125 students, faculty and staff "lend their legs" to ban landmines at a Lend Your Leg USA screening of "The Eyes of Thailand". (c) Seattle University.

Albers Student Clubs ask students to “Lend Their Legs” at a film screening about elephant landmine survivors.

Seattle University Albers Student Club presents a Special Screening of “The Eyes of Thailand” as part of the Lend Your Leg celebrations on International Mine Awareness Day. The Film will screen on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 12:30pm at The Quad, Seattle University. (In case of rain, meet at the PACCAR Auditorium, Pigottt Building).  For more information visit <http://tinyurl.com/SeattleLYL>.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 10-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants—Motala and Baby Mosha—walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Seattle University joins the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and hundreds of activists around the world in the global Lend Your Leg campaign, which asks individuals to roll up their pant leg in solidarity with landmine survivors in order to urge decision makers to take action. Lend Your Leg was launched by the Colombian NGO Fundación Arcángeles in 2011 to call attention to the issue of landmines and their devastating effect on communities in Colombia and throughout the world.

Lend Your Leg campaigners urge governments that remain outside the Mine Ban Treaty to join immediately and all governments to take steps towards achieving a mine-free world including: speeding clearance of contaminated land; providing more and better assistance to survivors, their families and communities; and destruction of all remaining stockpiles of antipersonnel mines.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States and “Best Documentary” Awards from the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival and the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Rising Star, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012.

The filmmakers have created a successful and loyal following through the film’s social media sites, including Facebook <www.facebook.com/eyesofthailand> and Twitter <www.twitter.com/eyesofthailand>, and the film’s website <www.eyesofthailand.com>.

Today, on the 14th Anniversary of the entry into force date of the Mine Ban Treaty, we share the following press release from our friends at the United States Campaign to Ban Landmines. We look forward to “Lending Our Legs”–and Trunks–to Ban Landmines on April 4th, 2013.

March 1, 2013

Mine Ban Treaty Celebrates Fourteenth Anniversary:

Campaigners Ask for U.S. to Conclude Review & Announce Intention to Join Treaty

WASHINGTON, D.C.: March 1 marks the fourteenth anniversary of the entry into force of the Mine Ban Treaty, and campaigners from around the world continue to call on the United States to announce the conclusion of its landmine policy review and plans to join the treaty.

The Obama administration initiated a review of U.S. landmine policy in late 2009 in response to the outcry of the global community. At the Mine Ban Treaty’s December 2012 Meeting of States Parties, the United States observer delegation stated that the U.S. will be announcing the outcome of its three year review of its landmine policy “soon.”

“We are excited that the review will come to an end in the coming months,” said Zach Hudson, coordinator of the United States Campaign to Ban Landmines (USCBL). “The world anxiously waits to hear news of U.S. progress towards accession to the Mine Ban Treaty.”

While the U.S. gives more money for minefield clearance than any other country—and has not used landmines since 1991 (in the first Gulf War), has not exported them since 1992 and has not produced landmines since 1997—it still retains millions of stockpiled antipersonnel mines for potential future use and is one of only 36 countries in the world that have not joined the Mine Ban Treaty.

“The administration needs to embrace the Mine Ban Treaty and announce concrete plans for a comprehensive ban on antipersonnel mines,” said Hudson. “Steps should be taken now to begin destruction of landmine stockpiles and guarantee that the U.S. will never again use this weapon that has been condemned by the vast majority of the world’s nations, including every other NATO member.”

Over the past three years, Obama and his administration have received letters of support for U.S. accession to the Mine Ban Treaty from 68 Senators, nearly 100 leaders of prominent U.S. nongovernmental organizations, key NATO allies, U.S. military personnel, 16 Nobel Peace Prize recipients, landmines survivors and countless citizens from around the world.

By joining the treaty, the U.S. would help send a clear signal that all types of antipersonnel mines are unacceptable weapons. Joining would also encourage other remaining outlier states to accede and strengthen international security.

From March 1 to April 4—the U.N.’s International Day for Mine Awareness—the USCBL will be joining the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) in the global Lend Your Leg campaign.  The Lend Your Leg concept—asking individuals to roll up their pant leg as a symbolic gesture to say “no more landmines” in order to urge decision makers to take action—was launched by the Colombian NGO Fundación Arcángeles in 2011 to call attention to the issue of landmines and their devastating effect on communities in Colombia and throughout the world.

Beginning today, Lend Your Leg campaigners from around the world are launching events to urge governments that remain outside the Mine Ban Treaty to join immediately and urging all governments to take steps towards achieving a mine-free world including: speeding clearance of contaminated land, providing more and better assistance to survivors, their families and communities, and destruction of all remaining stockpiles of antipersonnel mines.

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CONTACTS:

Alicia Pierro, Outreach & Advocacy Officer, USCBL

Phone: (347) 623-2779

E-mail: apierro@handicap‑international.us

Mica Bevington, Communications Officer, USCBL

Phone: (240) 450-3531

Email: mbevington@handicap-international.us

Zach Hudson, Coordinator, USCBL

Phone: (917) 860-1883

Email: zhudson@handicap-international.us

For additional information on the Lend Your Leg campaign please visit: http://www.lendyourleg.org

Follow the USCBL on Facebook and Twitter!

The USCBL, currently coordinated by Handicap International, is a coalition of thousands of people and U.S. non-governmental organizations working to: (1) ensure no U.S. use, production, or transfer of antipersonnel landmines and cluster munitions; (2) encourage the U.S. to join the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty and the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions; and (3) secure high levels of U.S. government support for clearance and assistance programs for victims of landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war.

The USCBL is the U.S. affiliate of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL)—the co-laureate of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize—and  is a member of the Cluster Munition Coalition, an international coalition working to protect civilians from the effects of cluster munitions by promoting universal adherence to and full implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Name:  Windy Borman

Phone: (415) 317-5697

Email: windy@dvaproductions.com

‘THE EYES OF THAILAND’ BRINGS ELEPHANT LANDMINE SURVIVOR STORY TO DVD

Ashley Judd narrates the 10-time award-winning film out February 26, 2013.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (February 5, 2013) – D.V.A. Productions, in Association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to announce the nationwide DVD release of “The Eyes of Thailand” on February 26, 2013. FilmWorks Entertainment distributes the film and DVD orders can be placed at http://eyesofthailand.com.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 10-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, a passionate woman who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Borman began following the story after meeting Soraida, Mosha and Motala in Thailand and seeing their journey from landmine victims to survivors.  “Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with the world.” said Borman. 

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States, the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival, and “Best Documentary” Audience Award from Flickers: Rhode Island International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival and was nominated for the “People and Nature” Panda Award at the Wildscreen Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its film festival premiere in April 2012.

The elephant stars of the film have been capturing the hearts of people worldwide and were featured in National Geographic, Yahoo, Takepart.com, Huffington Post and IndieWire.

The filmmakers have created a successful and loyal following through the film’s social media sites, including Facebook <www.facebook.com/eyesofthailand> and Twitter <www.twitter.com/eyesofthailand>, and the film’s website <www.eyesofthailand.com>.

FilmWorks Entertainment is an independent film, television, and specialty program Distribution Company located in Santa Clarita, California.  Established by film makers for film makers FilmWorks acquires, produces and releases programming worldwide across all platforms. For more information about FilmWorks Entertainment, please visit www.filmworksent.com

For further inquiries, please contact: Windy Borman windy@dvaproductions.com

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Name:  Windy Borman

Phone: +1 415-317-5697

Email: windy@dvaproductions.com

 “THE EYES OF THAILAND” SCREENS AT THE UNITED NATIONS FOR THE 15^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINE BAN TREATY

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines co-presents the nine-time award-winning film about elephant landmine survivors in Geneva.

San Francisco, CA (November 26, 2012) – DVA Productions, in association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to present a Special Screening of “The Eyes of Thailand” as part of the 15^th Anniversary of the signing of the Mine Ban Treaty. The Film is co-presented with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and will screen during a side event at the 12^th Meeting of State Parties on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 1:00pm at the Palais des Nations (8-14, avenue de la Paix, 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland in Room XIX). Special Guests include Director/Producer Windy Borman. For more information visit <http://eyesofthailand.com>.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 9-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants—Motala and Baby Mosha—walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Yeshua Moser-Puangsuwan, researcher for the Landmine Monitor annual country report on Myanmar/Burma, states, “No one knows how many people and creatures in Burma are casualties of antipersonnel mines. Elephants, the largest land animals, are an unfortunate symbol of a large man-made catastrophe being experienced by all who live on the frontiers of Burma.”

Borman, a US filmmaker, became involved in the landmine issue after meeting Salwala, Mosha and Motala in Thailand in 2007 and seeing their journey from landmine victims to survivors.  “Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I hope the film will serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done to eradicate landmines,” said Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States and the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Rising Star, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012.

The filmmakers have created a successful and loyal following through the film’s social media sites, including Facebook <www.facebook.com/eyesofthailand> and Twitter <www.twitter.com/eyesofthailand>, and the film’s website <www.eyesofthailand.com>.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Name:  Elephant Parade House

Phone: 081-8853131

Email: suanson@elephantparade.co.th

FRIENDS OF THE ASIAN ELEPHANT AND ELEPHANT PARADE HOUSE PRESENT AWARD-WINNING FILM ABOUT THAILAND’S ELEPHANT LANDMINE SURVIVORS

The nine-time award-winning “The Eyes of Thailand” comes home for its Asian Premiere

 CHIANG MAI, THAILAND (November 12, 2012) – Friends of the Asian Elephant and Elephant Parade House are proud to present a Special Screening of “The Eyes of Thailand” at Kantary Hills Hotel and Serviced Apartments (Chiang Mai, Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 2, Chiang Mai). The Film will screen Tuesday, 20 November 2012 at 6:30pm. Special guests include Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) Founder Soraida Salwala and Director/Producer Windy Borman. For more information or to RSVP, contact Elephant Parade House.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 9-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Salwala says, “For the last 20 years, FAE has been the voice for Thai Elephants. It is an honor to have the Asian Premiere of The Eyes of Thailand in Thailand, and together we can reach the whole world.”

Borman became involved in the landmine issue after meeting Soraida, Mosha and Motala in Thailand in 2007 and seeing their journey from landmine victims to survivors.  “Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with the people of Thailand, where the story began. I hope the film will serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done to protect Asian Elephants and eradicate landmines,” said Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States and the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Rising Star, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012.

The filmmakers have created a successful and loyal following through the film’s social media sites, including Facebook <www.facebook.com/eyesofthailand> and Twitter <www.twitter.com/eyesofthailand>, and the film’s website <www.eyesofthailand.com>.

For further inquiries, please contact: suanson@elephantparade.co.th or call 081-8853131.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Name:  Tim VandeSteeg

Phone: (310) 497-4495

Email: tim@indiewood.net

THREE-LEGGED ELEPHANTS IN “THE EYES OF THAILAND” TO HAVE THEIR MINNESOTA PREMIERE AT THE TWIN CITIES FILM FEST

Ashley Judd narrates the eight-time award-winning documentary “The Eyes of Thailand” about one woman’s quest to help two elephant landmine survivors walk again on prostheses.

LOS ANGELES, CA – (October 4, 2012) – D.V.A. Productions, in Association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to announce the Minnesota Premiere of the 8-time award-winning and critically acclaimed documentary “The Eyes of Thailand”, narrated by Ashley Judd.

The Film will Premiere at Twin Cities Film Festival on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 5:30pm at the Showplace ICON Theater (1625 West End Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 5541). The Film is Directed/Produced by Windy Borman and Produced by Tim VandeSteeg, a Minnesota native and Special Guest for the Minnesota Premiere.

Tickets are available now at <http://www.twincitiesfilmfest.org/>.

After losing their legs from stepping on a landmine, two elephant survivors are given a second chance to walk again in this powerful and heartwarming story of sacrifice and perseverance.  ”There are documentaries that make you think, those that make you feel, and then those like ‘Eyes of Thailand,’ that leave you shaken, inspired and unable to see the world the same ever again. We couldn’t be more honored to celebrate a film like this – one of vision, passion and heart. It is cinema at its most electrifying”, said Steve Snyder, Artistic Director at Twin Cities Film Fest.

“The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines,” said Ashley Judd.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States. Jonny Vasic, Director of the ACE program says, “The Eyes of Thailand is an inspiring and unique documentary that will open up hearts and minds about the amazing veterinary work being performed at the Asian Elephant hospital.”

The film received the “Best Documentary” Jury Award at the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival and Soraida Salwala received the “Best Herione in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012 at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

The elephant stars of the film have been capturing the hearts of people worldwide and were featured in National Geographic, Takepart.com, Yahoo, Huffington Post and IndieWire.

“When I met Soraida, Mosha and Motala in 2007, I knew I discovered an untold story that I needed to share with the world.  Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with the world,” said Director/Producer Windy Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is a story that embodies heart, courage and compassion to make a real difference and improve the lives of others, no matter whatever obstacles stand in your way,” said producer Tim VandeSteeg.

The filmmakers have created a successful and loyal following through the film’s social media sites, including Facebook <www.facebook.com/eyesofthailand> and Twitter <www.twitter.com/eyesofthailand>, and the film’s website <www.eyesofthailand.com>.

For further inquiries, please contact: Tim VandeSteeg tim@indiewood.com

PRESS RELEASE

Mines Action Canada and D.V.A. Productions (San Francisco), in association with Indiewood Pictures, are proud to announce the Canadian Premiere of “The Eyes of Thailand” at the One World Film Festival in Ottawa, Ontario. The film will open the festival with a screening on Thursday, October 11, at 6:30pm at the Library and Archives (395 Wellington Ave) and a Q & A with Director/Producer Windy Borman will follow. Tickets can be purchased online at: http://bit.ly/TM5spQ or through Mines Action Canada’s donation page www.indiegogo.com/EOTtoOttawa .

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 8-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, a passionate woman who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants walk again after losing their legs in landmine incidents.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Mines Action Canada is thrilled to partner with One World Film Festival to bring “The Eyes of Thailand” to Canada during the 20th anniversary of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Paul Hannon, Executive Director said “This film demonstrates the indiscriminate nature of landmines and how in mine affected areas no one is safe until all the mines are cleared. Windy Borman graduated from our Youth Leaders training in 2010 during the filming of ‘The Eyes of Thailand’ and now that the film is finished we’re very excited to help One World Film Festival and Windy share this story with Canadians.”

Borman became involved in the landmine issue after meeting Soraida, Mosha and Motala in Thailand and seeing their journey from landmine victims to survivors. “Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with Canada – a country known for its leadership in the movement to ban landmines. I hope the film will serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done to eradicate landmines so that all beings can walk without fear” said Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States and the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012.

Interview opportunities exist with Director/Producer, Windy Borman on October 11, 2012.
Contact: Erin Hunt, Program Officer
Mines Action Canada
Phone: + 1 613 241-3777
Cell: + 1 613 302-3088
E-mail: erin@minesactioncanada.org

Film Links:

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/events/484659311553545/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eyesofthailand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/eyesofthailand

Web site: http://eyesofthailand.com

###

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Name:  Windy Borman

Email: windy@dvaproductions.com

‘THE EYES OF THAILAND’ SETS SIGHTS FOR NORTHWEST PREMIERE AT THE PORT TOWNSEND FILM FESTIVAL

Ashley Judd narrates the eight-time award-winning film that has its roots in the Pacific Northwest.

SEATTLE, WA (September 17, 2012) – D.V.A. Productions, in Association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to announce the Northwest Premiere of “The Eyes of Thailand” at the Port Townsend Film Festival (PTFF). The Film will screen Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 6:15pm at the Rose Theatre (Port Townsend, WA) and Sunday, September 23 at 12:30pm at the Uptown Theatre (Port Townsend, WA). Tickets are available at <http://www.ptfilmfest.com/>. Special guests include Director/Producer Windy Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg. The 8-time award-winning documentary, narrated by Ashley Judd, tells the heartwarming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, a passionate woman who dedicated 10 years of her life to help two Asian elephants walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

Borman began production on “The Eyes of Thailand” in November 2007, while traveling in Thailand with a Port Townsend theatre company, but when Borman met Salwala and the two elephant landmine survivors, the direction of the film changed.

“When I met Soraida, Mosha and Motala, I knew I discovered an untold story that I needed to share with the world. Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with the world–and especially the company members from Port Townsend,” said Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Documentary Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States and the “Best Documentary” Jury Award from the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival. Salwala received the “Best Heroine in a Wildlife Film” Award at the International Wildlife Film Festival. The film has also garnered Humanitarian, Green, Animal Advocacy and Animation awards since its World Premiere in April 2012.

The elephant stars of the film have been capturing the hearts of people worldwide and were featured in National Geographic, Yahoo, Takepart.com, Huffington Post and IndieWire.

The filmmakers have created a successful and loyal following through the film’s social media sites, including Facebook <www.facebook.com/eyesofthailand> and Twitter <www.twitter.com/eyesofthailand>, and the film’s website <www.eyesofthailand.com>.

For further inquiries, please contact: Windy Borman windy@dvaproductions.com

You’ve heard the expression “the elephant in the room”. Well, we’re happy to share that people can’t help but talk about “the elephants in the PRESS-room”.

The buzz around “The Eyes of Thailand” world premiere has been amazing! Below are some sound bytes from the press:

‘The Eyes of Thailand’ is both tragic and triumphant, tied up with a message of hope that the best will prevail. - OC Social Scene

I laughed, I awwwed, I cried and was very moved… Windy Borman and company proved to me that good movies can be American made. - Fierce and Nerdy

‘The Eyes of Thailand’ means to open viewers’ eyes to the plights of these elephants, as they parallel those of human land mine victims… [The film] illustrates [Soraida] Salwala’s dedication, her insistence that elephants not be forgotten. - PopMatters

‘The best documentaries are the ones that can get to the heart of a larger issue by focusing in on a specific case… Borman’s film captures the trials and triumphs of Salwala and the elephants, Mosha and Motala, while also raising awareness about how landmines are still being used.’ – FilmSlate Magazine

World’s largest landmine survivors walk again with human help and ingenuity. “Eyes of Thailand” concentrates on an absolutely voiceless constituency—elephants—and the heroic efforts of Soraida Salwala… The video… [is] an emotional tripwire. – TakePart.com

This documentary tells a story about love, compassion and wondrous deeds of dedicated people, and skillfully enlightens the viewer about the cruelty and vast use of land mines — not just in Thailand and Burma but throughout the world. – GrandMagazine.com

Soraida is a warm, big-hearted and passionate muse, kind of like a Mother Therese for the elephants. Her caring is charismatic as it is compelling. – LA Splash

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Name:  Windy Borman

Phone: (415) 317-5697

Email: windy@dvaproductions.com

‘THE EYES OF THAILAND’ SETS SIGHTS FOR WORLD PREMIERE AT THE NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL

Ashley Judd has joined the award-winning doc “The Eyes of Thailand” as the film’s narrator. From “Dolphin Tale” to Elephant Landmine Survivors, Judd has a special love for animals with prostheses.

Los Angeles, CA (April 3, 2012) – D.V.A. Productions, in Association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to announce the world premiere of “The Eyes of Thailand” at the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF). The Film will screen as an official selection Saturday, April 28^th, 2012 at 6:30pm at Triangle Square Cinemas (1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA). There will be a second screening on Tuesday, May 1^st at 6:00pm. Tickets are available at <www.newportbeachfilmfest.com>. Special guests include Director/Producer Windy Borman and Producer Tim VandeSteeg.

“We are very excited to present the beautiful documentary, The Eyes of Thailand, at this year’s Festival!  It is quite satisfying to be able to bring important stories to our community and raise awareness”, said Erik Forssell, Director of Programming of the Newport Beach Film Festival.

“The Eyes of Thailand”, directed/produced by Windy Borman and produced by Tim VandeSteeg, tells the heart warming and heroic true story of Soraida Salwala, a passionate woman who dedicated ten years of her life to help give two Asian elephants a second chance to walk again after losing their legs from stepping on landmines.

Actress and wildlife and environmental activist Ashley Judd lends her voice to the powerful and award-winning documentary.

Judd writes, “The Eyes of Thailand is a story of sacrifice and perseverance that shows how far one woman will go to save an endangered species from threats above and below the surface. I hope it will raise awareness to protect Asian Elephants—and all beings—from the terror of landmines.”

“The Eyes of Thailand” was awarded the “ACE Film Grant” from The Humane Society of the United States. Jonny Vasic, Director of the ACE program says, “The Eyes of Thailand is an inspiring and unique documentary that will open up hearts and minds about the amazing veterinary work being performed at the Asian Elephant hospital.”

The elephant stars of the film have been capturing the hearts of people worldwide and were featured in the December 2011 issue of National Geographic and Yahoo’s 2011 “Year in Review” video.

“When I met Soraida, Mosha and Motala in 2007, I knew I discovered an untold story that I needed to share with the world.  Witnessing Mosha and Motala take their first steps on their new prostheses was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I cannot wait to share it with the world!,” said Director/Producer Windy Borman.

“The Eyes of Thailand” is a story that embodies heart, courage and compassion to make a real difference and improve the lives of others, no matter whatever obstacles stand in your way,” said producer Tim VandeSteeg.

The filmmakers have created a successful and loyal following through the film’s social media sites, including Facebook <www.facebook.com/eyesofthailand> and Twitter <www.twitter.com/eyesofthailand>, and the film’s website <www.eyesofthailand.com>.

For further inquiries, please contact: Windy Borman windy@dvaproductions.com