Foundation Fighting Blindness calls on celebs to help find a cure
CAPE CORAL, FL- Blind horror author and filmmaker Joseph M. Monks has been chosen to help launch the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ #HowEyeSeeIt campaign, a social media initiative aimed at increasing awareness and accelerating research funding for retinal degenerative diseases. Monks, a longtime fixture in the horror genre, is featured in videos alongside actress Diane Guerrero (Orange is the New Black), actor/director Justin Baldoni (Jane the Virgin), and Mrs. USA/Mrs. World April Lufriu.
The Blindfold Challenge encourages people to challenge three friends to perform a task while unable to see, then upload the video on social media.
Monks, who lost his sight in 2002 due to diabetic retinopathy, is 100% blind, and is the world’s first (and only) blind film director. He received the Achievement in Cinema award at the Gasparilla International Film Festival, and his groundbreaking debut feature, The BUNKER, has been distributed worldwide.
“Making history is awesome. But I don’t want to just be the world’s first blind director,” Monks said. “I want to be the world’s first formerly-blind director, which is a big reason why I’m behind this campaign.” Monks is honored to be an advocate for those affected by retinal disease, and hopes his efforts to, uh, scare up attention for the more than 10
million Americans who live with varying levels of blindness.
“This is a cause that’s near and dear,” said Monks. “The odds are against me ever seeing my own film. But this campaign is going to get me, and many others, closer to leaving the darkness behind. At least, the non-fiction darkness.”
Other campaign ambassadors include NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and
Darrell Waltrip,, GLEE star Harry Shum Jr., and basketball great Phil Ford.
For full details on the #HowEyeSeeIt campaign, visit howeyeseeit.org and
joemonks.com to see more videos.
#HowEyeSeeIt Episode 03: Directing & Acting with Joe Monks & Justin Baldoni
Official trailer for the #HowEyeSeeIt campaign
For full details on the #HowEyeSeeIt campaign, visit howeyeseeit.org
To learn more about Joe, visit joemonks.com
