A film festival fighting cruelty

   Hundreds of people gathered to kick off the Artivist Film Festvial's three- day event at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood on the August 18.

   This is the eight consecutive year Artivist has spread awareness for humanity, animals and the environment through inspiring and informative international documentary films.

   During the three days 41 films were shown, each providing an in depth closer look into the growing issues around the world.

   There were friends, family and supporters enjoying the summer evening and a free drink as the sun set over Hollywood Blvd.

   Two hours before the feature-length documentary film "Minds in the Water" the hungry crowd buzzed with an eagerness to see one of the most talked about films at the festival.

   The doors opened and everyone took their seats as the film which followed pro-surfer Dave "Rasta" Rastovich on his mission to protect whales, dolphins and their habitats began.  Rastovich is a big name in the surf industry and he is paid to travel the world to surf in the best gear with the best waves.

   Then one day his life took a turn when a dolphin saved him from a near shark attack. That's when he decided to give back to the ocean who has given him so much.

    Rastovich and his friends embarked on a five-year journey spanning across the seas of Australia,Galapagos, California, Alaska and Japan to not only spread the word about the illegal killings of dolphins and whales, but to battle with lawmakers.

    "I had to close my eyes when they showed the heart wrenching killings of these beautiful creatures. It was too much for me to handle," said Barbara Johnson, a Los Angeles resident.

   In 1986 a moratorium was passed to protect them and their habitats. However, as the documentary explained the Japanese government sends out whaling vessels disguised as research ships, thus creating a loop hole.  Since the discovery of the loop hole the Sea Shepard Conservation Society combs the oceans to stop these illegal vessels.

   "It's difficult believe these killings still take place. I had no idea, but now I've seen it and there's no going back," said Mark Gomez, a UCLA student proclaimed.

   There were 11 films that played, but "Minds in the Water" seemed to be the star of the show.

    The night ended with Rastovich's wife Hannah Fraser, professional mermaid, posing in her sparkling tail for pictures. A few commented it was a scene straight out of the 1980's film "Splash" with actors Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah. 

   "It's definitely on the unusual side. I had no clue someone could be a professional mermaid," said Nikki Simpson, Anaheim resident.

   "But the children here are smiling from ear to ear with joy of seeing a real mermaid. And that's all that matters," Simpson said.

    The festival concluded on Saturday with an awards ceremony honoring the films and their creators.

   Actress Kristen Bell was presented with the 2011 Artivist Award for her philanthropic work around the world.