User:KalenaKauai/sandbox

BIOGRAPHY

DIRECTOR/PRODUCER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, WRITER, ART DIRECTOR, EDITOR, SOUND EDITOR, DIGITAL EFFECTS

Karen Gall is a multi-award winning creative professional filmmaker and entrepreneur with a highly successful career spanning over 15 years in the film and television industry with background qualifications and skills in advertising, media and graphic/web design. This track record has led to her judging as well as attending the Australian Film Industry (AACTA/AFI) awards, now a grand craft juror. Working in Australian film and commercial television on internationally acclaimed productions, has further enabled her to develop experience worldwide including working for Fox Studios, Andrew Denton’s production company Zapruder’s Other Films, US, Europe, Hawaii and in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the US, she has also won an Impact Docs award, IndieFEST Film award, and Best Shorts award – as well as having been officially selected at Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema in California for Best Documentary, Best Director, the Mary Austin Excellence awards for Directing, Producing and Editing in addition to the Independant Spirit awards. Additionally, she has recently received nominations for both ''Australian of the Year and the Telstra Business Women’s Awards. • Award of Recognition: Documentary Short  • Award of Recognition: Women Filmmakers  • Award of Merit: Contemporary Issues / Awareness Raising  • Award of Merit: Use of Film / Video for Social Change  • Award of Merit: Viewer Impact: Content / Message Delivery  • Award of Recognition: Religion / Ethics''

Her current focus is on producing independant humanitarian documentaries and social media campaigns. Pursuits outside work include contributing towards philanthropic causes. As an accomplished artist plus musician with an ongoing interest in wildlife rescue, a posting with the Australian Embassy overseas and exposure to diplomatic life inspired a wide range of subjects including mentorship of young people with a natural passion for human rights activism. The most rewarding part of the journey has definitely been 'the people that you meet when you're walking down the street.’

Los Angeles California USA, Australian Film Maker, Karen Gall has won a prestigious award from the Accolade Global Film Competition. The award was given for Karen Gall's feature length documentary, REDEMPTION ‘People Can Change’ featuring exceptional story line, A-list actors, location, visuals, sound, etc. The Accolade Global Film Competition recognises film, television, videography and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Entries are judged by highly qualified professionals in the film and television industry. Information about the Accolade and a list of recent winners can be found @ www.accoladecompetition.org

In winning an Accolade, Karen Gall joins the ranks of other high-profile winners of this internationally respected award including the Oscar winning production of The Lady in Number Six by Malcolm Clarke, the very talented Dave Bossert of Disney for his short documentary, The Tunes Behind The Toons, Hollywood industry veteran Ron Howard for When You Find Me and Highwire Films Australia for their popular ABC TV series Twentysomething.

Rick Prickett, who chairs the Accolade Global Film Competition, had this to say about the latest winners, “Winning an Accolade is something you can be proud of! The Accolade is not an easy award to win. Entries are received from around the world from powerhouse companies to remarkable new talent. Judges base their decisions on the quality and creativity of each piece and winning means the craft and skill exhibited by your entry is outstanding and stands above other productions. The Accolade helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptional high quality of entries. The goal of Accolade Global Film Competition is to help winners achieve the recognition they deserve. Our talented Accolade award winners have gone on to win Oscars, Emmys and Tellys. As with other prestigious industry awards, such as the Academy Awards and Emmys, you have the opportunity to immortalise your win with a stunning 24-carat gold plated Accolade statuette. The Accolade is a proud partner of the company that crafts the Oscar statuette.”

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

"Given the recent executions of Bali9 death row prisoners Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, as an Australian film maker I decided to put my professional skills to good use for a worthwhile cause to produce a feature length documentary tribute REDEMPTION ‘People Can Change’, dedicated to the life's work and contribution of the artist Myuran Sukumaran, inside one of Indonesia's most notorious high security prisons located on the remote island of Bali. This film contains previously unseen footage not yet screened publicly. With the pending executions I was approached by Bali9 lawyer, Julian McMahon to supply exclusive media which was released on a global scale by all major media outlets as well as utilised for the court case to prove rehabilitation.

I still remain in regular contact with both prisoners, friends and members of the Bali Nine. Kerobokan prison is where Schapelle Corby spent her last nine years. Being a philanthropist, after visiting the prison around the time of Schapelle Corby's release my main objective was to continue supporting and promoting the prison’s Arts Rehabilitation Program which consequently inspired 'Kerobokan Prison Artists' social media channels, with the goal to help them sell artwork and support themselves from inside the prison. This has been successfully achieved. The program began three years ago, as part of the prison’s emphasis on criminal reform. It’s all about channelling the prison experience into something constructive, whilst chronicling change in the prisoners themselves."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7UK9qno3p4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=261FsQcoioo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJKPInff4k0 https://www.facebook.com/KerobokanPrisonArtists/ https://twitter.com/KerobokanArtist

LOGLINE

‘If you don't accept people can change...no one has an incentive to change' ~ Myuran Sukumaran (2015) 

Alone from night to night you'll find me Too weak to break these chains that bind me I need no shackles to remind me I'm just a prisoner, don't let me be a prisoner From one command I stand and wait now From one who's master of my fate now I can't escape for it's too late now I'm just a prisoner, don't let me be a prisoner…

SYNOPSIS

Myuran Sukumaran (17 April 1981 – 29 April 2015) was an Australian who was convicted in Indonesia of drug trafficking as a member of the Bali Nine. In 2005, Sukumaran was arrested in a room at the Melasti Hotel in Kuta with three others. Police found 334 g (11.8 oz) of heroin in a suitcase in the room. According to court testimonies of convicted drug mules, Sukumaran and Andrew Chan were the co-ringleaders of the heroin-smuggling operation from Indonesia to Australia. After a criminal trial, Sukumaran was sentenced on 14 February 2006 by the Denpasar District Court to execution by firing squad.

Australian death-row prisoner Myuran Sukumaran made a personal appeal for mercy to Joko Widodo, painting a portrait of the Indonesian president and signing it with the words 'People Can Change'. Sukumaran led an art studio for his fellow prisoners during his time in Kerobokan prison, where he was mentored since 2012 by celebrated war artist Ben Quilty. Sukumaran was recently awarded an associate degree in fine arts by Curtin University. The portrait of Mr Widodo is Sukumaran's most recent work. He painted the oil on canvas artwork in Kerobokan prison in late January 2015, in his final weeks there before being transferred to Nusakambangan island.

After lodging an appeal against his sentence, Sukumaran's appeal was initially dismissed by the Bali High Court. A judicial review conducted by the Indonesian Supreme Court on 6 July 2011 affirmed the death sentence. Sukumaran's plea for clemency was rejected by the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo on 30 December 2014, and Sukumaran was expected to face execution, together with Chan. The execution was carried out on 29 April 2015.

NEWS & REVIEWS

‘Myuran Sukumaran is a changed man’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7UK9qno3p4 Seven Network, Sunrise TV Program - 19 Mar 2015

'I accept what I did was wrong': Sukumaran reveals desire to rehabilitate in new Bali Nine documentary http://www.9news.com.au/world/2015/03/10/18/45/sukumaran-contrite-in-new-documentary-interview-from-behind-bars Nine Network, News - 10 Mar 2015

'''Bali nine: Myuran Sukumaran captures Joko Widodo in an ironically moving portrait ''' http://www.smh.com.au/world/bali-nine-myuran-sukumaran-captures-joko-widodo-in-an-ironically-moving-portrait-20150310-140bzt.html The Sydney Morning Herald World - 11 Mar 2015

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/bali-nine-myuran-sukumaran-captures-joko-widodo-in-an-ironically-moving-portrait-20150310-140bzt.touch.html Canberra Times - 11 Mar 2015

Bali Nine duo Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran’s lawyer wants President Joko Widodo to explain why appeal was rejected

http://www.news.com.au/national/bali-nine-duo-andrew-chan-and-myuran-sukumarans-lawyer-wants-president-joko-widodo-to-explain-why-appeal-was-rejected/story-fncynjr2-1227257505453 news.com.au - 11 Mar 2015

http://m.couriermail.com.au/news/national/bali-nine-duo-andrew-chan-and-myuran-sukumarans-lawyer-wants-president-joko-widodo-to-explain-why-appeal-was-rejected/story-fnihslxi-1227257505453 Courier Mail - 11 Mar 2015

Myuran Sukumaran: 'I could do a lot of good' 

http://media.smh.com.au/news/national-news/myuran-sukumaran-i-could-do-a-lot-of-good-6338467.html Sydney Morning Herald - 10 March 2015

http://media.dailylife.com.au/news/national-news/myuran-sukumaran-i-could-do-a-lot-of-good-6338467.html Daily Life - 10 March 2015

http://media.theage.com.au/news/national-news/myuran-sukumaran-i-could-do-a-lot-of-good-6338467.html The Age - 10 March 2015

http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/national-news/myuran-sukumaran-i-could-do-a-lot-of-good-6338467.html Brisbane Times - 10 March 2015

http://media.domain.com.au/news/national-news/myuran-sukumaran-i-could-do-a-lot-of-good-6338467.html Domain - 10 March 2015

Bali Nine ringleader Myuran Sukumaran says he deserves second chance in prison video 

http://www.news.com.au/national/bali-nine-ringleader-myuran-sukumaran-says-he-deserves-second-chance-in-prison-video/story-fncynjr2-1227257401659 news.com.au 10 March 2015

http://m.couriermail.com.au/news/national/bali-nine-ringleader-myuran-sukumaran-says-he-deserves-second-chance-in-prison-video/story-fnihslxi-1227257704905 Courier Mail - 10 March 2015

Bali nine: public horror as Chan and Sukumaran approach execution 

http://www.theage.com.au/comment/bali-nine-public-horror-as-chan-and-sukumaran-approach-execution-20150309-13z4ar.html The Age - 9 March 2015

Myuran Sukumaran Art: Bali Nine Inmate Paints Indonesian President's Portrait Ahead Of Execution

http://www.ibtimes.com/myuran-sukumaran-art-bali-nine-inmate-paints-indonesian-presidents-portrait-ahead-1842682 ''International Business Times - 10 March 2015 ''

’I think I could do a lot of good on the outside' - Myuran Sukumaran

http://www.triplem.com.au/melbourne/news/blog/2015/3/i-think-i-could-do-a-lot-of-good-on-the-outside-myuran-sukumaran/ ''Triple MMM News - 10 March 2015  Bali nine executions: new Myuran Sukumaran painting revealed'' http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/bali-nine-executions-new-myuran-sukumaran-painting-revealed/news-story/63374185bf55d1a523a7d5ed17db74f5 The Australian - 10 March 2015

'''Chan and Sukumaran unmasked: the misguided youths who turned drug traffickers ''' http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/chan-and-sukumaran-unmasked-the-misguided-youths-who-turned-drug-traffickers/story-fni0xqrc-1227325918214 Daily Telegraph - 08 May 2015

Myuran Sukumaran's family album revealed ahead of funeral

http://www.capitalbay.com/australia/804977-myuran-sukumaran-s-family-album-revealed-ahead-of-funeral.html ''Daily Mail - 08 May 2015 '' 'You were always my hero': Myuran Sukumaran's devastated sister gives heartbreaking eulogy to her brother who was executed by an Indonesian firing squad http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3074336/If-don-t-accept-people-change-No-one-incentive-change-Family-friends-Myuran-Sukumaran-pay-final-respects-executed-Bali-Nine-smuggler-solemn-funeral-ceremony.html '' Daily Mail - 01 May 2015''