Oscar nominee director Bob Bilheimer tackles social issues, Lithuanian musician and good Packing

Robert Bilheimer, President of Worldwide Documentaries, Inc., is a director, writer, and producer with an international background in film, theatre, journalism, and creative writing. Robert’s films focus on subjects of cultural, social, and humanitarian interest. In 1989, he received his profession’s highest honor—an Academy Award nomination—for Cry of Reason, a feature-length documentary that tells the story of South African anti-apartheid leader Beyers Naude.

Edvinas Minkstimas is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top emerging young pianists, one whose extensive repertory, solid technique and musical expression have led him to performances throughout Europe and North America. A native of Kaunas, Lithuania, Minkstimas claims his early artistic influences from the world of Nordic poetry, Baltic mythology and other romantic images. Known especially for his repertory of romantic music by Liszt, Chopin and Rachmaninoff, and thrilling audiences with the Paris virtuosos music by Alkan, Thalberg and Herz, Minkstimas also pleases with Bach, Ligeti and Piazolla. Edvinas is very involved with social and charitable causes including the Global Lithuanian Leadership (GLL), a non-profit organization that he founded.  The GLL has recently created a Lithuanian tourism initiative.

Rebecca Rothney is founder and chairperson of Pack for a Purpose®™, a newly- founded nonprofit organization dedicated to providing needed educational materials and simple medical supplies to children around the world. Pack for a Purpose is founded on the belief that individual travelers want to make a difference in the lives of others and small quantities of supplies, over time, have a big impact. The idea for Pack for a Purpose evolved from Rebecca’s travels in Africa with her husband Scott. On their second trip they had the opportunity to visit an elementary school. Working with Wilderness Safaris to find out what supplies were most needed, they brought 150 pounds of supplies to the children at the school. Seeing the students playing with the first soccer ball the school had ever had, and watching the principal’s joy at receiving the first rulers was a powerful experience for them.  By asking travelers to pack just 5 pounds (2.27 kgs.) of supplies, every traveler could easily get involved without the need for logistical support. That amount would take only a small space, require little effort, and still make a big impact.