After a successful screening event in NYC, the top 3 finalists were chosen in the Faces of Hunger in America film contest sponsored by Palms For Life Fund. An esteemed panel of judges reviewed the top 6 films, as decided by public vote, at the Action Center to End World Hunger on December 21st , 2009. The contest was organized by the Palms For Life Fund, with GotSpot providing the voting platform, to get the message about the issues of Hunger in America out to the public. Palms For Life director, Hannah Laufer-Rottman, wanted to make the best use of the funds made available, and what is significant to note, is that the $10,000 in cash prizes went further in terms of reaching out to the public than traditional advertising might have gone. The films and pages of this contest were viewed over 90,000 times during the 1-month voting period in November 2009, with over 30,000 votes cast. All films entered into the contest will be compiled together to make a single trailer that will be displayed at Film Festivals across the US and hopefully around the world. Hunger in America is a big problem: “49 million Americans were food insecure in 2008, almost 17 million of them being children” – the highest since the government began tracking what it calls “food insecurity” 14 years ago, as reported by the Department of Agriculture.

And the winners are……

1st Place prize $5,000 – Dolce Wang for her film titled “Food for Thought”. Dolce created a different spin on the theme by turning the camera on herself and her family. Sometimes the issue of hunger might be closer than you think. Dolce helped us to understand that hunger is not limited to the homeless or unemployed. Providing the facts and numbers, Dolce’s film is both personal and informative at the same time with an artistic quality. We think Dolce has a bright future if she ever decides to become a filmmaker.

“Participating in the Faces of Hunger Film Competition was really a great experience as it pushed me to really step out and inform myself and others about the issues revolving around hunger in America. In the process of making the film, Food for Thought, I discovered that the true issue of hunger did not only lie among the homeless population as many assumed, but with the people around us — middle-class families, and most humbling of all — my own family. Although it was not the easiest thing to admit, I am so glad that to have gone through the process, as it was a very meaningful to not only create the film and learn about the issues of hunger, but to share with others about my own personal discovery. I have Hannah Laufer and the Palms for Life Foundation to thank for helping me come to this realization, and I would definitely encourage others to participate in 2010!” – Dolce Wang

2nd Place prize $3,500 – Cassie Jaye for her film titled “Faces Overlooked”. Cassie turned her camera on in one of America’s richest cities in the country to reveal what many would least expect. Cassie crafted a well produced video and her experience with her own production company “Jayebird Productions” showed in her submission. A beautiful young actress and filmmaker all in one, that’s like a left / right knockout punch!

“It was an honor to be apart of the Faces of Hunger in America film contest. There were so many talented young filmmakers involved, and all for a great cause. It was a joy to focus my passion on helping my community. I feel that the contest really brought people together from all across the nation to help raise awareness about the hunger epidemic. I’m so thankful to the Palms For Life Fund and GotSpot for giving me this opportunity.” – Cassie Jaye

3rd Place prize $1,500 – Walden Davis for his animated film called “Crying”. Walden showed his artistic abilities by combining his animation skills with the message of Hunger in America. This talented young 15-year old caught the attention of the judges with his take on presenting the issue. Look for Walden’s animations in the future!

“When most Americans think of Hunger, they think of it as a minor problem, something that we’ve exported to another country whether it be in Africa or Asia, they just don’t think of Hunger be present here. Hannah’s competition allowed us directors, editors and producers to divine why this issue is still at the table and why it hasn’t long since been eradicated. These videos have really open people’s minds to what is really going on. Of course this would all not be possible without the Palms for Life fund, a charity developed by Mrs. Laufer-Rottman which aims to raise awareness about the root causes of hunger and promotes equal access to basic necessities such as food and education for all those living in impoverished conditions.  Gotspot, with their unique and simple way to view and vote for these videos, also revolutionized the experience.  The Faces of Hunger contest run by Hannah and Palms for Life fund was really beyond what I had originally imagined.” – Walden Davis

Special Scholarship Award – James Jackson for his film titled “Faces of Hunger”. James, a 17 year old student, received a special award that captured the attention of contest organizer. The “Hannah Laufer-Rottman Scholarship Award for Excellent Conveyance of Message” was awarded to James for his entry.

“I am so pleased and grateful to receive this scholarship award. To have received this from Hannah and the Palms for life fund means more to me than just happiness. It has brought me great peace of mind, I am honored to have been able to partake and receive this award from you. It is my hope that one day I will be able to give back what was so generously given to me.” – James Jackson.

Judging Panel;
Joel Berg, head of the NY Coalition Against Hunger and author of All You Can Eat, How Hungry is America
Richard Deckelbaum, Director of the Institute of Human Nutrition and professor of Nutrition at Columbia University
Jessica Green, filmmaker, co-director of the cinema program at the Maysles Insitute
Tom Hurwitz, acclaimed and award-winning Director of Photography, latest film was “Valentino”
Philip Maysles, filmmaker, co-director of the cinema program at the Maysles Institute
Janet Poppendieck, Sociology Prof. at Hunter College, author of Sweet Charity? Emergency Food and the End of Entitlement