Art Can Make A Difference

TagLine: 
Art Can Make a Difference

Proposal for a 90 Minute documentary, based on the achievements of Kenro Izu, a fine art photographer from Japan. Kenro started an NGO in 1996 called Friends Without A Border based out of New York, with the purpose of building a paediatric hospital in Siem Reap, Cambodia, providing free care. From its inception, the Siem Reap project has grown to a full-service hospital and satellite unit that together treats children from poor backgrounds. Another similar hospital was established in 2013 in Luang Prabang, Laos. 

The Beginning: 

Kenro first visited Cambodia in 1993 to photograph Angkor Wat, as part of his “Sacred Places” photo project. During a visit the following year, Kenro visited the provincial hospital of Siem Reap, and encountered the death of a girl, whose family could not afford the money ($2) requested by a doctor of the hospital. The girl was a similar age to his own daughter, which made him feel closer to the feelings of the father who was attending the girl at the hospital. At this moment in time Kenro decided to do something. However, at first, he didn’t know where to start. In 1996, Kenro founded Friends Without A Border with several of his friends from Japan and USA on the board of directors. In 1996 FWAB was granted tax exempt non-profit 501(c)(3) status. Kenro promised to raise the needed money by selling his Angkor Wat images through the galleries of his representation, mostly in USA. Between 1996 and 1997, sales reached $300,000. In the summer of 1997, Kenro met two important people in Japan: a doctor and a monk (nun), each of whom matched his founding money of $300K to reach the proposed construction estimate.Then both people recruited donors/members among their employees/followers to contribute $50 per year to join the FWAB supporters. To this day, some of those founding members still support the Angkor Hospital for Children and Lao Friends Hospital for Children. In late 1997, construction started as well as hiring staff to provide initial training in a rented house in SiemReap. The Angkor Hospital for Children opened in January 1999. 

Art as a Catalyst for Positive Social Change: Transforming Minds and Fostering Compassion. 

PART 01: 
Introduction:
Kenro Izu as a Catalyst for Social Change and Societal Improvement. 

The primary focus of this documentary is to explore the possibilities of how art can positively impact a society. With Kenro Izu as the showcase catalyst of that social change, this documentary will look at the intersection of how passion and commitment lit by a single inspirational spark, can lead to the betterment of society. Throughout history, art has played a significant role in shaping societies and influencing human perception. It has the power to challenge long-held beliefs, evoke emotions, and ignite conversations about critical social issues. In this documentary, we will explore how art, including photography, can make a positive difference in creating a better social environment. By challenging people’s perceptions, art has the potential to change the way individuals see the world and act as a powerful tool for fostering compassion, ultimately creating a more inclusive and empathetic society.

1. Art as a Means to Raise Funds: 

Art has proven to be an effective medium for raising funds to support social causes. Charitable organizations often host art exhibitions or auctions, where artists donate their work to raise money for various charitable initiatives. For instance, organizations like Art for Change and Creative Visions Foundation have successfully utilized art to generate resources for community development projects and to provide aid to marginalized groups. By appreciating and investing in art,
individuals also contribute to the betterment of society, acknowledging its capacity to bring about positive change. 

2. Challenging Perceptions through Philosophy, Art and Photography:

Art, particularly through its visual form, has the ability to challenge societal norms and perceptions, offering new perspectives on pressing social issues. Artists can use their creative expression to shed light on subjects that are often marginalized or overlooked. Through various artistic forms, artists capture moments of truth that can expose the underlying realities of our socio-political landscape. For example, iconic photographs like Dorothea Lange’s “Migrant Mother” and Kevin Carter’s “The Vulture and the Little Girl” have forced viewers to confront human suffering and the inequalities prevalent in our world. In
addition, artists can employ symbolism and metaphors to convey powerful messages that reshape prevailing mindsets. For instance, renowned street artist Banksy uses his art to challenge the status quo and create social awareness, highlighting issues such as poverty, oppression, and environmental degradation. By creating thought-provoking and visually captivating artwork, artists can challenge the collective consciousness, encouraging society to question its preconceived notions and biases. This documentary gives viewers a chance to understand that they too have a chance to make a difference in the world around them and finding meaning and purpose. 

3. Changing Perspectives for a More Compassionate World: 

“Treat every patient as if your own child.”

This is the motto and philosophy Kenro Izu introduced in the hospitals that provide free care for the children in both Cambodia and in Laos. Through his art Kenro has the unique ability to evoke empathy, connect people, and inspire positive social action. It helps viewers relate to the experiences of others, fostering a sense of compassion that can drive societal change. When
individuals engage with art portraying the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities, they develop a deeper understanding of the human condition. This understanding, in turn, cultivates empathy, encouraging individuals to engage in acts of kindness and social responsibility. This documentary explores this variety of layers and how artists are involved in this process of change. Through interviews with Kenro, fellow artists, art therapists and psychologists, the film highlights the benefits of art as a language of expression. Art can spark conversations that lead to important dialogues about relevant
issues. Community art projects, galleries, and exhibitions provide platforms for discussions that challenge and reshape perspectives. These artistic interactions encourage an inclusive environment, allowing for diverse voices to be heard. By sharing personal stories and experiences through art, marginalized communities gain visibility and recognition, enabling society to confront inequality and discrimination head-on. Another strong point from Kenro’s story is how little it actually takes to make a difference in someone’s life. The establishment of Friends Without a Border came from an all too common situation that Kenro personally witnessed. The thought of being able to save the life of a child for just $2 USD is still something that permeates within his mind. This has acted and currently acts as a driving factor for his desire to make the world a better place.Positive change can be brought to any society, even just a tiny amount can make a difference in people’s lives. 

PART 2: The approach to the making of the documentary. 

Art and Compassion: Catalyzing Social Change

We want to create a compelling film documentary exploring how artists can create social change through compassion and care.The power of art to shape societies and ignite social change cannot be underestimated. By
delving into the transformative impact of art on communities, we can
inspire audiences to take action and drive the need for a more compassionate society. 

Art as a Catalyst for Change  ( ART CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE ) 

The opening section will delve into the role of art as a catalyst for social change. Through engaging interviews with renowned artists and experts, (Kenro Izu and other Artists that have been pivotal in setting up the hospitals by donating their work), we will explore the ways in which art serves as a potent tool to challenge societal norms and ignite empathy. We will highlight historical movements, shedding light on how art has played a pivotal role in advocating for marginalized communities and promoting social equity. Photo Voice is one such organisation: Ethical Photography for Social Change.
PhotoVoice believes everybody should have the opportunity to represent themselves and tell their own story. They work in partnership all over the world on projects and activities which combine ethical photography and community engagement, and deliver positive social change. Another great example is world renowed muscian Yo-Yo Ma who partners with communities and institutions from Chicago to Guangzhou to develop programs that champion culture’s power to transform lives and forge a
more connected world. Yo-Yo Ma was an ambassador for Friends Without A Border for one year and we aim to have an interview with him. We want to interview other well known supporters as well. People like the actor Richard Gere, and Princess Beatrice from the United Kingdom. Both have been supportive of Kenro’s work, with Princess Beatrice visiting the Lao Friends Hospital for Children and officially opening the new neonatal wing. We will explore contemporary examples, showcasing how art installations, performances, and exhibitions have sparked conversations on pertinent social issues such as climate change and racial injustice. Seed money for the Anchor Hospital for Children came from a show by Kenro Izu in the Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts, in Japan.

Section 2: The Artist’s Path of Compassion: 

Here we will focus on the artist’s journey toward creating social change through compassion and care. By profiling artists like Kenro Izu, who have successfully used their craft as a medium, we will explore the transformative power of empathy and how it inspires them to act. We will follow artists as they navigate their creative process, seeking inspiration from their experiences, connecting with their communities, and using their platform to amplify voices that have been silenced. By showcasing the stories of these artists, viewers will gain insight into the profound impact of compassion in the artistic process and its
ability to foster change.

Section 3: Inspiring Action and Joining the Movement: 

The final part of the documentary will focus on how art can encourage viewers to take action and advocate for a more  compassionate society. We will include interviews with activists who have been inspired by artists and discuss the strategies they employed to mobilize communities. Over time Kenro Izu has inspired many people from the art world to join the quest for art to make a difference in the world and by highlighting grassroots movements facilitated by artists, viewers will understand that social change begins with individual action and can grow into a collective effort. We will provide tangible steps and resources for viewers to join the movement, such as donation platforms, volunteer opportunities, and organizations fostering social change through various artistic mediums.

After word: 

The film documentary aims to serve as a call to action, compelling viewers to embrace the transformative power of art in cultivating compassion and driving social change. By weaving together narratives of artists, activists, and communities affected by the artists’ work, we will illustrate how a more compassionate society can be realized, as clearly shown through the work of Kenro Izu, resulting in two pediatric hospitals, the Siem Reap satellite hospital and the River Hospital, providing free care for children in both Cambodia and Laos. By taking immediate action and inspiring others to do the same, viewers will
understand their capacity to contribute to social change and actively work towards a world that values compassion, justice, and equality. 

Budget and Timeline:

To ensure the successful creation of this video documentary, we estimate a budget of approximately 100,000 USD for pre-production, production, and post-production. The timeline for the project is six months to a year, allowing for thorough research, filmed interviews, and a compelling storytelling process. We will allocate resources for an experienced production crew, travel expenses, post-production editing, music licensing, and marketing.

By showcasing the undeniable connection between art, compassion, and social change, this feature documentary aims to inspire audiences to embrace empathy and actively participate in creating a more compassionate society.

By joining forces, we can make a positive impact on the world, one exposure, one brushstroke, one song, and one performance at a time. If we can inspire just one person to follow the path of Kenro and use his or her art to make a substantial difference in the world, this will be a very effective use of the funds needed to make this documentary a
reality. 

Thank you.

Adri Berger for Running Reel Production

The video below shows different projects by Kenro Izu and highlights his book “Impermanence”.Impermanence: The Spirit Within, a Fifty Year Journey (published by Veritas Editions in 2022) is a comprehensive
retrospective monograph celebrating the 50-year career of the master
Japanese photographer and platinum printer, Kenro Izu.