iEmpathize - Human Trafficking 101

The content of this film is disturbing and not for young eyes and ears.  The stories presented in this movie are sobering, to say the least.  

Human trafficking and the sex trade is alive and well.  And it's not just "over there."  It's serious business, with an emphasis on the word "business.  iEmpathize is an amazing organization that is utilizing the arts to bring awareness and life change to thousands of men and women, young boys, and girls who are being exploited every day. Every night.  For these children the nightmare continues with out any escape. They can't "turn it off." They can't close their eyes. They will never be able to say "I've had enough"...unless you and I do something.

Founder of iEmpathize: BRAD RILEY.  Location Video Footage: TIM HILL.  Location Audio Recording: JESSIE MAREK.  Still Photography: PETE GIBSON.  Music by SON LUX.  Director / Editor: STEPHEN VIDANO. 

www.iEmpathize.com          a VIDANO FILMS production    www.Vidano.com

Twice Abandoned - Orphan's Tree | Russia

In 1994 there were over 400,000 orphans in Russia.  By 2004 that number had doubled.  Currently over 60% of those orphans are now in their teens.  Unlike their N. American counterparts, orphans in Russia leave the orphanage at the age of 15-16 and come face to face with the realities of life on the streets.  They have no family. They have no support. They have little education or motivation to finish. They have few coping skills. They have nothing.  All too often they get caught up in drugs, crime and prostitution. Most of the time they are forgotten.

In the fall of 2009 VIDANO Films traveled with Orphan's Tree to Russia.  The resulting documentary tells the story and shows the heartbreaking dilemma teen orphans face every day in Russia.

Orphan's Tree is bringing hope and practical help to teen orphans all over Russia.

PRODUCTION CO.  |  VIDANO Films          PRODUCER + DIRECTOR |  Stephen Vidano          ORIGINAL MUSIC SCORE  |  Luke Atencio 
 

Powering America - Nuclear Energy Documentary

ColdWater Media invited Vidano Films (in partnership with The Heritage Foundation) to develop and direct a comprehensive long-form documentary on nuclear power.  For 6 months Vidano traveled through out the U.S., canada, and Europe, filming in nuclear power plants, a mine, and a recycling facility to learn the truth about nuclear energy.

Is nuclear energy safe? Can it really meet all of our energy needs? What is being done about waste? How effective IS nuclear energy? Powering America addresses these questions and more by pulling back the veil on nuclear energy and by following the men and women who work in America's nuclear power industry.

THE CHRIST QUAKE - Trailer

Last January I had the privilege of traveling to Israel with Rick Larson, whom I filmed the The Star of Bethlehem with. He asked me to direct a new project, called The Christ Quake, involving geophysical mysteries this time. (I can’t keep up with that guy.) Rick and a team of us were on the ground filming for 4 days.

We were able to take strata samples from what was the floor of the Dead Sea 2,000 years ago.  Because the Dead Sea has receded so much over the years we were able to walk down into canyons that are now exposed, and physically touch layers of undisturbed strata from 2,000, and even 4,000 years ago.

Our expedition to the Dead Sea was unforgettable.

More information on The Christ Quake:  http://www.christquake.com

The Star of Bethlehem Links: Amazon + MPower Pictures

DIRECTOR • DP • EDITOR | Stephen Vidano          MUSIC SCORE | Julie Larson