Global Ascension Studios, a new studio in Hollywood prioritizing values-based content, is gearing up to launch its debut film, a documentary about artist Scott LoBaido.
The documentary, directed by Christopher Martini, tells the story of Mr. LoBaido, an artist and activist who has been a vocal advocate for various issues, promoting and celebrating the American flag and those who serve the country. The documentary covers 30 years of Mr. LoBaido’s life, using art to convey his story.
It’s described as an inspiring American story of art, patriotism, and activism, featuring extensive footage from Mr. LoBaido’s career.
“What you’re seeing on the screen is what you get from Scott in real life,” Mr. Macciello said, emphasizing the artist’s authenticity.
Mr. LoBaido, a self-described conservative and patriot, elaborated on his artistic vision.
“It is more than a movie; it is more of a film. It’s constant action, and color, and emotion of what the artist and the patriot is trying to portray. It’s not just about me; it is a battle cry at the right moment, as I like to say, at the 11th hour. Because at 12 o'clock midnight, this country falls apart forever if we do not fix it.”
When asked what he believes it means to be a patriot, Mr. LoBaido said it’s “someone who loves their country so much that they will make sacrifices. The number one patriots are the military, men and women of the armed forces, veterans, which is a big part of my movie.”
Political Activism
Mr. LoBaido, an American artist known for his patriotic-themed artwork, told The Epoch Times he has been arrested over 100 times.In 2006, Mr. LoBaido set out on his “Flags Across America” tour to paint an American flag on a rooftop in all 50 states. A second “Flags Across America” tour followed in 2015, during which he painted flags on American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in every state. This tour began in North Carolina and earned him the VFW Americanism Award for his support of veterans’ organizations.
Mr. LoBaido has created several significant works, including what was once the largest-known depiction of the American flag on the roof of Lamons Gasket Company in Houston, Texas, using 900 gallons of paint. He also constructed memorials for Hurricane Sandy victims in Staten Island, New York.
Mr. LoBaido countered by pointing out that Mayor Bill de Blasio likely did not receive a cease-and-desist letter for the “Black Lives Matter” mural on Fifth Avenue. He clarified that his painting was not anti-Black Lives Matter but a tribute to police officers. Subsequently, the artist painted a blue line across the cease-and-desist letter and then sold it in an auction to raise funds for the New York City Cops and Kids Boxing Club.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. LoBaido supported a Staten Island tavern’s declaration of an “autonomous zone” to protest Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s restrictions on indoor dining and curfews. He also created “Sunrise: A Tribute to First Responders” in collaboration with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, inspired by iconic images such as the Marines at Iwo Jima and firefighters at ground zero on 9/11.
Importance of Balance
Mr. LoBaido stresses the importance of balance and discourse in a polarized political landscape.“I love balance,” he said. “If I were so conservative and the country was falling apart, as the artist and the person that loves balance, I would be doing the same thing for the other side to get that balance back. That’s the beauty of this country. I love that discourse.”
Mr. LoBaido described having friends who are liberal and conservative, explaining that he supports the First Amendment right to free speech, even if he disagrees with what the person is expressing with their sentiments.
“Show your pride,” he said. “Show the other side who thinks that flag is disgusting, which burns my heart. It’s just about being proud to be an American. We are not the most perfect place in the world, but we are the best place in the world. There’s no other place like it.”
Reflecting on his artistic mission, Mr. LoBaido said that in his artwork, he chooses to portray society and its current events.
Referring to current events, Mr. Macciello mentioned the pro-Palestinian protests breaking out at schools across the country.
“This is the only patriotic project coming out between now and the election at a time when schools are having other countries’ flags screaming ‘Death to America,’” he said.
He was referring to an incident at Harvard University in April, when protesters raised three Palestinian flags outside of University Hall near the statue of the university’s namesake, John Harvard. Similar protests have occurred at other schools, with students expressing opposition to U.S. support for Israel in its war against Hamas.
“For us, being truth-tellers to the world is very important,” he said. “We think that this film can do that.”
Mr. Macciello concluded by addressing concerns about pop culture.
“You hear all the child actors coming out, all the music folks saying what’s been going on with them, and what’s been put in our kids’ heads are these demonic, sensual undertones that kids don’t need,” he said. “They need to see real positive, uplifting messages.”
The film’s pre-screening is scheduled for June 13, with a wide release on June 14, which is Flag Day.
