By Sheron Foster, ILLUMINATE Lead Programmer (pictured above with Programmer Anna Sirotin)

I find many things in life support growth, evolution and thriving. For myself, movies have always been an enjoyable way to safely process life events, bolster courage to move forward in a specific direction in my life and discover new strategies for experiencing life through the stories onscreen. Movies have also played a key role in saving my life (pardon the drama)!

Perhaps that stems from my deep and abiding love for cinema. However I do believe that certain films have affected me in such sincere, transformational ways as to give me back a sense of purpose in my life when all seemed lost. They instilled in me a desire to forge ahead when I had all but given up hope.

I can remember as a young woman watching Ridley Scotts “Thelma and Louise“. That story encompassed all the confusion, rage and ultimately, the freedom I needed to step up in my life and create the necessary boundaries to have the life I dreamed of. I needed to release past traumas, and relinquish the adjacent fear and rage to unbind myself and move towards the light of life once again. It gave me the fuel to say, “Sweetie, you’ve been through some hell, but you can move forward without ever having to compromise yourself or your integrity, and live a life of joy, happiness and compassion.”

The transformation of the characters in the story were truly inspirational. The waves of solidarity that saturated our country after the film was released and seen by millions of women was palpable. Every gal I knew wanted to be either Thelma or Louise. (Sorry ladies, I am obviously Louise!) It was life changing.

And that is what we all are about at ILLUMINATE, creating programs for our festival and finding movies that inspire, encourage and uplift. Somehow, watching others in films face their fears, create change, or more, inspires all of us to do the same; only in real time and in real life! Relaxed in the darkness of the theater and then later in the company of other conscious film goers in a light-filled program related to the film, we are transformed. Again, and again…

I am so blessed to be a part of this adventure known as ILLUMINATE Film Festival. You could be a part of this great and inspiring organization. Find out more about volunteer opportunities.

If you want to know anything of the hundreds of films that rock my world, please comment below. Share what films inspired a life changer in you!