Private Project

Engage Earth

A look inside Brazilian artist, Denise Milan and her long ongoing work with stones leading to an impactful art program in Heliópolis, one of the largest favelas in the Americas located outside of Sao Paulo.

  • James Choi
    Director
  • James Choi
    Producer
  • Denise Milan
    Producer
  • James Choi
    Editor
  • James Choi
    Cinematographer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Espetáculo da Terra
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 1, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Brazil
  • Country of Filming:
    Brazil
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Los Angeles International Shorts Fest, Sidewalk Film Festival, Tallgrass Film Festival
Director Biography - James Choi

James Choi is a prolific, award-winning filmmaker based out of Chicago, IL.

As an independent producer, James has produced two feature films from first time directors that have premiered and won at South by Southwest. Grand Jury Award for Best Feature winner “Made in China” which was distributed by IFC Films and “Saint Frances” which won the Audience Award and Special Jury Prize and distributed by Oscilloscope.

Having been in the forefront of the micro independent film movement in the last decade, James has produced and directed numerous films that have screen widely all around the world, winning awards and receiving distribution.

James has a deep passion for independent films and constantly working to break new ground in our digital age.

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Director Statement

My first foray into the documentary world was Engage Earth and while it was a difficult journey, it was one of the most fulfilling filmmaking experiences I've had in my life. Not knowing the language and traveling to a country/city I've never been to, this was a project that could only have been made with the support and kindness of the artist and community this documentary covers. It was truly a beautiful journey. Our personal connection to planet Earth is vital to our future as inhabitants of this big blue stone. Denise Milan's work with stones serves as a great reminder of this important message and what can come from understanding this connection. EVERYONE has a story with the stones.