As most of you know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month here in the United States, but it is important to not lose sight as to what other countries are doing to promote breast cancer awareness as well. RETHINK "is a Canadian charity helping young people who are concerned about and affected by breast cancer through innovative breast cancer education, research and support programs." On November 21 and 22, 2008 they are sponsoring the "Breast Fest Film Festival" to be held in Toronto, Canada. Tickets will be sold starting in the middle of October.

Their website states, "BREAST FEST is the world's first film festival dedicated to breast cancer awareness. This annual festival includes short films, documentaries, animation, dramatic features and experimental works which span the emotional spectrum. Through the use of film and new media, BREAST FEST is dedicated to showcasing the many issues surrounding breast cancer in significant and interesting ways, and connecting people to the breast cancer cause"

While many of the films they are showing are longer (but not feature length), they are also having a short film contest. Short films are submitted online and anyone can go to the site, watch the film, and then vote for their favorite. The winner will get a free trip to the fesival in November. I checked these shorts out and they are pretty amazing. I was particularly struck by this one entitled "My mom has breast cancer, " which is told from the perspective of a 4-year-old boy whose mother has stage 4 breast cancer. I urge you to watch it below (vote for it!) and to check out the other shorts.

This is just one of many on the site. Check them out!

Several people have shared their experiences about having a mom or close relative with breast cancer. Read more by clicking here!