Bio:
Lisa Russell is an independent filmmaker whose background in humanitarian and international development work has inspired her to produce films about the health and well-being of our global society. Inspired by the late Jonathan Mann to pursue her Masters in Public Health in International Health in 1998 and then working in the Balkans as a relief worker during the Kosovo refugee crisis, Lisa then turned to filmmaking to do her public health advocacy and has since directed and produced films and news segments in Brazil, Ghana, Niger, Malawi, South Africa, Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While some of Lisa's work has been broadcasted on public television (including PBS and Channel 4 London), most of Lisa's films are tied into advocacy, fundraising or legislative efforts with UN and international agencies. She actively screens her films around the country at universities, conferences, festivals and hill briefings and has reached thousands of students, young people and others to spark dialogue about U.S. responsibility in global affairs. In September 2005, Lisa collaborated with Grammy-nominated artist Zap Mama to create "The WOMAN Tour", a 3-week nationwide initiative of film screenings and musical performances to increase awareness of obstetric fistula and global women's health. She is currently a teaching artist with Urban Word NYC, where she leads a workshop blending film screenings and open mics for young spoken word artists to initiate awareness and dialogue about social issues affecting today's youth. Lisa is currently in development of her new film, MYTH OF THE MOTHERLAND, which will follow a group of young spoken word artists - including Tahani - on a creative writing journey to diverse Africa nations to address myths and biases about Africa and Africans. Profits from this film contest will help support young poets' travel to Africa. For more information, visit: www.governessfilms.com www.lovelaborloss.com www.mythofthemotherland.com

Location:
Brooklyn, NY

Website:
http://www.governessfilms.com