ARTIVIST – Diaky Diaz, Merging Film And Advocacy

ARTIVIST founder Daiky Diaz pictured left with cofounder Dr. Bettina Wolff

In June of 2003, after years of searching for a way to merge her two passions, film and advocacy, Diaky Diaz arrived at the perfect idea: “ARTIVIST.” A film festival dedicated to raising awareness for humanity, animals, and the environment. Diaky shares, “I have always felt a responsibility to the world around me. Turning on the 6 o’clock news, looking outside my window, seeing our world in such chaos… I felt powerless. Eventually, I realized that I was forcing myself to decide to 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.” Born in New York City to Dominican parents, Diaky Diaz, a Black- Latina, was raised in the Bushwick projects of Brooklyn. At the age of 15, she voluntarily placed herself in the custody of the foster care agency, The Jewish Child Care Association. She then lived under their care, as a ward of the State, until the age of 21. In 2000, Diaky moved to Los Angeles to pursue a meaningful career in the film industry. In 2003, Diaky launched the “Artivist Film Festival.” Co-founded with life partner Dr. Bettina Wolff and close friend Christopher Riedesel, The Artivist Collective, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, produces the international Artivist Film Festival, the Artivist Awards, and tours through various countries. “ARTIVIST” is the 1st international film festival dedicated to addressing Human Rights, Children’s Advocacy, Environmental Preservation, and Animal Advocacy. Its mission is to raise public awareness for social, global causes. As President, Diaky supervises the daily productions and operations of the Artivist organization, co-managing 12 departments and over 50 volunteer-staff members per fiscal year. Currently, Diaky lives in Los Angeles with her life partner of 19 years, Dr. Bettina Wolff, a German Psychologist, and their rescued dogs including “Wolfgang”, a retired racing greyhound

About ARTIVIST
ARTIVIST is the only Film Festival dedicated to ‘Raising awareness for Human Rights, Children’s Advocacy, Environmental Preservation, and Animal Advocacy through international films and community action’. The Artivist Film Festival is an Official NGO Member of the UNITED NATIONS Department of Public Information.

More than just a Film Festival, the Artivist Organization guides the public “From Awareness to Action” by connecting audiences to dozens of our NGO Partners, where they can actively participate in affecting positive change.

Brave Discussion bloggers with a passion for film can join the Artivist Community Online and submit your Film-Video to Artivist today: www.ARTIVIST.com If you would like to hear how Diaky Diaz’s vision for Artivist came about then listen to her interview here.

Sadly I couldn’t find lots of additional information on the dates for the film festival on the ARTIVIST website but if you would like to learn more I suggest you join the Artivist Facebook Page

SINCE 2003, THE ARTIVIST FILM FESTIVAL HAS:

Produced Film Festivals in 5 Countries: USA, UK, Japan, Portugal, and Mexico. Screened 400+ international Films, representing over 60 countries, to 30,000+ attendees. Reached more than 45 Million People with its campaigns. Been featured in 150+ Newspapers, Magazines, and Blogs. Collaborated with more than 100 NGOs, (including UNICEF, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, Global Green, Humane Society of the United States, PETA, CARE, Witness, Save the Children, ONE, Rock the Vote, and more). Honored various Celebrities and prominent Community Leaders: Peter Fonda, Ted Danson, Mira Sorvino, Joaquin Phoenix, Alyssa Milano, Ed Begley, Jr., James Cromwell, Olivia Wilde, Mathew McConaughey, Kristen Bell, Claes Nobel of the Nobel Prize Family, and more.