As the school year starts, we’re feeling the vibe over here at the BIG JOY Project. As universities get back into full swing and we all (in a way) start to pick up the gauntlet of learning and growth, not just playing at the beach and eating watermelon!
Already we know a few things:
1. James Broughton made an incredible impact on many people, including the students that he taught. In fact he still has a filmmaking text (Seeing the Light) that doubles as a handbook on poetic living! (You can download for free here.)
2. The things James knew, taught, and lived are still worth knowing.
3. His story is inspiring.
4. We aim to help James’ legacy live on, but not necessarily just because we love James– because, what he offered and taught, through life and being is essential and glorious. Choose to see life as an “adventure not a predicament.” “Follow your own weird,” be that person that only you can be—whether it’s gay or straight, artist or accountant—do it in the way that only you can. It may involve struggles, (you can see in our film that James Broughton had his share), but the moment that you truly align and be your own version of you, the world is a better place because of it— for you, and for others. James’ life is a testament to that.
Even as our movie making and festival touring slows down, we are working to ensure that James’ legacy and the inspiration it provides remains accessible– to all.
We’re reaching out with vigor right now to universities and organizations. We want BIG JOY in libraries. We want James’ message to be available to students and others in perpetuity. We’re excited about the organizations already planning events around BIG JOY or featuring our film in their LGBT or other themed events. And, we’d like to do more of that.
So please, don’t hesitate to contact us (or someone you know) if you think they would love a copy, or it would fit in their classroom, or they might know a professor who would love to use it, or if you think of an organization who might love to feature BIG JOY at an event. Even our filmmakers are available for giving talks. Kino Lorber has all of the details on our educational packages.
Yours in joy!
The Big Joy Team