An inspirational evening of storytelling, knowledge sharing, and awakening, One Million Elephants is an inaugural event highlighting local justice-based Arts initiatives.
Event programming will feature multi-media presentations by local artists and changemakers, including Austin-based filmmaker, Kate Kirby (Executive Director of Kindred Planet Productions and Director of feature documentary film, Elephant Keeper) and members from VSA Texas, the State Organization on Arts and Disability.
— SCHEDULE —
Keynote Presentation:
The Making of Elephant Keeper: A Journey in Justice-Based Filmmaking from Laos to Austin — an immersive multimedia presentation by Kate Kirby (Director & Producer of Elephant Keeper, Executive Director of Kindred Planet Productions)
Community Partner Platform:
Equalizing the viewing experience: Live Audio Description — a demonstration by VSA Texas (Elephant Keeper select scenes)
Social:
Meet fellow artists, organizers, and changemakers!
• Free & open to the public (suggested $10-$20 donation by cash, Paypal, or Venmo) • All ages welcome • Wheelchair-accessible facility • ASL interpreter • Live Audio Description • Gender-neutral bathroom available • Free on-site parking •
About Elephant Keeper: The Story of a Mahout in Laos
Laos, a country rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, was once referred to as Lan Xang, or "The Land of a Million Elephants.” There are now less than 1000 elephants remaining. At the current mortality rates, the Lao elephant, and the Mahout tradition are rapidly approaching extinction.
Elephant Keeper goes behind the scenes at an elephant conservation center in Laos, providing a rare and intimate glimpse into the daily life of Mahout Mr. Thong, Mae Dok, the 60-year-old elephant, and Baby Noy, a wild orphaned elephant.
Film Teaser: vimeo.com/user17255072/elephantkeepertrailer1
About Kindred Planet Productions
Founded in 2013 to "capture the interconnectedness of a 21st century world, raise awareness, and inspire change by bringing into focus stories from the margins, Austin-based Kindred Planet Productions has produced a variety of documentaries, filmed around the world. An advocate for social, economic, and environmental progress, KPP operates from a justice-based framework to highlight grassroots-led initiatives, seeking to provoke critical thought and action.
About VSA Texas
"Established in 1996, VSA arts of Texas (dba VSA Texas) has built a legacy of offering high quality, inclusive arts programs and services in Austin, and is the only organization operating at the intersection of arts, education and disability in Texas. We create and maintain an accessible and open community where everyone can participate. Our goal is to provide support and training to the public, enhance personal growth, and offer Texans access to the creative work of people with diverse abilities.”
This event is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department.