Friday, February 22, 2008

EnlightenNext Film Showcase 2-20-08: Event Reviewed

The following invitation was forwarded to me by Silas Hagerty, who filmed "Joe's Journey" the documentary about my recovery.


Dear Friends,
On December 5, 2007 a new movement in media was born. In the heart of NYC, a group of about 40 filmmakers, entrepreneurs, writers, actors, businesspeople, financiers and committed souls on the path of real and radical transformation in culture, came together around a vision of cohering a community of practitioners in media that together would define a new experience of cooperation, creativity, cultural development, innovation and sustainable change through all forms of media.
On February 20th, 2008, we will re-gather to showcase projects that inspire us, build creative collaborations, touch the heart and soul, and value what is of real value in consciousness and culture… and then see what happens!

This is an invitation to be a part of a movement in culture and consciousness that is authentic, cutting edge and makes a real difference. As we showcase filmmakers, projects, innovators in media and cutting edge models for financing, production and distribution, we additionally take the time to interact in an enlightened dialogue about what actually makes these projects evolutionary and powerful. In that, we are a learning and evolving community of media-makers out to make a measurable difference in the world.

This event is hosted by Tim Murphy with the support of EnlightenNext, a non-profit organization.

Please join us on Wednesday, February 20th, 2008
At the EnlightenNext Center in NYC
243 West 30th St, 11th Floor
6:30PM-10PM
*invited contribution of $10-25 for the value you will receive
No one will be turned away for declining the invitation, or a tight budget
Light refreshments and snacks served


Silas, Lynn (my wife), Paul (my son), and I went to NYC to attend this event. We showed the documentary film, which was extremely well-received by the audience. Then we fielded questions from the audience of ~60 people. It was very emotional, inspiring. and rewarding. Paul, fortunately, responded to the first question posed, which broke the ice and calmed my nerves.

A very astute observation was made quite frequently: brain injury is not the most significant aspect of the film. The strength of our family was a very clear topic conveyed in the film.

I was overwhelmed by the number of people who came up to me afterward that told me they were inspired by my story. It was a very emotional evening.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Joe!
I have forwarded your documentary to countless friends and family...many who did not even know you, but knew of you thru us. Although we all admire your determination and positive attitude...EVERYONE commented on the love of your family. Knowing you all as long as I have....that is the true inspiration in your story. I can only hope to have half your family's strength should we ever need it. You are an amazing person/family and I feel like I'm a better person just knowing you thru the years as we have. Continue to heal and I hope to see you soon.
Sally xo
PS. I check your blog constantly so keep it up!

Emily Rak said...

Hi Mr. Damon!

It was great to see your documentary posted on your blog. I'm sorry I could not attend the showing in NYC but it sounds like it was a good evening.

I am thrilled to see you are doing so well. I was looking through my pictures of Italy the other day and remembering what a fun time we all had there and how great it was to get to know you.

Sending you my best,

Emily Rak