When
and where did the Political Film Society begin?
The
Political Film Society was formed at Honolulu in 1986. Originally,
the Political Film Society was a project of the Hawai`i Political
Studies Association, but the headquarters of the Society moved
from Honolulu to Hollywood in 1998, when it became a nonprofit
corporation under the laws of the State of California.
Who
founded the Political Film Society?
Michael Haas started the Political Film Society as a way to
recognize outstanding achievement in raising political consciousness.
Haas lived in Hollywood during the 1950s, when politically
aware filmmakers were blacklisted.
Why
was the Political Film Society started?
The Political Film Society exists to recognize outstanding
achievement in raising political consciousness. Courageous
film directors are given awards as a way of encouraging the
film industry to make the public more aware of political realities.
How
can an individual join the Political Film Society?
Contact the Society at P.O. Box 461267, Los Angeles, CA 90046,
or by email at PolFilmS@aol.com
What
kinds of awards are given by the Society?
Each year, films that best promotes political consciousness
are selected in four categories—democracy,
exposé, human
rights, and peace.
In addition, the Society can give special awards. From 1987
to 1997, the film that best raised political consciousness
in the Hawai`i International Film Festival received an award
from the Society. While the Society was headquartered in Honolulu,
a special award was given to the film that best promoted political
consciousness about Hawai`i.
Who
can vote for awards conferred by the Political Film Society?
Members in good standing vote for awards.
Who
has received awards from the Political Film Society?
Film directors receive awards
on behalf of the various films.
Who
are the corporate executives of the Political Film Society?
Each year, at an annual meeting of members, three persons
are elected to serve on the Board of Directors. The Board,
in turn, chooses the Chief Executive Officer. Michael Haas,
who also serves on the Board, has been the CEO of the Political
Film Society since its inception. Other Board members elected
in 1998 are Stanley M. Castillo and Eric Dacumos.
Why
are Political Film Society awards call "Stanley Awards"?
The awards are given in honor of Stanley Mark Castillo, an
original member of the Board of Directors of the Political
Film Society, who died of cancer in 1998 at the age of 41
in Los Angeles.
