Hunger

Homeless to Hollywood the Inocente Story

On 26/02/2013 / Academy Award Winner, Awareness, Children, Culture, Documentary, Film, Homeless, homelessness, Hunger, Injustice, Poverty, special interest, Video, VIDEO PREMIERE / Leave a comment

An artist’s journey from homelessness to the Academy Awards

Forced to make life decisions that a child should not have to face.

INOCENTE is an intensely personal and vibrant coming of age documentary about a young artist’s fierce determination to never surrender to the bleakness of her surroundings.

INOCENTE Homeless to Hollywood the Inocente Story

Inocente www.inocentedoc.com

At 15, Inocente refuses to let her dream of becoming an artist be caged by her life as an undocumented immigrant forced to live homeless for the last nine years. Color is her personal revolution and its extraordinary sweep on her canvases creates a world that looks nothing like her own dark past — a past punctuated by a father deported for domestic abuse, an alcoholic and defeated mother of four who once took her daughter by the hand to jump off a bridge together, an endless shuffle year after year through the city’s overcrowded homeless shelters and the constant threat of deportation.

Despite this history, Inocente’s eyes envision a world transformed…where buildings drip in yellow and orange, where pink and turquoise planets twinkle with rescued dreams, and one-eyed childlike creatures play amongst loved babies and purple clouds. Inocente’s family history is slowly revealed through her paintings.

Inocente’s story proves that the hand she has been dealt does not define her, her dreams do.

Told entirely in her own words, we come to Inocente’s story as she realizes her life is at a turning point, and for the first time, she decides to take control of her own destiny. Irreverent, flawed and funny, she’s now channeling her irrepressible personality into a future she controls. Her talent has finally been noticed, and if she can create a body of work in time, she has an opportunity to put on her first art show. Meanwhile, her family life is at a tense impasse—if she legally emancipates herself from her mother to strike out on her own, she’ll risk placing her brothers in foster care, but to stay is unbearable.

Inocente Painting 1024x571 Homeless to Hollywood the Inocente Story

Art by Inocente www.inocentedoc.com

INOCENTE is both a timeless story about the transformative power of art and a timely snapshot of the new face of homelessness in America, children. Neither sentimental nor sensational, INOCENTE will immerse you in the very real, day-to-day existence of a young girl who is battling a war that we rarely see. The challenges are staggering, but the hope in Inocente’s story proves that the hand she has been dealt does not define her, her dreams do.

Since working on the documentary, Izucar, now 19, moved into her own apartment — which she shares with her two adopted pet bunnies — and she had a successful art show in New York City .

Since the economic crash of 2008, the homeless population is exploding and families are its fastest growing segment. The INOCENTE documentary gives you a rare glimpse inside the struggle of how one of the 1.5 million homeless children in the U.S. is living today – the largest and fastest growing group of them being the undocumented.

Children are the new face of homelessness in our country and yet they remain faceless. For most of these children, it is a shameful secret— which is why, despite their incredible numbers, you see so few homeless children on the street and you so rarely hear their stories.

Homeless kids are twice as likely to experience anxiety and depression than non-homeless children and 1 in 6 will develop emotional problems. Twenty-five percent witness violence in their homes. To compound the crisis, the social services that serve the homeless are being cut. It’s the perfect storm of desperation and chaos for the kids caught in the spiral.

Ways to Take Action: www.inocentedoc.com

Hugh Jackman on Les Misérables, Life, Friends and Family

On 06/01/2013 / Awareness, Culture, Film, Hunger, Poverty, Theatre, Video / Leave a comment

Hugh Jackman on Les Misérables, Life, Friends and Family

Starring in “Les Misérables,” opposite a stellar cast including Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Russell Crowe, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter, Hugh Jackman is a frontrunner for an Oscar for his role as Jean Valjean.

You probably know Hugh Jackman for his leading role as “Wolverine” in the “X-Men” film series. You may also recognize him for his role in “Real Steel.” Or perhaps, you’ll recall how he was dubbed the “sexiest man alive” by People Magazine in 2008. And now, in “Les Misérables,” the word around town is that his performance in the role of “Jean Valjean” has made him the shoe-in for an Oscar!

Jackman underwent an incredible transformation for his role. The change was so dramatic that his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, gasped when she first saw the him in character.

Equally striking is the contrast between his on-screen rivalry with Russell Crowe and their off-screen reality. In real life, they’re really good friends. “Russell and I have been friends for a long time. I owe a lot to Russell in many ways,” Jackman explained, pointing to Russell Crowe’s decision to turn down the role of Wolverine. In fact, he even recommend Jackman to the director. Jackman shared, “I have asked his advice on several occasions and he’s always been generous to me and a good friend. This is the first time I got to work with him though.”

In fact, Jackman has plenty to say on Russell’s legendary cast parties. “If you ever get invited, take a song with you because you are singing. Everybody sings. He brings out his guitar and he loves it. The hardest thing is leaving because when you are at Russell’s parties, it’s always great fun,” Jackman said.

While he’s generous with his compliments, Jackman isn’t afraid to admit his faults and past mistakes. “As Russell just reminded me, I’m very bad at saying ‘no’ to my wife. I am a double booker. I am indecisive. I am a terrible handyman. And I can be incredibly vague,” he joked, adding, “I’m an actor, don’t trust an actor.” Perhaps this is a reference to a sticky-fingers incident from his childhood. “I would have gone to jail for nineteen years! It was a pack of Chickadees. I was very hungry and I certainly wasn’t starving like in this movie, but I was very hungry and I said, ‘Oh, I want something to eat!’ And my brother said, ‘Well let’s go to the shop’ and I said, ‘I don’t have any money.’ And he goes, ‘You don’t need money.’ He was a bad influence. I was led astray,” he admitted. Like most child thieves, he was caught. “Busted and belted. That’s how it was back then, but I wasn’t punished for nineteen years,” he laughs, making a reference to the Les Mis storyline.

A Distinctive Style with Jackie Evancho, Glenn Close, Bill Cosby

On 07/10/2012 / A Distinctive Style Magazine, Art, Awareness, Beware, Big Pharma, Cancer, Celebrities, Children, Culture, Eco-Fashion, Environmental, Fashion, Hunger, Injustice, Inspirational, Monsanto, Music, Natural Foods, Olympics, People, Photography, Poverty, Shop Green, Social Awareness, Stuttering, women / 1 Comment

Jackie Evancho, Glenn Close, Bill Cosby, Paul Englishby among others can be found in the Fall 2012 edition of A Distinctive Style

When you open the Fall 2012 issue of A Distinctive Style you will be greeted by a beautiful cover featuring child singing sensation Jackie Evancho, then you will notice the music of Emmy Award Winner Paul Englishby.

In our cover story with Jackie Evancho you’ll hear how she has handled the media storm since coming on the scene as a contestant on the fifth season of America’s Got Talent. She talks about her acting debut in a Robert Redford film to release in 2013 and tells us how she picked the songs for her newly released album “Songs From the Silver Screen.” You will see highlights from the CD by clicking a link on her page.

Other stories you’ll enjoy in this edition include:

A personal look at 2012 Emmy winner Paul Englishby focusing on his love of music and the success he has had with film and television musical scores.
A preview on “Stories of Change,” a partnership between the Skoll Foundation and the Sundance Film Festival to promote documentary films that promote global awareness and stimulate change.
An interview with legendary film actress Glenn Close as she sits down with Robert Milazzo at The Modern School of Film.
An inspirational profile of Tony Volpentest, a four-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and 2012 Olympic Hall of Fame nominee.
An examination of the fascination with the Mayan calendar and its prediction that the world will end on December 21, 2012.
A look into the “Gerson Therapy,” a natural cure for cancer.
A letter from Bill Cosby on “Why we must put our Children First.”
A review of Lizzie Velasquez’ insightful new book “Be Beautiful, Be You” which relates the power of finding inner beauty.

Of course all of the stories feature the innovative aspects that A Distinctive Style is known for. They are expertly written, have vivid photography and are enhanced with audio and video clips to give you a complete interactive experience.

Flipping through the pages of the Fall issue is like losing yourself in a virtual visual world. For the readers of this magazine, this is truly a magnificent treat for the senses and a perfect way to celebrate the publication’s fifth anniversary.

Those who haven’t seen this issue yet should certainly take a look now by visiting www.adistinctivestyle.com. You will be hooked on the experience!

A Distinctive Style, a Digital Media Magazine is Celebrating 5 Years

On 07/10/2012 / A Distinctive Style Magazine, Awareness, Big Pharma, Cancer, Celebrities, Culture, Eco-Fashion, Environmental, Film, Hunger, Music, Olympics, Photography, Poverty, Recycle, Social Awareness, Stuttering, Toxic, Video Production, Women / Comments Off

Our Digital Media Magazine is Celebrating 5 Years and 20 Issues!

This month marks the 20th Anniversary issue of A Distinctive Style (ADS) magazine. We are proud what we’ve accomplished over the past five years and wish to thank our readers, followers and supporters and those created the innovative tool which has allowed A Distinctive Style magazine a platform to showcase our stories.

ADS began as a medium to highlight environmental issues, but merged beautifully into a gallery for artists, a stage for musicians, a platform for celebrities who do more than entertain us, and a lesson in tenacity through the many stories we’ve covered.

Screen Shot 2012 10 06 at 7.22.46 PM A Distinctive Style, a Digital Media Magazine is Celebrating 5 Years

Five Year Anniversary

Fran Drescher (a.k.a “the Nanny”) was featured in two ADS issues as she educated us about the early warning signs of cancer…pay attention to your body: Stage 1 is the cure!

Actress and singer Olivia Newton-John shared her story of cancer during a candid interview, reminding us all of how we have an inner strength that can pull us through anything.

Actress Diane Keaton brought us her new book “Then Again,” a leveling story of the “all American” family and how our own family stories are not so different from hers.

And when “Dallas” finally made its way back to network television we were elated to have the opportunity to cover the Red Carper affair, and interview some of the cast.

We are each teachers in our own way. We wish each of you experience greatness so you can teach/help others. Looking back on the ADS journey it seems that a deeper lesson was there for us… a lesson intending on reminding us of the possibilities we each hold within us. No matter what life gives you, there are lessons in the highs and lows. What emerges is a bigger, better, stronger YOU!

We hope ADS has given you an inspiring look at the world and how YOU are an integral part of the future. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your life.

Enjoy Your Journey,

denise marie

See our new Fall Edition by clicking here

World Refugee Day June 20…a plea from Angelina Jolie

On 19/06/2012 / Awareness, Children, Hunger, Poverty, Women / Comments Off

World Refugee Day June 20…a plea from Angelina Jolie

Dear Denise,

Just a reminder: Check our website tomorrow to be one of the first to see the brand new public service message by actress and Special Envoy of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees ~Angelina Jolie.

It’s a moving, personal plea created for World Refugee Day on June 20, and a reminder to the world that 1 refugee family without shelter is too many.

You can see how this important message impacts real people’s lives by watching Hawa’s Dilemma, a short video illustrating one refugee woman’s difficult journey, fleeing from persecution, rape and terror to find safety and happiness after reuniting with her long-lost mother with UNHCR’s help:

Pass this email on to friends to help spread the word about the plight of refugees.

And click here to download a Blue Key cover photo for your Facebook page to display tomorrow, on World Refugee Day, to show all your friends your commitment to helping refugees and raising awareness of their plight.

Thank you!

One out of 5 children face hunger in America

On 13/06/2012 / Awareness, Children, Hunger, Poverty / Comments Off

Children face hunger in America …

ONE OUT OF EVERY FIVE!

As a member of the No Kid Hungry community, you are committed to fighting childhood hunger with Share Our Strength. Please watch this short video to learn what we’re up against and ways we’re working on eradicating childhood hunger. Then click the buttons below to SHARE the video and the No Kid Hungry pledge to help us grow the movement to end childhood hunger.

Take the Pledge

www.NoKidHungry.org

Finding North Documentary – 49 million people in US are hungry

On 26/05/2012 / Awareness, Children, Hunger / Comments Off

Finding North Documentary . One Nation. Underfed.

Forty-nine million people in the U.S.—one in four children—don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

This film bravely confronts the appalling truth that 49 million people in the U.S., including one in four children, don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Finding North easily dispels the dangerous myth that such issues affect only the poor, unemployed and uneducated.

It’s difficult to fault the film’s sophisticated presentation of persuasive information and passionate interwoven testimonies. In particular, the film’s well-chosen interview subjects paint a shocking and accurate portrait of the genuine human impact of the Hunger crisis in American. It’s impossible to be left unaffected by the anguished accounts of mothers, teachers, workers and young children.

FindingNorthSmPoster Finding North Documentary 49 million people in US are hungry

The film provides an explanation for how it is possible for millions of children to be effectively starving in the middle of a country blessed with a notorious overabundance of food and simultaneously cursed with one of the highest rates of obesity in the world.

Directors Kristi Jacobson and Lori Silverbush examine the issue of hunger in America through the lens of three people struggling with food insecurity: Barbie, a single Philadelphia mother who grew up in poverty and is trying to provide a better life for her two kids; Rosie, a Colorado fifth-grader who often has to depend on friends and neighbors to feed her and has trouble concentrating in school; and Tremonica, a Mississippi second-grader whose asthma and health issues are exacerbated by the largely empty calories her hardworking mother can afford.

Ultimately, the Finding North Documentary shows us how hunger poses serious economic, social and cultural implications for our nation, and that it could be solved once and for all, if the American public decides – as they have in the past – that making healthy food available and affordable is in the best interest of us all

What You Can Do

For Finding North Documentary, Participant Media will convene a consortium of leading nonprofit organizations, experts and companies working to relieve the immediate urgency of hunger, as well as those working to solve the tougher, complex issues that contribute to food insecurity in America. This interactive social action campaign will launch in the Fall / Winter of 2012.

In the meantime, we invite you to the conversation on Facebook and visit the Food Reseach and Action Center— the leading national nonprofit organization working to improve public policies and public-private partnerships to eradicate hunger and undernutrition in the United States.