Alibaba Pictures Group Limited, Pasadena Community Foundation Partner to “Do Good” in Pasadena”

Thursday, Alibaba Pictures Group Limited and the Pasadena Community Foundation announced a partnership to tell stories of “doing good” in Pasadena with the launch of a short film competition called “Big Heart Small Film.”

In May, current and recent graduate filmmaking students will be selected to tell stories about Pasadena area non-profits that are supported by the Pasadena Community Foundation. The resulting films will feature the critical work of each non-profit, raising awareness about the vibrant philanthropic efforts in the Pasadena community.

“Pasadena is a platform for philanthropic giving – and at the Pasadena Community Foundation – we’re proud to manage and steward charitable funds that support good work in this community,” said Jennifer DeVoll, CEO of the Foundation. “Our collaboration with Alibaba Pictures allows us to showcase our stories through film in a way that has impact and broad reach. Pasadena non-profits do amazing work in arts and culture, education and youth development, environment, health and human services. This project will bring creativity to the storytelling and access to new audiences.”

“At Alibaba, Giving back to society and our local communities is deeply embedded in our culture. There is a strong emphasis on our responsibility to society.” Alibaba Pictures Group Ms. Wei Zhang said, “In 2016, Alibaba launched or participated in over 70 Charitable Projects, covering education, environment, health, anti-poverty, among others. In addition, Alibaba sets aside 0.3% of annual revenues to support philanthropic endeavors. Alibaba employees are also given time off each year to participate in volunteer efforts in their local community. “
“Pasadena Community Foundation and Alibaba share a common mission and values, we help others by offering a great platform and this is one of the important reasons that we choose to work as partners. For the Big Heart Small Film Project, Alibaba Pictures has involved Alibaba Group companies Youku Tudou and Alibaba Music, and combined all of our resources and talents. We hope to use our expertise, resource and passion to promote philanthropy for our local community through this project. We hope to inspire more organizations and individuals to recognize the importance of ‘doing good’ for our community so that everyone can participate and contribute in the way works for them.”

The student-produced films, once completed in Fall 2017, will be judged by a prominent group of entertainment industry insiders, including producers, actors and Pasadena-based directors, John Lee Hancock (“Saving Mr. Banks,” “The Founder”) and D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia,” “Eagle Eye”). Winners will have their films screened at the Big Heart Small Film Awards Ceremony and After Party on November 16, 2017 at Huntington Gardens’ Rose Hills Theatre.