Few Israelis can say that they attended the university known for its connections to Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, or that they now teach in what's considered to be the best university film department in this world – but Ronnie Kay can say both. The Israel-born, New York-based writer and director is known for her films, political campaigns, and TV shows. She is truly a woman who can do it all. But Kay's accomplishments are not only visible in her resume, but in the message she wishes to put forth – the importance of impact, and how we can all make a difference.
The Impact of The Small Screen
In an inspirational talk with Impact Collections' members, Kay spoke about the impact of TV on our everyday lives. When you think about it, it's unsurprising that the small screen has the power to affect our lives. According to Kay, 50 percent of the world's population owns a television. So what's a better way to state your message?
For Kay, the power of television lies in its ability to stimulate emotion. It's one thing to hear about other people's experiences, but it's another thing to see them, hear them, and follow their stories. Kay is also aware of the responsibility that accompanies televised narratives, and so urges us, who wish to create change, to think deeply on the consequences of our preaching, and how people may act following what they see.
The Film: “Flesh and the Devil”, 1926, Photo Credit: MGM / Photofest
Over the years, Kay used this power to shed light on people and stories that have been hidden from the public eye. She documented the orthodox population in Israel and their quest for love, and shared the story of Batya Arad – Ron Arad's mother, who was reluctant to speak to any journalist before Kay.
A Match Made in Heaven, Directed by Ronnie Kay, 2014, Israel
The talk with Kay, which took place in one of the most beautiful rooms at Jaffa's Soho House, ended with what Kay considers as the most important message when it comes to television – it can generate conversation, confront people with the wrongdoings of the world, and make us think. So let's use it wisely.
Photo Credit: Dor Sharon for olala
Over the years, Kay used this power to shed light on people and stories that have been hidden from the public eye. She documented the orthodox population in Israel and their quest for love, and shared the story of Batya Arad – Ron Arad's mother, who was reluctant to speak to any journalist before Kay.
Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura’s kiss in the 1968 episode of Star Trek - “Plato’s Stepchildren” — commonly cited as the first interracial kiss on television.