Refugee Camps World Wide to View “Sea Lions” Documentary

Rio Films donates nature film to Film Aid International.

Fullerton, CA (PRWEB) April 3, 2006 -- Movie directors dream of the day their work is premiered before a packed theater audience and receives world wide attention. Alan De Herrera is no different than any other film maker in that respect, but he also believes the audience doesn’t have to be just local residents. “Movies have always been a way of escaping from harsh realities,” says De Herrera. “Viewing a film allows a person to forget about personal tragedy for a few hours and recover from a devastating experience. It helps in the healing process.”

Such rehabilitation is an integral part of the philosophy of FilmAid International, a non-profit organization that premieres inspirational and educational films in the refugee camps of East Africa, (and previously in Afghanistan and Kosovo) to relieve the stress and psychological trauma of the residents. Mr. DeHerrera and his documentary film company, Rio Films, recently donated their award winning nature film California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter, narrated by Hollywood actor Sean Astin, to FilmAid so that it could be shown in the refugee camps. “It’s a privilege to be a part of this effort,” says DeHerrera. “Children in the refugee camps endure trauma and stress that no child should have to suffer. I’d love to have those kids laugh at the antics of the sea lions and forget for a moment of the hardships they must face.”

Nature and wildlife documentaries are some of the more popular films that FilmAid shows, and Alan DeHerrera hopes to supply more in the years to come. “Rio Films has recently launched a multi film project ‘The Eco Adventure Film Series’ that will offer top quality nature films to the public. It is based on a concept that originated with Walt Disney and we hope to have a nature documentary produced every year or so”, says DeHerrera “We are currently working on our latest effort, the feature-length film, Island of the Seals, which should be ready by the end of the year. Once it’s ready, we will be contacting FilmAid again and continue what we hope will be a long term relationship for the benefit of the children in those camps. I hope the kids enjoy all of our films. Seriously, the applause of those refugees will mean more to me than a standing ovation at The Cannes Film Festival. ”

Mr. De Herrera is available for interviews and those interested should call (714) 680-3011. Rio Films has a web site at www.riofilms.com. California Sea Lions-An Unforgettable Encounter is currently on national tour, aided by the generous sponsorship of a digital projector from Epson America, Inc. For information about FilmAid International go to www.filmaid.org.

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