"Cinema of Dreams" at Artivism Conference

MARCH 2021 - Karlee Rodrigues broke down how film consumption impacts global communities in an hour-long presentation at the Artivism Conference. Her presentation titled “Cinema of Dreams” is predicated on the question of how we can use the power of social imagination in film to bolster community, identity, and a collective dreaming.

“Artivism: The Power of Art for Social Transformation” is an interdisciplinary and multi-institutional event series that brings to light how the arts can redress inequities and push society forward. The mission of this interdisciplinary, multi-institutional collaboration is to engage people in changing society through the power of art.

The series was presented by Adelphi University, Teachers College, Columbia University and Sing for Hope to nurture change for continuous action in search of a more just society. The heart of this collaboration aims to create possibilities for a more dignified and meaningful coexistence.

Karlee Rodrigues joins UN as Youth Delegate

AUGUST 2020 - Karlee Rodrigues was invited to participate as a delegate in the 26th Youth Assembly hosted by the Friendship Ambassadors Foundation at the United Nations.

The assembly brings together the world’s foremost young leaders at the heart of global change in an effort to foster dialogue and generate partnerships between exceptional youth, United Nations high officials and staff, the private sector, and civil society.

Rodrigues’ focus for the assembly was her passion for advancing gender parity in the entertainment industry, spreading awareness about world challenges through film, as well as championing the medium as a way to encourage cultural exchange and preserve heritage.

The Friendship Ambassadors Foundation marks the power of friendship as a catalyst for greater understanding, shared learning, and sustainable action. Their expertise in cultural exchange brings collaboration to support the implementation of global commitments such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For over 45 years, they have facilitated youth exchange, development, and action for global change.

50+ Countries Represented

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, called this the Decade of Action urging everyone for accelerated solutions to our world’s biggest challenges.

Karlee Rodrigues presents on Hollywood and Portuguese Cinema

FEBRUARY 2020 - Karlee Rodrigues presented her research on Portuguese national cinema at Columbia University’s Lenfest Center for the Arts, a dynamic new hub for cultural and civic exchange in Upper Manhattan. Karlee explored her familial heritage and cultural roots as she discussed the importance of preserving Portugal’s national cinema, highlighted the country’s folkloric customs, and broke down the pervasiveness of Hollywood blockbusters.

The lecture at Lenfest was part of the Zoom-In annual film and media studies conference and screening series. From readings and installations to performances, screenings, and symposia, the vibrant array of activity aims to strengthen local partnerships while highlighting contemporary scholarship, global perspectives, and compelling voices of our time.