Renegade Reporting: Renegade Reporting: Artivist Film Festival

As soon as I walked onto the Red Carpet at the Egyptian Theater on Hollywood Blvd for the 7th Annual Artivist Film Festival, I could feel a strong sense of community. Everyone supported each others' beliefs and desire for change. They were artists, they were activists, they were... Artivists.

2010 Honorees Peter Fonda, Barbara Pyle, and Avis Richards were in attendance. Fonda nailed it in 'Easy Rider'. Barbara Pyle started it, with 'Captain Planet and the Planeteers' back in the 80's. Avis Richards brought it, with her film 'Lunch', by pinpointing school's nutritional needs.

Lights, camera, action were quick to follow, while I may or may not have gotten Peter Fonda to let me wear his world famous shades. Many other stars also supported, such as: Vanessa Williams, Boris Kodjoe, Frances Fisher, Esai Morales, Nicole Ari Parker, Jonathan Morgan Heit, Annabelle Gurwitch from Planet Green, and many more. Amazingly, Jerry Maren, an original Lollipop kid from the Wizard of Oz, decided to make an appearance and even show me his rendition of the original song and dance. Maren's book, 'Short and Sweet', looks pretty sweet. Check it!

It proved to be a wonderful night of activism and I am inspired by all those who fight for a better tomorrow. Get out there and vote with your dollar, let your voice be heard, and support local businesses.
- Stephen Seidel, Renegade Reporting