INTERVIEW: Diaky Diaz – Artivist

In June 2003, after years of searching for a way to merge her two passions of film and advocacy, Diaky Diaz arrived at the perfect idea: Artivist - a film festival dedicated to raising awareness for humanity, animals, and the environment.

“I have always felt a responsibility to the world around me,” says Diaz. “Turning on the six o’ clock news, looking outside my window, seeing our world in such chaos… I felt powerless. Eventually, I realised that I was forcing myself to decide: either look the other way or do something about it. Choosing to be a part of the solution gave me a deep sense of purpose. Since that day, when I got the idea to start this festival, I have never again felt powerless.”

What would you like people to take from the whole festival experience?

“Artivist is a reminder that there is an interdependence between humanity, animals, and the environment.  The goal is for people to get inspired about taking positive action in their global community.”

How important do you think it is for people to be educated about things that affect them and the planet these days?

“Very important.  This is our collective planet, our home.  We have a responsibility to ourselves, our children, our families, our home.  We can all do something to improve the health and condition of our world, of our fellow global citizens, and in the process we build our own purposeful life and enrich our own life experience.”

Are you happy to be bringing the festival to the UK, and what do you expect the reaction to be like here?

“We are happy to take the Artivist Film Festival worldwide. Londoners, as a general group, are very aware of social global issues and how their actions impact our world.  Audiences in London will appreciate the message and mission of Artivist, and hopefully get involved in bringing Artivist back to the UK.  The festival is always seeking sponsors and partners, and London would be a perfect location in Europe to set-up a permanent home for Artivist.”

How do you go about programming the festival?

“Films are submitted from countries all around the globe and jury reviews the thousands of films finalises a list of the best films which will be screened at the festival.”

What do you think are the most important issues affecting the world today?

“There is a disconnect between us (humans) and the other “earthlings” on this planet: animals and the environment.  Most importantly, there is a disconnect between us and us. Artivist is a reminder that we are connected, one world, one tribe, and that there is an interdependence between humanity, animals, and the environment.  That is it.  That is the key that will ultimately save our existence on this planet.”

What is next for you and the festival?

“After leaving London, the Artivist Film Festival has been invited to participate in World Water Day at the United Nations on March 22, 2010, in New York City.  We will also have a mini film festival at Tribeca Cinemas on March 25, 26, 27.  After that, we return to Hollywood to produce the 7th Annual Artivist Film Festival and Artivist Awards, taking place October 5-9, 2010.  Our goal is to continue expanding the festival internationally, and continue collaborating with sponsors and community partners.”