Donkaphant 2009

Two years ago, I met a guy named Graham while visiting the Santa Monica Farmers' Market and after talking we found that we shared an interest in politics. He and his friend, Justin, were putting a film festival together to partner purpose-driven films with organizations that had similar goals. Their mission? Educate and inspire people to be active citizens through film. That year, they launched the first Donkaphant Film Festival and formed the YOUnited Foundation to bring together filmmakers, the community and activists. The following year, the 2008 film slate included issues ranging from ocean conservation in Once Upon a Tide to child rape in Africa with And There in the Dust. Simultaneously, YOUnited ran the Beat 1960 campaign to encourage people to head to the polls and outdo the voter turnout from the record-breaking 1960 elections. Their campaign (and Obama) was successful. 

In 2009, the Donkaphant Film Festival joins forces with the Los Angeles Film Festival to screen Jason Pollack's The Youngest Candidate. Produced by David Letterman's Worldwide Pants company, this film follows four brave teens who step up and run for office finding that along the way it isn't always easy to fight America's two-party system and what seems like an impermeable old boys club.

The 2009 Donkaphant Film Festival will be held Thursday, June 25 at the Majestic Crest Theatre (1262 Westwood Blvd., 90024). For just $15, you can help support what is a mission and a medium that brings people together to pursue change. Come join us! 

Tickets are available at: YOUnited Foundation or for more information tickets@younitedfoundation.org.

YOUnited Mission

Founded upon the belief that we as a collective society must be more aware, engaged and active in our communities, The YOUnited Foundation promotes education and inspiration by maximizing the power of film and creating a philanthropic wave that will sustain generations to come.This educational tool, consisting of festival programs and events, focuses on raising awareness and providing avenues of immediate volunteerism to its audiences.  YOUnited believes that the use of film, as a form of expression, is a vital tool in exposing the ideas and opinions that create positive change and erase apathy around the globe.