And the Oscar goes to.......

photo credit: Rob Tobin

This is Inocente in the limosine with the Oscar after last Sunday's Academy Awards.  This is a pinnacle moment for a girl, some amazing film makers, an incredible non-profit called A Reason To Survive, and myself for being part of something so inspirational.

On Sunday, Inocente was awarded the Oscar for the category Short Documentary.  I am honored to be part of this story and I am thrilled to see Inocente herself come to this place on a journey from homeless youth on the streets of San Diego, to walking the red carpet last Sunday evening, and ultimately the recipient of this award.

Inocente, the movie is a documentary created by Sean and Andrea Fine.  They are amazing film makers and have received numerous accolades for both this film and the documentary War Dance.  While I was on the Board of Directors of A Reason To Survive (ARTS), a non-profit for children with adversity, Sean and Andrea were shooting footage for this film.  Inocente was attending ARTS as a homeless youth while attending high school in the vicinity.  At the time she was 15 years old and her school friends were unaware she was homeless.

Inocente

Inocente's story is incredibly inspiring because it speaks to great resilience in the face of horrific circumstances.  Her strength, perseverance and outlook are exemplary to each and every one of us.  She shines brightly despite the circumstances of her life.  Through ARTS, Inocente has found an outlet for her amazing artistic talent and creativity.  And because of people's belief in her, she is now no longer homeless, has a college fund to attend art school, and is thriving.  She is a shining example of POTENTIAL.

It was not on my bucket list to be in an Academy Award winning movie, but life can be funny at times and present you with gifts of providence.  I got involved with ARTS in 2007 because of my love of art and my belief that artistic expression can heal all kinds of deep wounds.  I started at ARTS as a volunteer teaching afternoon classes to gang members.  I fell in love with this organization and joined the board of directors and have been a champion of it ever since.

This movie touches on so many issues facing our nation at this time, including homelessness, immigration, and domestic violence.  But it is a Cinderella story with a shining outcome.  Inocente herself walked the red carpet in a Cinderella-like gown by a renowned San Diego designer Zandra Rhodes.  She joined the filmmakers Sean and Andrea Fine on that stage when they received the Oscar  symbollically standing between the two of them.  She was embraced by the world that evening and everyone fell in love with her.  She was finally able to feel part of something that even she cannot describe.

I think the expression on Inocente's face in the limosine says it all.  Pure joy and exuberance!

I truly hope that if you have the opportunity to watch this film that you do so.  It is a powerful testimony as to what the human spirit can and will endure.  Her circumstances do not define her, her dreams do....

Congratulations Inocente!!  We love you!

Please visit the ARTS website to find out more about the amazing programs they offer for children:

http://www.areasontosurvive.org/