Oak Creek Country Club.
You'll have a hard time keeping your eye on the ball golfing this magnificent award-winning course. When you're done, enjoy lunch at Mulligan's Grille on the Greene overlooking a beautiful pond. They've got "gourmet comfort food" that the locals rave about.
This par 72, 18 hole championship golf course was designed by the famous father and son team of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr., masterfully arranged in the grandeur of red rock splendor. The course consists of 145 acres, including three lakes.
#6 Head up Oak Creek Canyon to Slide Rock State Park & Grasshopper Point to cool off by Oak Creek.
Slide Rock State Park is by far one of Sedona's most popular attractions. Who needs a water park when you can slip and slide down a natural red rock waterslide carved into Oak Creek? Do some cliff-diving into beautiful pools of water, sunbathe on a bed of red rocks. Ah, that is the life!
If you're a little more adventurous, stop at Grasshopper Point and climb your way up to some brave and bold cliff-diving into a deep pool below.
When you're done, cast out a line and fish for some fresh local trout creekside or at the Rainbow Trout Farm. At the Trout Farm, you're guaranteed to catch one and then you can even cook it right then and there! The whole family can enjoy a picnic in this magical setting, tasting the fruits of your labor. Now that's FRESH fish!
#7 Experience the Real "Out West"!
Go on a horseback ride through the real desert of Arizona and finish it off with an authentic cowboy cookout at a real working cattle ranch, M Diamond Ranch. Cowboys serenade you by starlight - this is one to write home about!
#8 1st Friday Evening at the Galleries
On the first Friday of every month, the Sedona Gallery Association hosts the "First Friday Evening in the Galleries" event with artists receptions, wine and hors deourves at Sedona's finest art galleries. Mix and mingle with your favorite artists learning more about their inspiration and artistic process.
I recommend you do this hike at sunset when it cools off and you can witness a spectacular Arizona sunset from the top of the bell. Wildflowers line Scenic Highway 179 leading to this easy hike where you'll get up close and personal with one of Sedona's most unique and well-known rock formations.
Our favorite Sedona hike is by far the Westfork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. About halfway up the Canyon to Flagstaff, this mellow little hike criss-crosses Oak Creek for a total of 11 miles. The first 3 are a great "out and back" as you walk at the bottom of towering red rock cliffs, hopping stones to cross the creek back and forth, back and forth. Kick off your shoes and dip your feet in to cool off. If you're more adventurous, continue past the 3 mile point and you'll feel like you're the only human on the planet discovering "The Call of the Canyon" for the very first time.
#10 Day Trips Around the State
Sedona is centrally located within driving distance to the Grand Canyon, Jerome, Prescott, Flagstaff, many ancient ruins, State Parks and historical landmarks. Pack up the car and travel to Montezuma's Castle & Montezuma's Well (30 min. from Sedona) to get a real sense of this region's original settlers. Don't miss the Grand Canyon (1.5-2 hrs from Sedona), of course, and on the way stop to explore the famous Route 66 through Flagstaff (30-45 min. from Sedona).Jerome(30 min. from Sedona) was once a booming copper-mining town, now its a quaint hillside town where you'll discover unique art galleries, shops and restaurants like The Haunted Hamburger. Prescott or "Preskitt" as we locals call it was the original capitol of Arizona, home to plenty of Arizona history.
More on our 10 Ways to Cool Off this Summer below:
Explore Sedona.tv for videos and more information about all the tours & activities featured here and be sure to watch Channel 16 when you're in Sedona for a virtual tour of What to See & Do in Sedona!
Film Festival Presents Award-Winning Film Around the Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina 
In response to an unprecedented crisis, thousands of pets were transported around the country and adopted even when their displaced guardians were still desperately looking for them. Meanwhile, many adoptive guardians had forged strong bonds with their new pets, nurturing them back to health from the traumas they suffered during and after the storm. 
"Like millions across the country I was profoundly affected by the startling images I witnessed during coverage of Hurricane Katrina: people stranded on rooftops, suffering crowds at the Super Dome, and the decimation of one of America’s most culturally vibrant and diverse cities," said producer/director Geralyn Pezanoski. "And like millions of others I was devastated as well by images of the thousands of animals in distress – their helplessness bringing into even greater relief the chaos and overwhelming scope of the tragedy. So when I read about a nascent but quickly growing rescue effort being carried out by animal lovers from across the country and the world, I decided to go to New Orleans to document this incredible undertaking."
