Red Carpet Causes
by Danielle K | February 12, 2013 | 0 comments
Elaborate storytelling, gorgeous costumes, plentiful food and drink: these are the components of the Jewish holiday of Purim. So happens, they’re also part of my upcoming Oscar viewing party!
When we read the Megillah on Purim, we retell the story of our protagonists fighting for a community’s survival. This story is powerful, and the oral tradition of Purim comes with remembering the challenges Jewish people once faced, and how those challenges presented a call to action.
Today, we understand the power of retelling stories most commonly through the entertainment industry. Like the Megillah, films share powerful, emotional stories that often mobilize viewers behind a real-life cause. Even this year’s nominated films, utilize storytelling not only to weave a tale of fiction and fantasy, but also to bring substantial and widespread causes to light.
So whether you’ll be dressing up as Esther and eating hamantashen, or kicking back and watching the stars do the dressing up at the 85th Academy Awards, here are some of the Oscar nominees for best picture, the causes that are promoted by their stories, and ways that you can become a service star too:
Lincoln & Human Rights
“If you can look into the seeds of time and say which grain will grow and which will not, speak then to me.” Lincoln recounts the events and life of the 16th President as he strives to abolish slavery by helping get the 13th amendment passed during the Civil War. While we’ve come far in the journey to equality, themes from this film, such as major human rights violations, are not a thing of the past. Many groups are still subject to the same discrimination and hatred common during Lincoln’s era, but today, hundreds of organizations are working to minimize these injustices. This Purim, consider working with organizations like Human Rights Campaign or Keshet to help combat inequality.
Les Miserables & Poverty
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” The movie-musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s epic novel has garnered eight Oscar nominations including best actor and supporting actress for Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway respectively. The musical covers MANY themes, the most predominant of which is poverty, evoked through the film’s famous ballads and belted showstoppers. While the story is set in post-revolutionary France, many of the film’s issues are quite prevalent today. Fortunately, those in need are no longer on their own. Groups like UJA Federation in NYC, and The Global Poverty Project work to raise awareness of and fight complex societal issues on a national and global scale by encouraging volunteerism, advocacy and fundraising.
Argo & Unsung Heroes
“If we wanted applause, we would have joined the circus...” Argo tells the astounding and unlikely true story of a group of Americans hiding in Iran during the hostage crisis of 1979, and the CIA Agent Tony Mendez (played by Ben Affleck) who concocted what seemed like a ridiculous plan to help them escape. Mendez was a quiet hero (until now), whose creativity and bravery saved some lives against crazy odds. While CIA missions remain highly classified (and for good reason), we can recognize many other unsung heroes who save lives every day. Organizations like Hometown Heroes and Homes for Heroes help spread accolades and assistance to those who don’t ask for applause, but who most deserve it.
Django & Modern-Day Slavery
“...you had my curiosity. But now you have my attention.” Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained tells the story of Django (a slave turned bounty hunter) through 2 hours and 45 minutes of classic horror, laughter, discomfort and even some satisfaction. Yet behind the film’s graphic nature, quick wit and vibrant characters lies the deeper issue of the widespread struggle for freedom in late nineteenth century America. It may seem a far stretch from this all-star performance, but slavery still exists in many forms. Slavery Footprint is a nonprofit that works to end modern-day slavery by educating others about the supply lines of consumer products. You can find out how many slaves work for you right now here ...Do we have your attention?
Amour & Care for Elders
“Things will go on as they have done up until now.” Devastating and remarkable, Amour is not an easy film to watch. Viewers witness the deterioration of a life, and the mix of care, love, and heartbreak that goes along with it. We can’t control stories like the one depicted in Armour, but what we can control is what we do with the time that we have, and how we spend time with others. Organizations like DOROT and National Council on Aging provide support and companionship. It’s easy and fulfilling to get involved with their mission and with similar local organizations, and volunteers are consistently needed. Things will go on as they have done up until now, but you can positively affect how they continue in the future.
Silver Linings Playbook & Mental Health
“If you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining.” Silver Linings Playbook is unusual and funny, while equally deep and meaningful, and touts two of this year’s great performances (from Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence). Focused on a man with bipolar disorder and a woman with a very different set of challenges, above all else Silver Linings playbook is a story that begs for a timely discussion about stigma and services for the mentally ill. Organizations like Metropolitan Council On Jewish Poverty, and Active Minds strive to not only provide services to those in need, but to help those seeking ways to better understand the challenges faced by their friends and loved ones.
Beasts of the Southern Wild & Disaster Relief
“When you're a small piece of a big puzzle, you gotta fix what you can.” Unique, disturbing and breathtaking all at once, Beasts of the Southern Wild presents a story of devastation and hope, taking place in a fictional Delta community called “The Bathtub” while residents prepare for an oncoming storm. The film leaves much to be interpreted, but there have been many comparisons to Hurricane Katrina, and the communities left poverty stricken in its wake. The tale leaves audiences with a yearning to learn more about the happenings in real communities post-natural disaster, and what you can do to spread awareness, and help fix what you can. We suggest starting with organizations like Nechama or National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
Life of Pi & Interfaith Discussion
“Above all...it is important not to lose hope.” Life of Pi is a visually and emotionally stunning film, the majority of which takes place in the middle of the ocean, in a lifeboat, with no one but a young boy and an adult Bengal Tiger taking up your screen. Even more interesting than the unique story line however is the protagonist's belief system. Pi believes in three religions, and sites his faith in all three (as well as his open mind for ALL religions) as his reason for survival after a devastating shipwreck. The film presents an excellent portrayal of the power of interfaith cooperation, and there are many organizations that YOU can join that promote interfaith discussion and understanding, such as Interfaith Youth Core and Interfaith Appalachia
Zero Dark Thirty & Soldier Support
“It’s 100%. I know certainty freaks you guys out, but it’s 100%.” Zero Dark Thirty is a fascinating portrayal of war and secret military operatives. No matter your feelings on the film’s contents, historical truths, and politics, the film reminds us (among many things) that, particularly in times of conflict, people are wounded and killed every day. Whether you want to send care packages to soldiers overseas, or help families separated from or having lost a loved one, The The National Resource Directory has a great list of organizations that work with veterans, service members, wounded warriors, and military families.
This Purim, we’ll be watching the stars walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards and honoring the films that support the causes we love…while gearing up for the real stars like you to grab the spotlight by making a difference in your local and global communities.
Purim is Saturday, February 23 -Sunday February 24, 2013
The Oscars air Sunday, February 24, at 7pm Eastern on ABC
