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>.

D.V.A. Productions, in Association with Indiewood Pictures, is proud to announce the nationwide DVD release of “The Eyes of Thailand”. 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.

“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.

You can order your DVD today by clicking here.

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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Guest Blog by: U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Handicap International U.S.

President Barack Obama announced in December 2009 that the administration had initiated a comprehensive review of its U.S. landmine policy to determine whether the U.S. will join the Mine Ban Treaty. However, the U.S. has still not announced the outcome of the review process. U.S. citizens, landmine survivors and campaigners from every corner of the globe have been calling on the U.S. to join the treaty for the last fifteen years. The world has waited long enough.

Since the policy review began, the administration has received letters of support for the Mine Ban Treaty from 68 Senators, NGO leaders, key NATO allies, 16 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, victims of U.S. landmines, and countless concerned Americans like you.

The United States Campaign to Ban Landmines, in partnership with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), needs your help to ensure that the outcome of the review process is announced and that the treaty is submitted by the administration to the Senate for consent now.

Please use the CapWiz tool on our website to write your own letter to the administration to tell the U.S. that it’s time to join the Mine Ban Treaty and to ban the use of this barbaric weapon once and for all!

This post concluded our bi-weekly Guest Blog series from the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Handicap International U.S. For more information about the US Campaign to Ban Landmines, please visit www.uscbl.org

Guest Blog by: U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Handicap International U.S.

• The Mine Ban Treaty has established a strong international standard of rejecting any use of antipersonnel mines. Nearly all of the 36 states that remain outside the Mine Ban Treaty are in de facto compliance with most of the treaty’s provisions—i.e., they do not use or export landmines. The international stigma against the weapon has become so strong that it would be extremely difficult for the United States to use landmines without significant political ramifications.

• The U.S. already complies with the Mine Ban Treaty’s key prohibitions. It has not used antipersonnel landmines since 1991 (during the 1991 Gulf War), has not exported the weapon since 1992, has not produced antipersonnel mines since 1997, and has no plans for future procurement of antipersonnel mines.

• The U.S. is already the world’s largest contributor to mine clearance and victim assistance programs and it should match its financial commitment with a political commitment to end the threat of use of antipersonnel mines.

• The weapon has little or no military value to U.S. forces today as showed by the simple fact that the U.S. did not use antipersonnel mines of any kind for the past 20 years, in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, or any other location, during both high and low intensity conflict. But again, the political costs of the U.S. using antipersonnel mines today would be very high. Key U.S. allies have already joined the Mine Ban Treaty, including all NATO member states (except Poland, which has signed but not yet ratified) and many key allies such as Australia, Colombia, Japan, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Iraq. If the U.S. used mines during a joint operation with any State Party to the Mine Ban Treaty, that State Party would be at great risk of violating the treaty, which prohibits any assistance with the use of mines.

• So-called “smart mines” equipped with self-destruct or self-deactivating mechanism (that the U.S. retains the right to use indefinitely anywhere in the world, under the current policy) still pose humanitarian dangers and are by no means safe for civilians. First, while they remain active, these “smart” landmines are still unable to discriminate between a soldier and a child. Second, their self-destruct mechanisms have an estimated failure rate of 1 to 10%—resulting in new civilian casualties even after conflict, not to mention loss of land use and hindered development because communities may still fear active contamination.

• Acceding to the treaty would reinforce President Obama’s stated commitment to international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, arms control and disarmament, and multilateralism. U.S. accession would help convince other countries not yet party to join and strengthen the emerging norm against antipersonnel mines; thereby ensuring landmines are not used in the future and prohibiting additional humanitarian and socio-economic harm.

Stay tuned for more in this bi-weekly Guest Blog series from the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Handicap International U.S

Guest Blog by: U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Handicap International U.S.

Back in 1994, President Clinton became the first world leader to call for the “eventual elimination” of antipersonnel landmines. In 1998, Clinton set the objective for the U.S. to join the Mine Ban Treaty in 2006. The Bush administration reversed that decision in 2004 and instead decided that the U.S. would retain the right to use any antipersonnel mine equipped with self-destruction or self-deactivation mechanisms (also called “non-persistent” or “smart” mines) anywhere in the world indefinitely. Under the Bush policy—which still remains in place, the U.S. pledged to stop—and to our knowledge has stopped—production of so-called “persistent” or “dumb” mines everywhere in the world, including Korea, as of 2011. The U.S. has also, despite reserving the right to do so, not used any landmines since 1991 nor produced any new landmines—persistent or non-persistent—since 1997.

In December 2009, the United States attended the Cartagena Summit on a Mine-Free World—the first time the U.S. has ever participated in a Mine Ban Treaty meeting—where U.S. officials confirmed that a review of U.S. landmine policy was underway. The U.S. held a series of consultations on its landmine policy during 2010 to seek the views of its allies, U.N. and international organizations, and civil society. To date the Obama administration has not announced an outcome to this review.

Stay tuned for more in this bi-weekly Guest Blog series from the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Handicap International U.S.

Guest Blog by: U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Handicap International U.S.

The political initiative launched in October 1996 and culminating in the opening for signature of the Mine Ban Treaty in Ottawa, Canada, in December 1997 is known as the Ottawa Process. The Ottawa Process was unorthodox, historic and unprecedented. The treaty, which prohibits the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and their Destruction, is the product of an unusually cohesive and strategic partnership between non-governmental organizations, international organizations, United Nations agencies and governments. To date a total of 160 nations have joined the Mine Ban Treaty; unfortunately, the United States is not one of them.

Stay tuned for more in this bi-weekly Guest Blog series from the U.S. Campaign to Ban Landmines and Handicap International U.S.

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

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