The 42-year veteran of the animal rights movement and founder of AnimalHeroKids is including all ages on the “Be an Animal Hero” message with the new project of the same name, three short films that reflect the change. The Heart Whisperer is set to move audiences 14 and up as it shows what really happens to chicks in Hatcheries. The film is directed by Shaun Monson of Earthlings. The short 15 min film is a peek into one of the individuals behind the current positive changes for animals and what creates a relentless and determined animal advocate with old news clips from the 1980’s Bring the viewer up to date on the challenges other species face and the story of how one woman joined the fight to stop animal suffering.
The next global project is Veganza Animal Hero, a claymation short with well-known actors, Tara strong as Veganza, Lori Allan as Lovey the narrator Gary Anthony Williams as Jules the crow Angela Means as the first vegan brown mermaid character and Music by Moby.
The Heart Whisperer and Veganza Animal Hero’s premiere is on April 16th in Los Angeles at an outdoor screening event to benefit our Be an Animal Hero education and vegan feeding programs and the vital rescue and sanctuary work of Love Always Sanctuary. AnimalHeroKids are still looking for sponsors and donors for the benefit. The event details will be updated on BEanAnimalHero.org
Susan, Animal Hero Kids is truly for everyone isn’t?
I am so glad you asked this question, yes, our goal of empowering education programs and compassionate action to help all species of animals is for everyone. I have been presenting education programs for all ages and grade levels, including colleges, since 1980, however, people don’t realize that because of our charity’s’ name. This is why we are now doing business as …wait for it, drumroll, please, Be an Animal Hero. We have a new logo and website that goes along with an all ages helping all species of animals’ inclusive approach. Here’s our logo and website link https://www.animalherokids.org/ A news story demonstrating how well the media likes the new focus-
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/palm-beach-organization-creates-campaign-to-rescue-animals-save-planet/vp-AAPfHlh
You have been working on several films to reflect the change. Tell us about The Heart Whisperer. Why is this so special?
The resources used in the presentations I give are left with the school or institution where I am a Guest Speaker. The Skipping Sones Honor award winning Animal Hero Kids Voices for the Voiceless book is gifted to school libraries after I tell some of the heartwarming true stories of animal rescue.
We have had a miraculous stroke of good fortune to enable the adult programs to become richer and even more effective. The renowned filmmaker Shaun Monson creator of Earthlings the great “vegan maker” of a film narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, has just completed The Heart Whisperer a short documentary film which will open hearts and minds to the reality of how the choices we make everyday impact other animals. The LA Premiere is on April 16th at Love Always Sanctuary in Los Angeles.
Pelican Release in Heart Whisperer
How did American Film Director and Producer, Shaun Monson get involved?
It was kismet as they say. I was frustrated trying to achieve so much with so little of a budget. I was communicating with Amy Jean-Davis, you may recall her as an American Idol contestant. She runs the LA Animal Save and is partner to Shaun Monson. I was talking with her about my challenges, and she said she would ask Shaun if he would have time to talk to me. When we spoke, I thought he would be giving me advice which I really needed! And the next thing I knew he was speaking from the viewpoint of taking on this film project to help get the message out about how other animals need our help. I was absolutely floored as he is an iconic filmmaker and shines a light on how other animals are treated, unapologetically and searingly.
What is your mission for the film?
People do not realize how widespread and to what extent other animals are harmed every single second, its mind blowing when you become aware of the abuse in animal-based agriculture, in circuses, aquarium, laboratories, hunting and other places. This film is an eye-opener seen through the lens of my quest, starting at 9-years-old to aid other animals in need. One woman’s relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of our compassion.
A tour for university and college students is high on my list for this film, I love speaking to this demographic as they are questioning the validity of society’s values -or lack of values- depending on how you look at it. Vegan fare is always a part of any program for people to realize how scrumptious and easy it is to be vegan today. The film will premiere in London, Toronto and Los Angeles and anyone who wishes to keep up to date on its’ progress or to help maximize its’ effect can contact us at BEanANIMLAHERO.org Plus we will screen the film at festivals.
Animal Hero Kids has drawn the attention of Hollywood. Tell us about who is supporting your cause?
It’s incredible when well-known celebrities decided to help get the word out about how others can aid animals who are suffering, their voices reach people in great numbers, as you know, We can’t afford advertising unlike those businesses who exploit animals our budget does not allow for widespread ad campaigns. When a celebrity speaks up and decides to put their voice behind our mission it super sizes our reach!
I am ecstatic Sir Paul McCartney and Joaquin Phoenix have gifted us with supportive quotes. NFL trophy Heisman winner Ricky Williams came to one of our Animal Hero Kids Awards ceremonies, NBA Basketball Champion John Salley helped give the Paul McCartney young veg advocate award, Billie Eilishs’ mum has lent her voice to empowering youth. You can find all their quotes on our website www.animalherokids.org
Who would you like to work with in 2022?
Anyone who sincerely wishes to help animals! You do not have to be a vegan to join us, many do end up considering this when they learn more about how their consumer choices support cruelty. We are all volunteers and need help with social media, videos, art, so much.
Tell us about the Veganza animal hero a claymation short with Tara Strong as Veganza, Angela Means as Courage the mermaid, Lori Alen as Lovey, Gary Anthony Williams as Jules?
The Veganza Animal Hero claymation is a delightful adventure short voiced by these very well- known actors. How wonderful they have all volunteered their time
It’s the story from my children’s picture book of the same name. It’s delightful, I don’t want to give too much away yet. It was a coincidence I was speaking to someone who wished to volunteer, she mentioned her son was in kindergarten when I presented an interactive program at his school and he just graduated from animation film school. Turns out Wyatt Bergwin became a Claymation filmmaker and has really done a beautiful job. Moby is kind enough to provide the soundtrack, which is the vegan icing on the cake!
This film will also premiere on April 16 in Los Angeles Lori Alen is the narrator of the story, Lovey, the 21-year-old rescued vegan dog. She says, “If there’s a fun way to use my voice to help the animals, the climate and my fellow humans, I’m thrilled to do it. Animal Hero Kids reaches and teaches so many, what a great way to be a part of the solution.”
You have another book coming out?
his is my first novel which will be released April 16. It’s an exciting saga of the Veganza Animal Heroes series of daring plant powered heroes illustrated by the marvelous Monique Martinez it’s for all ages. Billie Eilish and her mum, Maggie Baird, make a cameo in the story as do the Happy Pear twins. I have a first sneak peek of the cover for your readers first. Daring daylight rescues.
What is needed for Animal Hero Kids to continue their work to save animals in 2022?
Good question, thank you, Jules! We are all volunteers and definitely need the support of your readers! We need volunteers, social media wizards, the computer savvy, artists, graphic designers, publicists, photographers, videographers, and donors. If your readers could follow us on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
You have many products on your site to help to support your great work. Tell us about the Animal Hero Kids Starter Kit. Why is this the perfect gift?
The starter kit consists of almost 300 pages of colorful, happy ending true stories of animal rescues, vegan recipes, and an Animal Hero for All t-shirt. The book can serve as a practical guide for all ages how to organize actions to help animals
People around the planet are realizing we are an earth under siege, the greatest extinction of animals ever is taking place right now, and more purposely being killed. We are all about uniting, educating, empowering, activating all ages to speak up and stand up for other animals not to be harmed We have the key, fostering empathy, help us unlock the closed door on a kinder world for all species, join us.
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